Pedro HernandezIt’s hard to look at all the utilities hopping on the Google PowerMeter bandwagon and not wonder if Microsoft is serious about getting Hohm into, well, more homes. Wonder no more. Tomorrow, the software giant plans to announce that Xcel Energy’s 3.4 million customers have access to Microsoft’s free online energy management tool.
Tesla’s sporty Model S will accelerate faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera 
When Tesla releases its Model S luxury Sedan next year, it'll release a special Signature Series version with a 300 mile plus range that does 0-60 faster than Porsche 911 Carrera. No word on pricing for this special edition.
Submitted by Adam Lesser
Concentrated solar power market volatile through next decade
Pike Research is projecting that the concentrated solar power market will rise to $5.1 billion in 2013 before dropping to $2 billion by 2016. CSP is facing tough times as the dropping price of solar PV panels makes it increasingly attractive to build solar farms with PV panels rather than CSP.
Submitted by Adam Lesser
Facebook scores LEED gold for Oregon data center
LEED certification focuses on the conservation qualities of the entire building, including the materials used, the environment in which the building is built, and its energy footprint. Most data centers are just focused on reducing their energy use but Facebook's Oregon data center looks at sustainability concerns in the building itself.
Submitted by Adam Lesser
Out of Africa: Big solar farms
Making loans to countries ranging from South Africa to Morocco, the World Bank is stepping up support for renewable energy in Africa.
Submitted by Adam Lesser
The figures on the rate of urbanization are staggering (2008 was the first year more people lived in urban areas than rural areas). And many are looking at the developing world as the best test case for smart cities because there aren't legacy bureaucracies and infrastructures to overcome. A blank slate could be very powerful if there's cooperation between government and corporations.
Submitted by Adam Lesser
