Artificial intelligence data centers are poised to transform California’s electric grid — but they might also rescue rooftop solar from years of political backlash, say clean-energy advocates Angela Lipanovich, an attorney, and Jenny Folkesson, a computer scientist. They argue that the AI boom exposes flaws in the “solar cost shift” debate and presents a chance to lower electricity costs by pairing data-center investment with distributed solar and battery storage. They say the result could mean more affordable power for Santa Cruz County ratepayers — and a surprising new future for rooftop solar.
