The Obama administration has agreed to install solar panels on the White House. The decision comes after environmentalists, led by 350.org, met with White House stafflast month to discuss the issue. It’s important to note that there is a strong underlying political back story surrounding these panels. It comes down to Carter (who installed the panels) vs. Reagan (who took them down). For environmentalists this dynamic tells a broader story about the positions of Democrats and Republicans on climate change, and it is a not-so-subtle metaphor for the current dynamic in Congress.
At the same time, the decision is meant to send a signal that solar technology is alive and well, despite the fact that it lags far behind wind.
According to the White House, the installation is part of a broader “Department of Energy demonstration project showing that American solar technologies are available, reliable, and ready for installation in homes throughout the country.”
Energy Secretary Steven Chu said:
“„This project reflects President Obama’s strong commitment to U.S. leadership in solar energy and the jobs it will create here at home. Deploying solar energy technologies across the country will help America lead the global economy for years to come.