Most people who are looking to install a solar power system in their home think only about a panelled system that goes directly into the power grid into their home, the sort of thing you would run your general outlet TV, stereo, and computer to help you avoid spiking power bills. But there alternatives to making this particular move that will augment the way you use solar and electrical power. There are things you can do, moves often referred to as passive solar power, which will maximize your conservation and solar energy efforts adding south facing windows, repainting roves, and installing more insulation, which are helpful but solar powered water heating. This method of heating goes, not to you power grid, but to your water heater to help avoid over burdening your gas bill by diversifying effort with solar power.
Solar power water heating is a great way to cut your gas and power bill with the use of strategically places south face solar panels that will heat you homes entire water supply will reduce you bill by a third annually. Not a lot of people are aware of the potential of this form of heating with solar energy but it is very doable and an effective way of cutting cost. Of course you must consider the fact that since the sun is not always available; your traditional water boiler may need to remain in your home and you will have to spend a bit to install this particular form of solar energy as it goes into the oiler and not your grid.