The Internet search and advertising giant Google, has started looking to energy resources as possible business opportunities.

Besides using solar panels at Google headquarters, they have also invested in “start-ups,” focusing on alternative energy.

Google has invested millions in making its own data centers more energy efficient.

In recent weeks, Eric E. Schmidt, Google’s chief executive, has hinted at the company’s deep interest in the energy business.

Engineers at Google are hoping to expose tools in the near future that could help consumers make better decisions about energy use.

Google.org has invested in clean energy start-ups like one that uses kites to harness wind power, but Google feels they are now ready to consider larger investments in projects that achieve electricity from renewable origins.

To support their efforts, Google has hired a number of engineers who will be conducting research in renewable energy, like energy officials, scientists and even a former NASA astronaut, whose hands-on experience with all sorts of electronic gadgets is being put to use to develop energy tools for consumers.

As others raise questions about some of the company’s “goals”, I think it’s great when a company like Google, with all their money and banking, takes more initiative to go green.

For the full scoop on Google’s energy incentives, head on over to the New York Times.