Thursday 7 October 2010

Solar panels to go back on White House roof

Solar panels are to be fitted to the roof of the White House 25 years after they were taken off on the orders of Ronald Reagan.

The Obama administration said this week that a mix of solar thermal and photovoltaic panels will be fitted next spring to generate hot water and renewable electricity.

Solar panels were first fitted to the White House by Jimmy Carter in 1979 but were removed by Reagan in 1986.

Energy secretary Steven Chu said this week: "This project reflects President Obama's strong commitment to US 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."

The cost and size of the solar panels have not yet been announced.