One answer to data centers power problem is the roof next door

Data centers are guzzling more power than ever. One not-so-surprising response from tech companies is to bet that unproven new technologies—nuclear fusion is a favorite—will solve the problem.

InRange has a simpler solution. The London-based startup is combining the most familiar green technology around, solar panels, with the most obvious place to put them—on top of warehouses that often sit near data centers.

The idea is to turn commercial rooftops into power plants. Banks and venture-capital firms are buying into it.