Re: The Promised Solar Panels on the White House. Please advise.
Dear Mr President:
Now that the election is over, I’d like to follow up on a significant announcement Energy Secretary Chu made in October 2010. He announced that the Department of Energy would put solar hot water and solar PV systems on the roof of The White House by the end of spring 2011, and that your administration would be leading by example.
If you don’t recall Sec. Chu making that promise, or think it was a gotcha moment, or that it was somehow taken out of context, view the announcement yourself:
I think you’ll agree that this is a clear statement of intention, and it even has a due date that’s long since past. Now, I’m sure you have permitting hassles in Washington DC, but please. This type of installation has been done on 248,000 of homes and businesses across America. And solar is so reliable that it’s the default power source for all of our military and telecommunication satellites that we all use and love. So, let’s agree that it’s not the technology or reliability that’s holding up solar going on the White House roof…again.
It’s the politics. I understand. Solyndra, yada, yada, yada.
But Mr President, the public understands that Solyndra’s press attention is more about presidential politics than it is about the viability of solar. In fact, despite all of the Solyndra mud slinging unfairly hitting our solar industry of 119,000 employed workers, a September 2012 poll of likely voters shows that 92% of Americans (94% of Democrats, 89% of independents, and 75% of Republicans) still support developing more solar. The same survey showed that 91% of Democrats, 78% of independents and 63% of Republicans want the government to support solar with tax credits and other financial incentives.
And here's the other thing you may be forgetting: To follow through with putting solar on the White House, you don't have to cajole Congress to do anything. Like instituting the Dream Act deferred action plan and publicly stating your support for gay marriage, placing solar technology on the White House requires no permission or political persuasion of any branch of government. It’s something you can do on your own because it’s the right thing to do.
Plus, installing solar can cost tax payers nothing upfront and save them money over 20 years if you finance the White House systems with a solar power purchase agreement (solar PPA) or a solar lease. These two very common solar financing methods have put solar on many government buildings, public and private schools, as well as private businesses and homes.
So why am I bugging you? Why is this so important? Because as the leader of United States and the free world, what you use, explain, and demonstrate to the American people makes them question their old 1980’s misconceptions about solar, such as it being unaffordable or unreliable. Sadly, this was the other issue with that poll. People still think solar isn't affordable, and that's not the case today for most states.
Your family taking solar water-heated hot showers and typing on a laptop partially powered by solar panels would lead to more news and education about solar energy across the U.S. and the world. In fact, if (when?) you tour the White House solar installation for the media, you could have a dedicated White House solar website that shows and explains:
How much money the White House is saving taxpayers over the solar panel's 25 year lifetime, given Washington DC’s utility rates.
How much money larger solar PV and hot water systems can save businesses in various states.
How much money similar solar PV and hot water systems can save homeowners in various states.
How much carbon is being saved.
The various ways to finance solar today, such as HELOCs, solar leases, solar PPAs, and (crossing my fingers) even PACE.
You might even include info about community solar programs that allow renters and apartment dwellers to take advantage of solar technology, even when they don't own their home or apartment.
Of course jobs are important, and I know that the news of solar being placed on the White House would lead to media attention. That would lead to more discussions about solar affordability and to people getting more solar quotes. More quotes would lead to more people realizing that solar is affordable today, and to more solar sales. Finally, increased sales would lead to more domestic solar installation jobs and related jobs that can’t be outsourced anywhere.
In short, it’s solar time, Mr. President. You committed to putting solar on the White House two years ago for a reason. You got sidetracked by politics, and I get that, but the election is over now. It’s time to move forward...for solar, and put solar back on the White House. It really is the right thing to do, especially after Sec Chu announced it.
If readers agree with this reminder memo, please encourage the President to follow through. Share this post on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and any other social network. If you want to take a tiny extra step, Tweet: @WhiteHouse Where are the solar panels, Mr. President? #ForwardForSolar. Or/And Tweet @Energy, Where are the solar panels, Sec. Chu? #ForwardForSolar
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"Since September 2002, a grid of 167 solar panels on the roof of a maintenance shed has been delivering electricity to the White House grounds. Another solar installation has been helping to provide hot water. Yet another has been heating the water in the presidential pool."
Yeah, Bob, I know, but it's NOT on top of the White House like Carter's and do not feed into the White House. The ones you're referring to are run by the National Parks Department, which manages the White House grounds. The PV powers the ground lights at night. I actually would be happy about those installations if only the President would call attention to them. Give a tour and point them out. Launch a website about their production over the last 9 years. These were installed under Bush II in 2003 without any news media attention. Ironically, it was an economic decision by the National Parks Dept, trying to save tax payers money and nothing to do with Bush decision. They deserve attention, but it would be more symbolic if the Presidential family had solar on the actual White House and were using the system's solar heated water and electricity for themselves.
Thanks for posting this, Tor. You would think it would be a no-brainer decision for the White House. It wouldn't even be the first time because Carter had solar panels on the White House about thirty years ago, which have since been removed. Even George W. Bush used solar to heat a swimming pool at the White House. Installing solar panels on the White House is not only a practical choice, but a symbolic message to the American people. I look forward to seeing some follow-through on this promise too!
Thanks, Tom. Carter's are the most famous, and unlike Bush, he did make it a public media event.
The government actually has its own White House history page http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/thepresidentandcabinet/tp/History-of-White-House-Solar-Panels.htm
Bob, you're right. As I stated above, this is less about where they're placed as much as getting proper media attention for the White House using solar technology today and their benefits, as well as helping to dispel solar myths. Solar on the White House deserves fanfare, not hiding behind the bushes. No pun intended.
Fred, well said. Leading by example is true leadership. And whereas I agree that an array on the roof of the White House is needed, who's to say a ground mount or pole mount or even trackers aren't in order? Community solar is another excellent idea. And though we would miss out on the visual demonstration on site, the concept of "off site" solar and crediting your utility bill is one which is taking hold across the US. So, I assume this letter has actually been sent to the Prez? Hope so. Please fill us in on the reply. Nice work!
It has been sent, multiple times, via Twitter, which they monitor. Sending via email too, but it goes to the same communication department. It's actually better that others resend via Twitter so that they not only see it again, but others see it and retweet and share. That's how things go "viral." :)
I guess the White House should demonstrate the use of aesthetically integrated pv to show the rest of the World they dont have to be an eyesore! He,he,he
Cheers,
Dan
Comment
10 of 35
Anonymous
November 13, 2012
the 'group think' here is painful--just a bunch of solar 'cheerleaders' with little regard for the 'outside' world. The U.S. solar industry needs a GREENBANK from which to finance commercially viable solar projects--currently the big banks are holding solar developers hostage on two fronts: tax investment and project level debt. They overcharge on both because they can (no other options for developers)--quite often they only deal with their 'friends' that provide 'benefits' along the way. MANY solar projects die because the banks don't make enough FREE MONEY out of the deals--they only fund the easy deals with huge upfront fees (can you say SolarCity???) Fred--Get to work on the SolarCity scandal that could be immensely damaging to the industry, and stop wasting your energy with this WH drivel. How about doing an article about the use of MLPs to invest in solar?--just like the O&G subsidy that is the basis for most O&G projects???
Great comments, you guys. And mixed thanks from "Anonymous" - many solar projects are from companies that can finance it themselves, but dont, either from risk or too many years on a possible return. Tax dollars "fixes" the books this way, but why should money come out of one pocket to magically balance the other? Ethanol shouldnt be subsidized at nearly $5 a gallon to lower the cost of gasoline by five cents. Thats where we are with solar now. If it doesnt make money or have someone else paying for it, it often doesnt get done. Banks wont finance something for a thirty-year return on an energy project with no guarantees. If it saves the installee 20%, is that enough to make payments on a 100% financed project? What bank would do it at these rates, anyways? And with the extra savings going to an interest payment, they might see ZERO or even NEGATIVE financial benefits of the install until the loan is paid off.
By the way Tor, the DOE quietly issued an RFP for both PV and SHW a few months after the announcement you referenced. It only went out to companies on the GSA schedule and many of the details were subject to various non-disclosure agreements. It was awarded about 6 months later. The winner was named, but I can't recall who it was and there was no public announcement about the award or subsequent installation (assuming it ever happened). In short, it was treated as any other government procurement.
As for the Parks system, be careful what you wish for, those are Evergreen modules and you know where the media would take that story...
The ITC + SRECs make projects 'bankable' for investors; that's why you see so much activity in well-structured SREC states like MD. I think DC has restructured its market successfully, as well.
The White House likely has a very complicated rooftop--and likely uses a lot of electricity, more comparable to a 24/7 office building (plus servers?)--so we might should be careful what we ask for in terms of showcasing solar!
Kdavis, this was always billed as a demo project by the DOE. That will also have to be explained on any website and by the President... if he ever makes that speech. I don't expect it to be huge. I just want the symbol of the White House using some clean solar energy and hot water.
Paul, yeah, I know. It's been in "procurement phase" for a year and a half now. Do you really think it's taking that long to procure the materials for a 10 kw or whatever system?
As for Evergreen, RIP. That has nothing to do with Obama, just the economics of solar. In any event, those were manufactured in Mass, and they're still working.
Thanks for your support. Please share this post and Tweet the suggested messages above.
argulles - If you look at the pictures of the panel install on the White House maintenance building I'd say they did a pretty good job of making a nice looking installation.
When I met the President I gave him a solar panel, he said "What do I do with this?" and I said "Put it on the White House!" Of course we want many high powered panels up on the White House. Message was delivered: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=_AYslgUy29A#t=72s
FAIR IS FAIR
Carter was a great starter of solar power
Bush promoted as well ,he even has solar powering his Crawford ,Tx ranch unlike other green friendly people like Brabra Streisand that built a recent new house without using solar or wind power
Tor, yes, after I posted I imagined the promo saying something like the system "generated x% of the household's use", or something.....I would just hate to see it become a stalking horse.
And m-simon, you can find out about solar incentives on the DSIRE site. DC has a fairly well-structured SREC system.
I know the contractor that got the contract to install panels on several federal buildings, including President Obama's Executive Overflow offices which are two blocks from the White House....and protected by secret service since President Obama does work there. 15 kw was installed on that bldg along with a new solar thermal system. They have not installed any solar on the White House yet.
That would be great, Jay! Please let us know what you find out. Then the question is, why haven't they announced it yet? If they're building the info website, etc, I understand that, but then at least give an estimated date about the announcement. I'd hate to see them go up without any type of announcement like Bush did in 2003.
We had a presidential election last week. PBO's number one priority lately has been to get reelected so that he can do more of what he has been doing.
In our two party system one gets elected by capturing as much of the middle as possible. The more extreme people on your side are not likely to move to the other side if you don't fill their Christmas stockings with everything they want. They know the other side will fill them with coal.
I don't see any political gain to be made by publicizing solar. That could have cost some votes from the middle. Had panels gone up on the White House this last year I suspect the right would have used that against PBO, trying to further paint him as a Jimmy Carter.
---
Why, oh why have we allowed the right to define Carter as a bad president?
The Contractor doing all those Washington DC solar installs is 1st Power & Light, formerly known as Aztec Solar. They installed Sunpower modules on Obama's Executive Offices. www.firstpowerandlight.net
Jay, couldn't find their website. Please have your friend there contact me via my website, listed top right. It can be off the record for now, but he'll certainly get a shout out and a full interview via this blog here when the install is public. Thanks.
Yeah....but try getting a permit for a 500' tall wind turbine in the middle of WA DC....or any other big city, for that matter! Good luck with that.... Solar panels make more sense.
This is slightly off topic, but wind isn't effective everywhere, just as solar isn't. Don't have the wind maps for DC, but have a feeling that solar is far more effective than wind here.
I think the Presidents decision NOT to put solar PV on the White House is a security one. When a Solar leak occurs the results can be devastating. Having unexpected sunshine occur god knows where, can be very unsettling. Can you imagine if the Congress building ever has PV and had a solar leak! Sunshine could get in and John Boehner might not need to get spray tanned any more! I think a far better promotion for the White House would be a small scale Nuclear reactor on the roof. This would lead by example that it is OK to take advantage of the loan guarantee the Feds are offering for the Nuclear Renaissance. This would really bring to light the whole electric market being privatized profit and socialized costs... Lets Nuke the White House, for power... NO SOLAR LEAKS...
Brilliant, Bill. 100% behind you. We should also put a coal plant and a gas plant up there to be fair. EPA will have to make an exception for the air just around the 3 blocks of the White House. I'm sure we'll be able to contain that pollution somehow. Thanks for sharing. ;)
Didn't want to be the first to say security is probably the major reason why there are no panels on the white house. Just think of how much longer it would take the sniper team on the roof to get to the other side should a citizen/visitor try to enter the white house grounds.
And it should be common sense that there are plenty of back up generators and fuel, supplied by the inhabitant's buddies, to keep them in power indefinately, should the grid go out. So why bother doing something that might make the public happy and more aware?
Instead of looking to one owner in one white house to set an example why not look across the street and next door from where you are now and try to convince them instead, or better yet, be an example yourself.
Comment
34 of 35
Anonymous
November 19, 2012
for more information about the jimmy carter white house installation,
see: www.roadnottaken.info
Whether or not solar is physically intalled on the roof of the white house, I definitley agree that the solar projects that are installed on the grounds and/or other Federal property should be given some press. The public deserves to know the true solar economics and benefits.
As was stated, the public supports solar but has outdated misperceptions.
Could we petition?
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