Solar panels to be installed on the White House

[News_Editor]

Solar panels to be installed on the White House

2010-10-06 03:35:42 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON D.C. (BNO NEWS) – U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) Chair Nancy Sutley on Tuesday announced that solar panels and a solar hot water heater will be installed on the roof of the White House residence.

"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," said Secretary Chu.

The two solar installations will be part of a demonstration project by the Department of energy that intends to show that American solar technologies are available, reliable and functional. The announcement came during CEQ's 2010 GreenGov Symposium.

The CEQ's meeting brings together leaders from federal, state and local governments, nonprofit and academic communities and the private sector to identify opportunities around greening the Obama Administration.

"By installing solar panels on arguably the most famous house in the country, his residence, the President is underscoring that commitment to lead and the promise and importance of renewable energy in the United States," Sutley said.

The PV system will convert sunlight directly into electricity. The solar hot water heater will have a solar collector facing the sun that will heat water for use in the White House Residence.

The U.S. has promoted the use of green technologies nationwide. By installing solar panels, citizens would be able to reduce and lock the price of electricity for the future. Solar electricity is shielded against rises on electricity fees as the systems are designed to last thirty years.

The U.S. government also offers financial incentives to offset the initial costs of installing solar energy systems, including a 30 percent federal tax credit and additional state, local, and utility incentive programs to encourage the deployment of renewable energy.

The deployment of solar energy and other renewable energy sources will spread clean energy manufacturing and create new jobs for American workers. Solar energy industry is growing and solar resources can now be seen in communities nationwide.

It is expected that in the coming years, continued investments in innovation and cutting-edge solar technologies will help make solar energy cost-competitive with conventional electricity sources all across the country.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-10-06