Going solar provides rewards for Brooklyn Center homeowner

On a quiet block in Brooklyn Center, the sun plays a starring role in the back yard of Mark Viste's 1960s era home.
A year ago Viste decided to build a solar-paneled pergola, and now he's basking in the glow of what 20 glass encased solar panels can produce.
"I've made 4,568 kilowatt hours in the last year," said Viste. "Over the course of the year, they produce enough electricity to run my house."
Viste could be one of a growing number of homeowners and businesses who install solar panels after a new law passed by the Minnesota Legislature last spring provides incentives for those who generate solar power. The law also requires large utilities to generate at least 1.5 percent of their electricity from solar power by the end of 2020.
Even with solar panels, Viste is still on the grid.
"Xcel is still bringing me electricity in the winter, and I'm sending them electricity in the summer," said Viste.
On a bright, fall day like Thursday, Viste's solar panels produce enough electricity to power his home and during the summer months, Xcel Energy sends him checks.
"It's not a life changing check, maybe $40, but it's just kind of fun," said Viste. "I'm making money because it's summer."
As a chemist, Viste was always intrigued by the technical aspects of solar energy. When he looked into the technology ten years ago, Viste said it seemed like an interesting hobby, but he ruled it out because it was too expensive. Advances in technology and federal tax credits and state incentives made it a more affordable and practical option for Viste last year.
While the solar-paneled pergola cost Viste $40,000 at the onset, he recieved $30,000 in rebates, making it a $10,000 investment in the end.
Viste figures he'll make up the cost in energy savings within 15 years or less, but ultimately, it's an investment he believes in.
"It doesn't end up putting mercury in the lakes or carbon in the atmosphere."
Alexandra Renslo reporting
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12 News is on Comcast cable channel 12 in the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis and includes the cities Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, New Hope, Osseo, Plymouth and Robbinsdale.

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I need one of these installed in hudson fl.