In an effort to boost awareness of green and solar energy, this weekend Long Island residents will be able to tour local homes and buildings that are harnessing nature.

More Long Islanders are embracing green energy. Lea Roth says her home functions the same way everybody else?s does, except her energy is delivered free into her home. The solar panels on her roof generate electricity and heat her water and pool.

Roth?s home is still connected to the LIPA power grid, so when her solar water heater turns off on a cloudy day, the conventional system kicks in.

The Heritage Center in Mount Sinai is one of the businesses open to the public for the tour. The community center is filled with high-efficiency lights and windows. Fred Drewes, who works with the trust, says energy-efficiency was the goal when the building was constructed.

Seventy-five locations will open their doors Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for The National Solar Tour and Green Buildings Open House.

Experts say it takes 10 years for solar panels to pay for themselves.

Click for more on the cost of solar energy

Renewable Energy LI