In other words, for every solar panel or smart meter the U.S. exports, expect there to be twice as many exports in the form of architectural design of green buildings, energy audits and licensing of U.S. clean technologies.

FORBES: Clean Energy Exports? Think Energy Audits, Not Solar Panels

San Francisco-based Recurve performs home energy audits and does green remodeling projects for existing homes.

FORBES: Lowe's Invests In Home-Energy Auditor Recurve

It drives green employment, such as people who will install solar panels on rooftops, do energy audits, or help install and maintain wind turbines, thus generating its own economic multiplier effect.

FORBES: BY DENNIS POSADAS