USA White House to have PV energy once more
It is well known in USA energy circles that President Jimmy Carter placed solar energy on the White House only for President Ronald Reagan to pull them back down again. The story has become a sign of government complacency in the face of the large energy companies applying pressure. The news that President Barack Obama is leading the return of PV energy to the White House has been seen as a very positive sign.
SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch issued the following statement today after learning the White House has begun installing solar panels "to improve overall energy efficiency" of America's most famous building:
"It's only fitting that today's great news comes on a beautiful, sunny day in our nation's capital. We applaud President Obama for, once again, leading by example. Today, solar is generating enough electricity to power more than 1.3 million American homes, and we're extraordinarily proud to be adding the White House to this constantly-growing list.
"Installing solar panels on the First Family's official residence, arguably the most famous building in America, underscores the growing popularity of solar energy nationwide. Today, more than 30 utility-scale, clean energy solar projects are under construction "“ utilizing both concentrating solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) technologies "“ putting thousands of electricians, steelworkers and laborers to work, while also helping to reduce carbon emissions from power plants. These facilities, along with rooftop solar on homes, businesses and schools, will generate electricity for generations to come.
"Presently, there's more than 8,500 megawatts (MW) of cumulative solar electric capacity installed in the U.S. What's more, in the first quarter of 2013, nearly half of all new generating capacity added to the grid was solar. All totalled, it's expected that more than 5,300 MW of new solar electric capacity will come online this year. In addition, innovative solar heating and cooling systems are offering American consumers cost-efficient, effective options for meeting their energy needs, while lowering their utility bills.
"Solar now employs nearly 120,000 Americans at more than 5,600 companies, most of which are small businesses spread across the United States, making solar one of the fastest growing industries in America. Part of this amazing growth is attributed to the fact that the average cost of a solar system has dropped by nearly 40 percent over the past two years.
"We applaud the President for making solar a shining symbol at the White House for clean, renewable energy. We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress on even more ways to expand the use of solar throughout the federal government."
