In 2007, $71 billion was invested in renewable energy with China, Germany, Spain, and the United States leading the way. That means alternative energy sources are quickly becoming more mainstream.

Here in the US, solar power has risen in popularity as companies and individuals are opting to harness the sun's clean, renewable power.

For instance, REI announced it will install solar panels on 10% of its stores, mainly in sun-rich California. The panels will generate about 1.1 million kilowatt hours of clean electricity, preventing 880 metric tons of CO2 being put in the air.

And FritoLay has already installed solar panels at their largest distribution center near Phoenix, while also using solar reflectors to heat water tubes that generate steam to help power their SunChips production line at their plant in Modesto, California.

As more companies and consumers commit to using alternative energy, - the more mainstream and more available it will become. And soon we'll all get to see real benefits, and real savings.