If leadership in green technology is measured by patents, then California is on top of the innovation wave, accounting for 44% of all U.S. patents in solar and 37% in wind technologies.

The California Green Innovation Index tracks the state’s green innovation as well as economic and environmental performance within the context of the landmark California Global Warming Solutions Act. According to its inaugural issue, patents reflect the initial discovery and registry of innovative ideas and strong patent activity usually reflects significant R&D taking place. Furthermore, patent activity can trigger high-impact discoveries that lead to new innovation downstream.

The Index shows that nationally, California continues to contribute strongly to U.S. patent registrations in green technology – including in the areas of solar and wind energy generation, energy storage, fuel cells and hybrid systems. Most recently, the state accounted for 44% of all U.S. patents in solar and 37% in wind technologies. Among the green products to have emerged recently:

• International Surrey Co.’s California Cruzer – This eco-friendly green mode of transport (patent pending) is a four-wheel cycle with an “In-Line” design that allows the entire family to ride one behind the other, easily able to traverse narrow pathways. With its independent front and rear convertible awning top (patent pending), the Cruzer allows the front and rear passenger to independently enjoy the sun or shade and offers a nice, clean and emission-free outing for everyone.
• Solar Integrated Technologies’ BIPV roofing product – Recently granted a US patent, Solar’s energy-efficient solution provides a building-integrated photovoltaic roofing system that meets the customer’s energy, environmental and roofing requirements. Lightweight, flexible and durable, the system delivers the full benefits from electricity generation through clean, secure, natural sunlight.
• University of California, Santa Barbara’s Envisor – This allows users with standard hardware to quickly acquire information about their environment. Its modular orientation tracking algorithm provides configurable, long-term and drift-free tracking, while a unique technique can use this tracked video feed to automatically create environmental maps online.
• California inventor Stanley C. Jonsson’s wind turbine with variable pitch foils (WIPO Patent WO/2008/002542) – The design results in greater power output, more efficient power generation, increased cost savings as compared to traditional designs, reduced drag on the rotating turbine, maximum torque per unit of airfoil force generation.

In a recent speech at the Wall Street Journal Conference, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "…California represents almost half of all green-tech investment in the U.S., and all signs point to continued growth. In fact, venture capitalists last year invested $1.78 billion in California green technology companies - that's double what it was from the year before."

Furthermore, California has launched the world's most aggressive energy efficiency program in the world, expected to eliminate the need to build three power plants, saving consumers $2 billion. The state has also established laws and policies creating sustainable demand for green products and has made it a priority to put California at the forefront of the booming green-tech industry.

As the number of patent applications filed worldwide grows significantly, California, as a leading contributor to US patent registrations, is keeping pace and making its mark on the intellectual property landscape.

Note: The "California Green Innovation Index" is an initiative of Next 10, an independent, nonpartisan organization that educates, engages and empowers Californians to improve the state's future.