Solar energy isn’t just a thing of the future.

Some local residents use technologies that routinely turn sunlight into electricity to power their homes, while others benefit from architectural design that takes advantage of the natural power of the sun’s rays. Others are living green in a variety of ways, from installing geothermal-based heating and air conditioning to using rain barrels to capture water for lawns, and routinely buying used instead of new.

Tom and Susan Crockett of Gloucester, have lived with passive solar energy for 27 years and recently installed their first photovoltaic panels, while and Jay and Lisa White are still working on their state-of-the-art green dream home in Mathews.

Tim and Frances Hudgins recently finished renovating an old family home in Hallieford on Queens Creek, making eco-friendly choices, and Chris and Beth Bond are now living in a delightful Mathews cottage that sells back to Dominion Virginia Power nearly as much electricity ...