MADISON, Wis. -- Solar panels are being placed on the Wisconsin State Capitol as well as the governor's mansion as demonstration projects, state officials said.

A board that handles building projects at the 92-year-old Capitol and the governor's residence in nearby Maple Bluff approved the projects on Monday.

Forty-eight panels will be installed on the west wing roof of the Capitol and produce over 11,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year. They will be paid for entirely by Madison Gas and Electric.

Taxpayers will foot the $38,000 bill for panels at the governor's residence that will power the hot water heater.

State Sen. Fred Risser said the panels will pay for themselves within 10 years. He said panels should be in place by November.