Ask HN: How to start a startup in field of energy conservation?

As someone who currently works in energy here are some practical thoughts in no particular order.

a) Try to partner with someone who has an energy background, or at least try to find an advisor. It's a bit of an odd space

b) To be successful you're going to need to market the company as a way to reduce your energy bill. Since just about everyone pays for energy, you know have a huge potential market.

c) Figure out how long it will take for your solution to pay for itself. That way buyers can view it as an investment

d) it will be faster to grow with a focus on residential, but the big money and the bigger impact will be in commercial. When your energy bills are $1000/mo instead of $50/month 5% savings makes a big difference

e) Consider looking for a partnership with an energy company or looking for government (state, federal, county, city) subsidies. There should be programs that promote energy efficiency/conservation especially if it's "green" energy EDITED to make the post more readable

If you have a viable idea then there are lots of possibilities. Incubators/Accelerators like the Unreasonable Institute in the sector are plentiful - if that's what you're asking. Many Universities have incubator programs as well should you still be a student. Or you can join an MBA program in that space and take it from there.