Millions of dollars will soon be available in Minnesota for solar energy and other so-called green projects. But while these projects might be environmentally friendly, they aren't always cost effective.

At the state Capitol, politicians lined up to tout new solar energy tax credits and rebates available for Minnesota homeowners and businesses.

"We will be seeing a solar energy showcase along the central corridor from Minneapolis to St. Paul," Sen. Ellen Anderson, DFL-District 66, said.

Few question the value of solar energy in reducing energy consumption and helping the environment, but some do question the cost effectiveness.

The panels were recently installed on top of a Hennepin County Public Works building, and have been touted as providing $15,000 per year in cost savings.

But Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson has raised a major red flag. He doesn't doubt that it will eventually save the country $15,000 per year, but says the county won't begin to realize those savings for at least 60 years.

Johnson highlighted the situation on his new Hennepin County Taxpayer Watchdog website. He says the solar panels alone will cost $900,000, and simple math tells you at $15,000 per year in savings, the county won't actually start saving money until the year 2070.

With this project, Johnson points out that his fifth grade son will be 71-years-old before the county starts saving money.