Green State | Grist

Up on the roof

Solar’s rapid evolution makes energy planners rethink the grid 43
Posted 6 days ago California's goal to generate a third of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 has spawned a green energy boom. Connecting all those hinterland geothermal plants and solar and wind farms to the state's coastal metropolises means a massive new transmission system. But the fast-moving photovoltaic market may moot the need for some of those expensive and contentious transmission lines. Will energy planners have to rethink their long-term strategy?
From this VantagePoint

Silicon Valley VC sees bright future for green tech—and a need to engage policy makers 6
Posted 4 months ago
VantagePoint Venture Partners is making big bets on green tech by funding nearly two dozen startups involved in everything from LED lighting to algae biofuels to water to the smart grid. CEO Alan Salzman talks about what his firm sees ahead.
Talk to me, baby

“Smart” appliances that talk to the grid are coming your way soon 5
Posted 4 months, 1 week ago
The Jetsons are coming to life as dishwashers, washing machines, and other home appliances begin to talk to each other and to the electricity grid in an effort to manage and reduce energy use.
Photon wrangling

For eSolar, clean energy starts with computing power 3
Posted 8 months ago
As solar projects finally start to be built, a shakeout is inevitable. The winners will be those solar technologies that produce the most carbon-free electricity at the cheapest prices.