Key takeaways:
Rising energy demand from AI data centers is driving the need for integrated PV and storage solutions
TOPCon-based modules and storage systems are being adapted to meet high-load and low-irradiance performance needs
Fast-response systems with predictive control are emerging to ensure reliability in data center operations
Solar photovoltaics (PV) is highly relevant today, with a wide range of applications requiring electricity. Despite the overcapacity scenario, power demand in India alone is expected to exceed 2,000 TWh by 2030. Of this, PV is expected to contribute more than 500 TWh, Sushma Jagannath of Rystad Energy explained at the Solar Technology Conference India (STC.I) 2026. Additionally, there will be an increase in power demand from artificial intelligence data centers (AIDCs).
To address this, several companies are launching PV + storage solutions specifically for AIDC applications. One such company, Jinko ESS, has recently announced an integrated solution to provide a reliable power supply for data centers. This includes its SunTera ESS system and dedicated ‘AIDC’ modules.
These AIDC modules are based on n-type TOPCon technology, with a maximum power output of 670 W and 85% bifaciality. With this bifaciality under optimal albedo conditions, the company claims a maximum cumulative power output of 844 W. Due to the inherent advantage of TOPCon technology, these modules also maintain more than 95% power output at low irradiance levels of 100-200 W/m². Although several parameters of these modules are similar to mainstream TOPCon modules, Jinko specifically labels them as AIDC modules. However, TaiyangNews could not verify additional details, as the product datasheet was not available at the time of writing this article.
Focusing on the integrated solution for AIDC applications, Jinko’s SunTera ESS is claimed to meet data center operating requirements and is available for a full lifecycle of 10,000 cycles. It uses cells with lithium iron phosphate chemistry and has a thermal-runaway triggering temperature exceeding 150°C. Each cell rack has an independent fire suppression unit, and the entire package comes with IP55 protection and a C5 anti-corrosion rating.
The system is tailored to the characteristics of data centers and includes specific features. These are equipped with grid-forming PCS that can respond to load surges in less than 10 ms. It is also capable of coordinating with supercapacitors, which can handle sub-millisecond pulses and protect electrical equipment from high-current impacts.
Additional advantages of the system presented at the launch include its machine learning capabilities. Through coordination between BMS and EMS, it can predict failure risks, issue maintenance alerts, and enable shutdown and self-start under extreme conditions.