Here are my ideas of using Solar Energy in an Environment like ours:

• Solar Water Heaters- It is my understanding that on average 25% of your utility bill is derived from your water heater.
  
• Solar Pool Heating- If you have a pool like it or not it is being heated by Solar Energy, some products help your pool warm faster. This is the most popular use of solar energy today.
  
• Solar Electric Systems- Many systems are available depending on what you want to accomplish. Many cities, towns, municipalities and governments offer rebates or credits for installing solar panel systems.
  
• Solar Daylighting- Using the sun to light your home during all daylight hours. This is best accomplished with window placement and structure layout, but installing after market solar tubes is a quick fix.

Our climate is perfect for the use of solar power. The suns energy is so abundant that we should use what we can because from what I can see it is and will remain free.