March 14, 2008 3:55 AM PDT
Using IT and the Internet for energy efficiency is one of the most active areas in green tech today. Solar Wave Energy has developed a system for monitoring household utilities, such as a solar hot water system or a heat pump. Sensors collect information that is sent back to the company from a house's Internet connection and the company analyzes and displays the information. Currently, the service is aimed at maintenance people and installers who want to get an idea of how well a hot water heater, for example, is operating. The company intends to have read-outs for consumers, giving them data on consumption patterns, energy saved, and greenhouse gases avoided.
Photo by Martin LaMonica/CNET News.com
