After months of pressure from 350.org and other renewable energy organizations, President Obama promised to install solar panels on the White House again to set an example for the American public. Originally, the White House had solar panels on its roof during the administration of President Jimmy Carter in the 1970s. The solar hot water panels were removed when President Reagan took office in 1980.
President Obama promised on October 5, 2010 to install solar hot water panels, as well as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, on the White House. More than a year has passed, but there’s no sign of the solar panels. Originally, we expected to have solar panels on the White House by spring 2011.
With the anniversary of the solar White House promise, 350.org representatives made a call to the President, asking him to honor his statement:
“Supporters of the campaign are asking President Obama to demonstrate leadership, showcase cleantech innovation, and bring to view environmental stewardship by turning the most visible home and building in America into an environmental model for others. LEED certification would accomplish this feat.”
Instead of solar panels on the White House, the President has advanced its “Turn the White House Green” initiative. Among other things, the goal is to encourage United States citizens to add solar panels to their homes and increase energy efficiency.
Of course, with a solar-powered White House setting an example, perhaps more residents would be likely to follow suit.
What do you think about White House solar panels? Push to install them, or abandon the effort?