BOULDER, Colo. -- If you've started doing your taxes, chances are you're looking even harder this year for ways to save money.

A renewable energy company in Boulder said one way you can trim your taxes is to go solar.

Independent Power Systems says the average cost of installing solar power for your home is $40,000. However, you can get about 65 percent of that paid by rebates from Xcel Energy and a tax credit from the federal government.

IPS said you can save even more if you have cooperative neighbors. The company offers a 5 percent discount if three or more homes in the same neighborhood make the switch to solar power.

JoElyn Newcomb, the general manager of Independent Power Systems said, "We gain some efficiencies and we're willing to share those with customers. Your cost will only be about $15,000 out of pocket. And then you will never have to pay for an electric bill in the future."

IPS said the program is called Community Solar. In addition to paying nothing for electricity, most homeowners also received about $150 from Xcel for the extra energy they produced last year.

If you would like to learn more about the Community Solar program, IPS will host an information seminar later this month. It will be on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Westridge Recreation Center in Highlands Ranch.

For more details on the seminar, you can go to Solarips.com.