The convergence of solar and distributed batteries is underway. Although the use of storage is still extremely limited in the grid-tied solar sector, more companies are looking to bring new value to customers by pairing the two technologies.

In this week's podcast, the Gang will look at some new business models for customer-sited storage, which include targeting buyers of solar PV.

We'll also look at the progress of California's cap-and-trade market one year after implementation, and speculate about what influence John Podesta, President Obama's latest pick for senior advisor, will have on clean energy policy.

Additional links mentioned in the show:

Jigar Shah's gift ideas: Earrings made out of recycled catalog paper and solar battery charging.

Katherine Hamilton's gift idea: Encouraging STEM for girls with Roominate.

Stephen Lacey's gift idea: Crowdsourcing African solar projects from SunFunder.

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The Energy Gang is produced by Greentechmedia.com. The show features weekly discussion between energy futurist Jigar Shah, energy policy expert Katherine Hamilton and Greentech Editor Stephen Lacey.