Vermont residents  will receive help funding solar solar hot water projects with money from the Federal Stimulus Plan passed by Congress last year.

Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt, chairman of the Senate Green Jobs and new Economy Sub Committee announced the deal. According to the Bennington Banner, Sanders stated, "At a time when we are spending $350 billion a year importing oil from Saudi Arabia and other countries, it is important that the United States move away from foreign oil to energy independence."

The grant money from the U.S. Department of energy will allow for solar equipment in 402 apartments at four sites across Vermont.  This solar equipment will provide solar energy for water heating.  Sanders is quoted in the Bennington Banner as saying "The solar project will significantly decrease energy costs because water heating is responsible for as much as 25 percent of average U.S. household annual energy costs.  The Federal Stimulus Plan passed by Congress last year also offers eligible homeowners tax credits to buy and install solar hot water systems"