The Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County, California has mostly gone off grid by harnessing solar power and producing its own electricity.

The 4,000+ inmate facility is saving $330,000 annually after solar panels and energy-saving equipment were installed. As detailed in Distributed Computing, the facility also has cool-roof coating to deflect heat during the scorching California summers and a more efficient chilling system that works on an as needed basis.

The technology was only cost affordable because of state grants for alternative power. While solar power is expected to get cheaper, companies should factor in all of their state's rebate programs when determining the value of installing energy-efficient equipment.

Germany has taken the lead in solar installations because the government pays rebates not on cost of equipment but on energy produced, so the benefit continues over time.