Solar hot water can lead the way toward energy independence and reductions in global warming pollution. (credit: Reiner Kraft)

Dependence on oil has been a subject of heightened importance for America since the 1970s energy crisis. We’re frequently reminded of the costs of our addiction, both financially and geo-politically. Despite inaction at the federal level, California has often taken the lead in promoting technologies that help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

There are several examples of California’s leadership, including the state’s Clean Cars Program, which is helping grow a market for the more efficient hybrid cars. Ten other states followed California’s example, adopting similar programs and shifting America toward greater energy independence.

California’s leadership in reducing energy consumption need not be limited to oil. Many people don’t realize that California depends as much on natural gas—a fossil fuel that contributes to air pollution—as we do on oil. And we depend heavily on imports; 80 percent of California’s natural gas comes from outside our state.

California can once again take the lead on fuel-saving technologies that reduce our costly addiction to fossil fuels. Solar hot water systems can save more natural gas in California homes than any other technology. The systems use solar energy to heat water—work that is otherwise done by natural gas. Since natural gas is expensive, while sunshine is free, solar hot water saves money as well as being easy on our environment. Unfortunately, the technology is severely underused.

With appropriate incentives, California can jumpstart a mainstream market for solar hot water, just as we are doing with solar electric systems. The move could lead other states to do the same and even inspire action at the federal level. California should capitalize on this new opportunity to lead the country toward energy independence and reductions in global warming pollution.