Energy innovation: From a garage to the Pentagon

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (CNNMoney) -- Spurred by a desire to save money and lives by reducing the number of vulnerable fuel convoys they depend on, the Marines last month invited 13 companies to their desert base to pitch them the latest in battlefield solar and fuel efficiency technology.

On display were contraptions in various stages of development -- everything from an advanced concentrated solar array that tracks the sun's movements to a box-like solar hot water heater and power generator.

With its deep pockets and penchant for cutting edge technology, the military is seen as a key customer in this space.
But looking around the proving ground, 150 miles east of Los Angeles, one element was noticeably missing: the big players in renewable energy. No Sharp, no General Electric, no SunPower.

Click to keep reading: http://money.cnn.com/2011/09/06/technology/military_renewables_companies/index.htm?hpt=te_bn2