20130015806 | Tamper-Resistant Network-Attached Energy System with Access Control - Described herein are a system and method to provide energy to consumers using a prepaid usage model so as to protect the ability to recoup start-up and recurrent costs while simultaneously offering lower-income individuals the ability to access the energy on-demand. The system and method allow verification with an account server of a user's prepaid usage balance so an energy provider need not extend credit to the user or bill a user after energy usage. The system is portable and versatile in that it can be adapted to different energy sources including renewable energy sources such as wind, water, and/or solar sources. Anti-tampering features reduce the likelihood that the energy system will be disassembled with the components appropriated for repurposing. | 01-17-2013 |