IMHO, There needs to be a major effort to adopt renewable technologies now. One such solution to high energy costs is a low cost, high capacity, drainback solar water heater. The high-capacity unit featured from the site BuildItSolar.com looks like it's ideal for this climate. It's simple, low tech and low in cost if installed by the homeowner. Just build the unit, place by the side of the house, add siding, pipe it in and it could provide years of service generating hot water!Barriers to ecologically friendly ways of doing things are not always about the technology. It may also be about cultural and governmental bias as well. If you would like to exchange tips for how to gain energy independence while still playing within the rules, have a chat over some Green Drinks (at Green Drinks.org)!