### The Lasting Solar Legacy of President Jimmy Carter
When I think about the early days of solar energy advocacy in the United States, it’s impossible not to reflect on the late President Jimmy Carter’s contributions to the clean energy movement. At a time when the world was grappling with energy crises and fossil fuel dependency, Carter had the foresight to champion solar energy as not just an alternative power source, but a vital pathway to energy security and environmental sustainability. His dedication laid the foundation for what we now see as a booming solar industry.
#### A Vision for Solar Energy
Even back in the 1970s, installing solar panels for your home was a bold idea, and Carter wasn’t afraid to lead by example. In 1979, he had 32 solar thermal panels installed on the roof of the White House, making a statement about the promise of solar power in reducing energy costs, enhancing efficiency, and cutting dependence on fossil fuels. During their unveiling, Carter made a prescient point: these panels could either serve as a historical “what-if” or as a stepping stone toward a cleaner, sustainable future. While those particular panels were removed in the 1980s, their symbolic importance endures.
Carter didn’t just advocate
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/12/30/the-clean-energy-legacy-of-jimmy-carter/
