White House Adding Solar Panels
By Dina Cappiello
Updated: 10:28 a.m. on Tuesday, October 5, 2010-Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Solar power is coming to President Obama's house.
The most famous residence in America, which has already boosted its green credentials by planting a garden, plans to install solar panels atop the White House's living quarters. The solar panels are to be installed by spring 2011, and will heat water for the first family and supply some electricity.
Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the plans Tuesday in Washington at a conference of local, state, academic and nonprofit leaders aimed at identifying how the federal government can improve its environmental performance.
Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush both tapped the sun during their days in the White House. Mr. Carter in the late 1970s spent $30,000 on a solar water-heating system for West Wing offices. Mr. Bush's solar systems powered a maintenance building and some of the mansion, and heated water for the pool.
Mr. Obama, who has championed renewable energy, has been under increasing pressure to lead by example by installing solar at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, something White House officials said has been under consideration since he first took office.
This file photo released by Solar Design Associates shows the solar thermal system produced by the Harvard, Mass., company, installed on the roof of the White House pool cabana in Washington during the George W. Bush administration. The Obama White House on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010, will announce plans to install solar panels for the first time atop the White House's living quarters by spring 2011. (AP Photo/Solar Design Associates)The decision perhaps has more import now after legislation to reduce global warming pollution died in the Senate, despite the White House's support. Obama has vowed to try again on a smaller scale.
Last month, global warming activists with 350.org carried one of Carter's solar panels — which were removed in 1986 — from Unity College in Maine to Washington to urge Mr. Obama to put solar panels on his roof. It was part of a global campaign to persuade world leaders to install solar on their homes. After a meeting with White House officials, they left Washington without a commitment.
Bill McKibben, the founder of the 350.org group, said Tuesday the administration did the right thing.
"If it has anything like the effect of the White House garden, it could be a trigger for a wave of solar installations across the country and around the world," Mr. McKibben said in a statement.
The solar industry has also called on the White House to become a national billboard for solar power.
Continued at:http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/oct/5/white-house-go-solar/
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