The Orlando Sentinel, Fla., Home Energy Column.

Byline: Ken Sheinkopf

Jul. 24--I just returned from a renewable-energy conference and heard a lot of people talking about economics. Not long ago, many people thought that although solar and other renewable technologies offered homeowners many benefits and helped with environmental problems, they were still too costly for most uses.

Consumers have adjusted their thinking on this in a lot of ways, and people from around the country reported that they're hearing more talk about the economic strengths of renewable energy. It seems a solar water heater on your house, photovoltaic lights in your garden or other types of renewable-energy systems in or around the home might be the best investments you could make …