Solar hot water and solar electric power
Hot water heating can account for as much as 25% of home energy use, especially if you take long showers and have less efficient appliances. A solar hot water heater costs less than solar electric panels and can reduce 50-80% of your water heating bill. The system usually consists of a collector plate installed on the roof, and a series of pipes connecting the plate to a solar storage tank. For grey days or winter months, there is also a backup water heater.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (eere.energy.gov), the price of a solar hot water system included in a 30-year mortgage equates to about $15 per month, which compared to water heating costs may make a system immediately profitable.

The Center for ReSource Conservation (conservationcenter.org) runs the Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems Rebate program for Boulder County residents. Also check out GEO (colorado.gov/energy) for state rebates on solar hot water and photovoltaics.

Xcel Energy’s Solar Rewards program (xcelenergy.com) allows customers to receive cash back when installing a solar photovoltaic system.

Purchasing green power
Buying green power is more than a boost to your conscience. While it may seem counter intuitive to increase the amount you spend on your utilities, it sends a message to power providers and the money must be spent on expanding green power projects. Customers of Xcel Energy (xcelenergy.com) can purchase renewable energy with the Green-e certified Windsource program, starting in blocks of 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) for roughly $1.59 per block. Longmont Power (ci.longmont.co.us) also offers a renewable energy program for $1.50 per 100 kWh block.

Before purchasing carbon credits or green power, check that the providers are certified through Green-e (green-e.org), an independent consumer protection program that rates renewable energy programs.