Solar panels have been added to city hall in Encinitas to help cut down on the city's energy bills.
It is believed to be the first city hall in San Diego County powered by solar energy.
A city analyst says the photovoltaic panels and other energy-saving efforts will reduce the city's energy bills by at least 75 percent. The panel project cost $3.5 million and is expected to pay for itself in 12 years.
Encinitas officials decided to install the panels after a scenic ocean view from the city's library was blocked by clutter on the aging roof of the civic center.
