Green mansions of the millionaires

These days, it’s a lot easier being green. Solar power is cheaper than ever for homes, American families are using geothermal heating and cooling systems, and efficient wind turbines make it a breeze to generate electricity without using polluting fossil fuels.
Oil prices have slid since last year, but are still high. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that nationwide, average natural gas heating costs increased 7 percent from last winter to this winter. The DOE also estimates that nationwide, average heating costs increased 7 percent, which takes into account Arizona, Florida and other states with year-round temperate climates. Meanwhile, state and federal incentives can help home owners install renewable energy sources or implement energy-efficient strategies in their houses.

But some high-end home owners are shifting to innovative energy practices — and not for financial or environmental reasons.

“Some of our high-end clients literally never see their energy bills,” says Steven J. Strong, founder and president of Solar Design Associates in Harvard, Mass. “They are basically putting a higher value on having more control over their energy destiny. This is a hedge against uncertainty.”

MSNBC News