While going completely solar may be a possibility for all households in the future, it costs a pretty penny at the moment. Going completely solar would save you money in the long run, but it could cost you $20,000 to $50,000 upfront. Here are some ideas for ways you can go solar and save energy and money without breaking the bank.

1. Solar Water Heating: generally costs less than $5,000 and will completely eliminate your heating and hot water bill forever. This is a great investment because you’ll eventually make back that $5,000 and start saving big on monthly bills.
2. Tubular Sky-lighting: costs about $150 – $600.These devices take sunlight from the roof to light a dark room.
3. Solar Powered Attic Fan: costs about $300 – $700 and will help keep your attic cool and reduce your AC usage.
4. Solar Powered Chargers: these devices cost anywhere from $20 – $200 and will power cell phones and other small electronic devices. These work great especially for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
5. Solar Outdoor Lights: only cost around $10, but add outdoor lighting to your yard or garden without having to dig up your yard for wiring.

So if you’re thinking about going solar but can’t quite take the full plunge yet, try some of these smaller purchases that will help you save money on energy costs.

Source: 5 cheap ways to go solar