Since 2007 Patrick and Rachel Lapé have used energy efficiency as a tool to continuously improve their 100-year-old Portland home, starting with free compact fluorescent light bulbs and a Home Energy Review from Energy Trust. Helped by a trade ally, they also installed a gas hearth to work with their furnace.

The Lapés accessed additional Energy Trust incentives through Clean Energy Works Portland to insulate their home. In 2011, they began generating their own clean power with a 3.7-kilowatt solar electric system. “A home is an investment,” said Patrick. “Our job is to make it work the best that it can.”