Google’s Green Implications

google roof solar panels

Google already has solar panels on their roofs, but their entry into the green energy market made its rounds through the national media yesterday with some analysts excited by the mere idea and some analysts confused as to why such a profitable company would embark on a project so different from its core business (Google makes 99% of its revenue from internet advertising).

But this makes great business sense for Google and is very exciting for clean energy.  It is estimated that Google’s data centers consume between 3000 and 5000 MW of energy.  If they can develop a cheap and reliable source that they control, they will save a ton of cash.  Remember, they are not just targeting “clean energy”, but they want it to be cheaper than coal.  Google also knows that the company that cracks that price barrier will be in for a business opportunity on the scale of, well, Google.

They have achieved market dominance so far by combining very talented people with a nurturing corporate culture.  On top of that, they now have the cash to make huge investments.  I wouldn’t be surprised if, ten years from now, you not only do your search on Google, but that search is powered by clean Google Energy, also.

Interested in how solar power can have a huge impact on NYC?  Visit our PV resources page and our I heart PV outreach page.


Posted on Wednesday, November 28th, 2007 at 5:52 pm | Tagged in Energy | posted by Marc

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