Solar costs drop below coal/gas upfront, fueling AI infrastructure needs
kimmonismus · x · 2026-09-01
Solar power has crossed a major economic threshold where it now requires less upfront capital than coal or gas for the same annual output, per Ember analysis. Since 2010, installed PV costs fell 87% and battery storage 93%. In high-irradiance regions, firm solar-plus-battery power is estimated at $54–82/MWh, beating new coal in China ($70–85) and new gas globally ($100+). As nuclear lags and fusion looms, massive solar expansion is essential to sustain the AI revolution.
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