Editing Openai/68743fec-f760-8005-96f0-36db79274265 (section)

=== Assistant: Here's how solar power measures up for a data center at the Toronto, SD site in summer, when cooling needs peak: ===
Here's how solar power measures up for a data center at the Toronto, SD site in summer, when cooling needs peak:

==== - South Dakota (e.g., Sioux Falls/Pierre/Rapid City) sees '''average peak solar radiation of ~6–6.7 kWh/m²/day in July''' TurbineGenerator<ref>{{cite web|title=TurbineGenerator|url=https://www.solarenergylocal.com/states/south-dakota/sioux-falls/|publisher=solarenergylocal.com|access-date=2025-11-19}}</ref>sodakrenewables.org<ref>{{cite web|title=sodakrenewables.org|url=https://www.solarenergylocal.com/states/south-dakota/rapid-city/|publisher=solarenergylocal.com|access-date=2025-11-19}}</ref>. ====
* '''Cooling Degree Days (CDD)''' typically peak in July/August—those are '''the hottest weeks''', exactly when solar output is highest.
* Compared to wind (which is weaker in summer), '''solar is a strong match to summer cooling loads'''.

Conclusion: Yes, solar output aligns far better with summer cooling demand than wind.

==== - A typical '''flat data center roof''' could host multiple megawatts of solar panels—covering tens of thousands of square feet. ====
* With ~6.3 kWh/m²/day available in summer: - A '''1 kW panel''' yields ~6 kWh/day. - A '''1 MW installation''' would generate ~6 MWh/day—helping offset cooling-related electricity consumption during peak hours.

==== - The standard rule for '''latitude-fixed tilt''' is: - Use the '''latitude''' (~44° N for Toronto SD) for year‑round optimization. - Or '''latitude – 15°''' (~29°) to '''favor summer generation''' Reddit<ref>{{cite web|title=Reddit|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/solar/comments/15wg5ia|publisher=reddit.com|access-date=2025-11-19}}</ref>. ====
* Many installers recommend '''~38° tilt''' as a year-round compromise .
* For best summer match, a 29–35° tilt could boost performance in July/August.

==== Pros: ====
* High coincidence with cooling peaks.
* Reduces midday grid demand, easing strain on the peaker plant.
* Aligns well with summer solar capability in SD.

Cons:
* Limited roof area; won't cover entire data center load.
* Winter output drops, but cooling demand is also lower.
* Structural engineering needed for wind/snow loads and possible roof reinforcement.

==== - Summer solar in SD matches cooling demand much better than wind does. ====
* A rooftop solar array could deliver multi-MW generation during peak load hours.
* A fixed tilt around 29–38°, south-facing, optimizes for year-round or summer-weighted output.
* It won't eliminate all peaker usage, but significantly reduces midday and summer grid demand, easing dependence on the gas plant.

If you'd like, I can calculate an example capacity (e.g., size needed to offset half of cooling power) or draft solar+peaker coordination conditions for local approval. Want to go further into sizing or policy language?