DOE Headquarters Go Solar
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) headquarters in Washington, DC is getting a clean energy makeover.
The U.S. House has passed new legislation approving the installation of a solar photovoltaic system on the DOE's James Forrestal Building on Independence Avenue. Authored by Minnesota’s Congressman Jim Oberstar, a Democrat, the Solar Net project has been the dream of the Congressman for decades. He first testified before the Public Works Committee in 1977 in support of solar energy powering federal buildings. Thirty years and a few gray hairs later, the now-Chairman of the Transportation Committee saw his wish become reality.
The Congressman explained that he and his colleagues in Washington have a responsibility to fight global warming and decrease the nation’s reliance on dirty fossil fuels,
The federal government should play a central role in encouraging innovation in developing new sources of energy. The Solar Net project is a reasonable, practical and simple alternative to traditional electricity sources…It is only fitting that the Energy Department be at the cutting edge of utilizing and supporting applied research in alternative energy.
The Solar Net project is a chance for the DOE to showcase the technology and their leadership on this issue. But it’s also practical: There is incredible opportunity for government buildings at the local, state, and federal level to be more efficient and use the cleanest energy possible.
The $30 million solar panels will be fitted on the south wall of the DOE headquarters, and measure 300 feet long by 130 feet wide.
