Solar panels/ Credit: Flickr user needfire

Here in Southern California we’re getting the few drops of rain that constitute the first winter storm of the year. But across the country, baseball games have already been postponed due to snow, and cold temperatures are forcing people to turn on the heat a little early this year. Finding new ways to conserve energy this winter is a smart way to save money.

Every year, the National Mall hosts the finish line of the Solar Decathelon, a competition where students build solar powered cars and race them across the country. But this time around, cars weren’t the focus– the teams were given $100,000 by the Department of Energy to create solar-powered, energy efficient homes instead.

Marketplace reported this morning on the Decathelon ideas that range from using alternative materials like bamboo, to products you can already find at Ikea and Home Depot to better insulate your home.

Alternative energy ideas still face an uphill battle in much of the country. Michigan Public Radio reported on support for restarting a coal-fired plant in the Detroit area, and how a wind turbine plan was scrapped.

But in Ohio there’s a wind turbine in the works. Texas is focusing on natural gas and getting information out about weather-proofing your homes.

Energy is a popular topic on the Ask Your Lawmaker program. Recently, listener Kelly Kidwell asked about energy consumption and Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Texas) responded with his viewpoint. Add your questions about energy policy for Congress.

How are you planning to conserve energy this winter?