MADISON, Wis. -- International scientists on Friday released what is being called the most comprehensive report yet on the impact of global warming, which said that it was mainly caused by man-made carbon dioxide pollution.

The report warns that climate change poses all kinds of severe threats.

Some in Wisconsin are taking matters into their own hands. Renewable energy groups and businesses said that people in the state seem to be riding a new wave of interest in solar energy.

H&H Solar Energy Services employees Ryan Herritz and Chad Silverthorn said they have been busy recently installing renewable-energy systems in homes that are changing the business of power for some homeowners.

Some homeowners are opting to install inverter boxes, which are located next to the home's outside electrical panel, WISC-TV reported. Installers said sales of the inverter boxes have been "exploding" in the last year or so.

Renewable energy businesses said that residents of Madison, Milwaukee and other places in the state are tapping into the power of solar energy like never before.

"I have an electrician who two years ago was doing about 80 percent commercial electrical work and 20 percent solar work. And it has completely reversed where he's doing 90 percent solar installations and 10 percent regular electrical work," said Chris Collins, marketing director of H&H Solar Energy Services.

Local business owner Jim Taylor said that he and his wife are spending about $40,000 to install a solar utility-tied system to become a "zero energy house." They're still plugged into their utility grid, but as of Friday their solar energy system is creating the electricity their house needs instead of simply consuming it.

"It's definitely a long-term investment, and I think really the finances are going to depend on what happens to energy prices," Taylor said.

Taylor said he sees the payoff on the outside meter, which shows his home is now recharging the grid with renewable solar power rather than taking non-renewable power out of it.

Taylor, who studied electrical engineering in school, said he finds the technology exciting and beneficial.

"You look at what we're doing fighting in Iraq or whatever and you say, 'Well, what can I do to make that less necessary and consuming less energy seems like a step in that direction," Taylor said.

The upfront cost for the Taylors' 40-panel, 7-kilowatt system is actually $50,000 but they'll get $10,000 back in cash through incentives from the group Focus On Energy, based in Madison.

The nonprofit receives part of a utility fee charged to consumers to provide help for those doing renewable energy projects. The group said it helped with over 220 solar energy system installations in 2006.