Ben Polito

Company Description: Pika Energy is focused on making the dream of energy independence a reality, by developing renewable energy products with unprecedented performance, value, and features. Our technology is based on a 'smart microgrid', a flexible, scalable local energy network that makes it easier, more efficient, and more cost-effective to combine solar, wind, and other sources to build the ideal renewable energy system for each customer site. Our energy network also has built-in monitoring and communication for forward compatibility with the emerging smart grid, and is ideally suited to making the connection between renewable energy technology and the next generation of plug-in electric vehicles.

Ben Polito grew up on the coast of Maine in a home without grid power, and began building solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy systems from a young age. Since graduating from MIT with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he has dedicated his career to the advancement of clean, cost-effective renewable energy technology. Ben's broad experience base includes conceptualization and patent writing, designing an industry-leading small wind turbine, founding the east coast division of GreenMountain Engineering and building it to a six-member team, serving as a consultant to leading venture-backed startups in solar, wind, and biofuels, and developing innovative manufacturing processes and equipment for 1366 Technologies, a photovoltaics startup out of MIT.