Public officials around the country have been turning to solar energy as a way to help save money while also delivering environmental benefits. One recent example comes from Tennessee.

A recent report in the state's Knoxville News Sentinel focuses on the recently completed solar farm at the Knox County Detention Center.

According to the report, the site boasts one of the largest domestically-used solar thermal systems in the country, along with 300 solar panels and five solar storage tanks. The newspaper added that the solar thermal system is meant to replace natural gas in providing hot water for the facility, which is said to house over 1,000 inmates.

Another high profile example of public officials using solar energy to conserve money and natural resources came from Hawaii a couple of years ago.

In that state, lawmakers have approved a requirement that all new homes be equipped with solar hot water heaters. These heaters can help save homeowners a considerable amount of money by dramatically reducing the need for natural gas. This is especially helpful for an island state like Hawaii, where much of its energy must still be shipped in.