Friday, October 16, 2009 at 4:04:03 PM - by Danny Vo

People who are considering investments in solar energy may want to check with their homeowners insurance company for possible discounts.

Some insurance companies across the country have been offering discounts of up to 10 percent to customers who invest in photovoltaic panels or similar products. This is because the industry has been increasingly concerned about the catastrophic financial losses it could suffer in the coming years from widespread climate change, which has prompted actions such as these.

People who drive hybrid cars or drive less are also benefiting from insurance discounts for similar reasons.

Along with rewarding people for going solar or using other renewable energy technologies, some insurance companies are also giving customers incentives to rebuild with LEED-certified standards or energy efficient appliances to also help the environment.

This is just one way for consumers to save by going green. Solar energy is more affordable than ever in light of falling photovoltaic panel prices, state and federal tax incentives and general improvements in technology.