Location: Buffalo, N.Y.

Industry: Energy

2007 revenue: $15.7 million

Inc. 500 rank: No. 92

What it does: Installs solar electric systems for homes and businesses

Expert take: "High oil prices are creating big opportunities in energy," says Todd Dagres, a founder and general partner of Boston-based Spark Capital. "Normally, I would bet on a company with intellectual property, which Solar Liberty doesn't seem to have. But a lot of companies are developing solar technologies and, as an installer, Solar Liberty can wait to choose the technology that works the best. That puts these guys in a pretty good position."