CleanTech OC Daily - 1/11/13

National Grid Puts Together a Smart Grid Dream Team
National Grid has compiled a team of vendors and has its sights set on a pilot project coming in 2014 that will be tested on 15,000 customers in Worcester, Mass. The 57 million dollar project will include everything from distribution automation partners to in-home energy management tools.

California Achieves 1,000 MW Installed Capacity Under Solar Initiative Program

California has reached 1 GW of installed solar power capacity through the California Solar Initiative (CSI), marking major milestone for the state. The CSI accounts for about half of the total solar power capacity installed in California. San Jose was the city that lead the installed capacity at 54.6 MW. By 2016, the CSI has a goal of installing approximately 1,940 MW of new solar power capacity.  

Energy Department Pushes For Better Building Envelope

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will invest $9.5 million in new heat pump and building material technologies to ensure that homes and offices perform more efficiently. The DOE money will be allocated to six projects in six states across the country — four involving developments in heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, and two more focusing on more efficient building envelopes.