A photovoltaic solar company has launched a campaign to install 102 photovoltaic panels for free on the roof of the White House. The firm argues that if the Obama Administration accepts the offer, not only would it be practicing what it preaches about the benefits of renewable energy, but it would also demonstrate leadership on the issue. Furthermore, the measure would save taxpayers 81% of the White House’s electricity bill.
The system proposed by Sungevity comprises 102 solar panels with a total capacity of 17.85 kW. It would be supplied along with installation and warranty as a free donation, at no cost to the Obamas, the government or tax payers. The only costs associated with the panels would be their upkeep and maintenance. According to the company located in Oakland, California, the solar array would avoid over 15 years’ of carbon emissions equivalent to those of a car travelling more than 2.4 million kilometres, and would also reduce the White House electricity bill by 81% or $1,610/month.
In case the president is not comfortable with the $107,900 donation, Sungevity is also offering a 10-year lease of the equipment at $537/month with maintenance and monitoring included.
To get Obama’s attention, Sungevity has launched the Globama campaign and created a website (www.SolarOnTheWhiteHouse.com), where the company has laid out a full quote, detailing the financial aspects, utility savings, technical information and environmental benefits of the installation. Users can also sign a petition on the website asking the president to accept Sungevity's offer.
The move can clearly be seen as clever marketing. However, there is reasoning behind it, and not because the White House lacks solar installations, in fact it already has a 9 kW photovoltaic array and a solar thermal system providing hot water for the presidential suite and swimming pool.
In 1979, during Jimmy Carter’s presidency, and following the oil crisis, 32 solar panels were installed on the White House roof. On that occasion, Carter said: "Within a generation, this solar system may be deemed a curiosity, a museum piece, an example of the path not taken, or maybe it will form a small part of one of the greatest adventures ever undertaken by the American people".
It could be said that Carter was right on all four counts. In 1986, during Ronald Reagan's term in office, the system was dismantled and some of its panels were stored for several years before being installed out the roof of a university cafeteria. A few others ended up on the roof of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library.
The question now is whether Obama will follow Jimmy Carter's example.
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