People who have been interested in adding a solar water heater to their home may want to act in the coming weeks now that lawmakers have advanced legislation to promote energy efficient retrofits.

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act, which provides rebates for investments that range from insulation to new windows, air sealing, and water heaters. Homeowners can receive up to $1,500 per improvement, which is capped at $3,000 or 50 percent of a project's cost.

The legislation also carries separate incentives for consumers who can demonstrably reduce their home energy consumption by at least 20 percent. Supporters of the legislation say it will help create up to 170,000 jobs in industries such as construction and home improvement.

"This rebate program will not only put people back to work, it will lower costs for homeowners who choose to improve their home with products like energy efficient windows, water heaters and air conditioners. And it will also save consumers money on energy bills down the road," said President Barack Obama after the House passed the legislation.

Homeowners also have existing federal tax incentives at their disposal that help make investments in solar arrays pay off more quickly than ever.