Accel Partners is sticking to what it describes as a targeted approach to cleantech investing. The firm is set to unveil on Tuesday its lead role in a $6.7 million round for Vigilent along with a vow to continue deal making.

Cleantech IPOs may be gaining momentum.

Solar plant developer BrightSource Energy filed what is certain to be an explosive initial public offering last week. A couple months earlier biochemical maker Gevo launched its IPO to what proved to be a warm reception. Experimental algae-to-fuel company Solazyme is waiting in the wings.

Which company will be next? In November, Venture Capital Journal published a list of the most likely and lucrative cleantech IPOs of 2011. At the top of our list was BrightSource, so we are off to a good start.

Watch our slideshow to see the other six cleantech companies VCJ believes have a very good shot of going public this year. Our investment data comes from Thomson Reuters, publisher of this blog.

Peter Wagner is leaving Accel Partners after nearly 15 years with the firm, peHUB has learned.

Wagner sent an email to friends on Wednesday (Feb. 23) announcing his departure, but he did not say where he is headed or whether he will continue to invest in tech companies. A peHUB reporter read the email.

Wagner is no longer listed as a partner in the “Investment” section on Accel’s website. Instead, he has been moved to a section called “Venture Development.”

PeHUB reached out to Wagner through a third party, but did not hear back.

An Accel spokesperson told me Wednesday night that “in his time at Accel, Peter has made many great contributions to the firm, the entrepreneurs he’s backed, and the companies he’s helped to build. We wish him well in his future endeavors.”

The February issue of Venture Capital Journal features an interview with Peter Wagner, who leads Accel Partners’ cleantech effort. While other firms seem to be pulling back from the once-heated space, Accel is ramping up its effort. VCJ Senior Editor Mark Boslet spoke to Wagner (pictured) to find out why Accel appears to be taking [...]

The energy industry is wrestling with the challenge of motivating indifferent homeowners to become interested in home energy management–so far unsuccessfully. The killer app has not been found. Sure, companies such as VC-backed OPower have demonstrated some success engaging consumers and reducing power use. But what will turn niche market into mass market? Accel Partners’ [...]