One of the biggest benefits provided by solar power is that it helps homeowners and companies save money on energy. But how, some may say, does it make sense to spend thousands of dollars on a solar installation if going solar only saves a few hundred dollars per year?

For those interested in get-rich-quick (or save-money-quick) schemes, solar may not make sense. But those willing to see it as a long-term investment, rather than a one-time money saver, won't be disappointed.

For one thing, going solar isn't as expensive as a person may think. True, component costs are still high - but most states have rebate, tax-credit or low-interest loan programs in place to ease the burden of adopting solar technology.

Also worth keeping in mind is that solar provides savings over the long haul. Solar-power systems last between 20 and 30 years, on average - and a few hundred dollars saved every year can add up to huge savings over the course of three decades. A household or business that adopts solar now may see their savings expand over time, too, as conventional fossil fuels get more expensive.

Yet installing solar technology isn't as simple as writing a check and flipping a switch. There are other things a homeowner or company can do to reduce consumption of grid-sourced power and set themselves up for long-term energy savings.

Some of the smartest projects, from a return on investment standpoint, are efficiency improvements. Corporate America is already putting efficiency measures in place to cut costs and improve bottom-line results: Supermarket chains are using more-efficient refrigeration units, for example, while offices like the New York Times' are using motion-sensitive lighting technology and occupying structures that take advantage of natural light.

Homeowners can keep efficiency in mind, too. New, eco-friendly appliances; fluorescent lighting; better insulation; specially coated windows - all can lower a household's energy use and save money in the process.

Solar energy installed in concert with efficiency measures may be the smartest path to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. If a homeowner can reduce her energy consumption and then install a solar-power system, she could reduce her reliance on grid-sourced power to practically nil.

Looking into solar energy is smart - and improving energy efficiency at the same time is even smarter.