The skylights were installed in the commons area of the mall near the regional offices of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the public defender’s office, former Senator Norm Coleman’s local office, the Minnesota Workforce Center and the Minnesota Corrections Department office.
In the summer, the meter will be running backwards, Gordon Awsumb of Awsumb & Associates said.
Awsumb also added that there was a 30% tax credit for small businesses that install alternative energy systems.
The skylights provide steady illumination by automatically adjusting to light conditions. When the sky is cloudy or the sun is low, the skylights emit electrical light as needed.
Ciralight, Inc. said that skylights eliminate 80% of the need for lighting in commercial buildings.
