We could convert current energy bills into jobs right now by installing solar panel systems and solarwaterheater systems on homes, and having the utility corporations meter these solar installations and continue to bill consumers.
The difference is, with solar thermal assist, your furnace or waterheater comes on less often, and runs for far shorter periods(or not at all) using far less energy.
If you have a run of cloudy days and there is not enough solar heat to completely heat your water -the waterheater will come on and heat water just the same as it always has.