AI data centers could run on unused solar power

A startup named Rune has developed a new approach for AI data centers to operate using solar power that would otherwise go to waste. The company recently raised $40 million in Series A funding led by Spark Capital. Its modular technology allows data centers to connect directly to solar farms without needing new power plants. Rune’s CEO, William Layden, claims the system enables faster and cheaper access to clean energy by utilizing existing infrastructure. Rune’s system, called RELIC, uses direct current power from solar panels to run servers and cooling equipment, eliminating the need for traditional transformers. This approach avoids supply chain delays and lengthy grid interconnection processes. The company states that solar plants often waste up to 20% of their energy, with the California grid alone wasting 3.5 million megawatt-hours in 2025. By tapping into this unused power, Rune aims to provide a more efficient and scalable solution for data centers.