A silent energy revolution is taking place in the homes of New York City neighbourhoods Gowanus Canal and Park Slope.
Aside from the power plant electricity that keeps the light on every night, the neighbours across the street are sending energy generated to one another through the excess power production generated by solar power.
The power-sharing experiment is called TransActive Grid, and it aims to soon allow homes and businesses fitted with solar panels and smart metres to sell excess electricity to neighbours rather than just simply giving it away. The power-sharing idea has inspired many entrepreneurs from Finland to South Africa to launch startups. It has also caught the attention of large power utilities worldwide.
This experiment could start a revolution in the way power is produced and sold around the world, with roof-mounted solar panels joined to become neighbourhood-controlled power plants.