Eric Wesoff 04 10 09, 9:40 AM

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Secret Solar at the White House With Steven Strong

More Bloggage from the BIPV Summit in San Diego—

Steven Strong  was the lead-off speaker at a recent BIPV event (see BIPV (vs. BAPV and BSPV) and The Yoda of PV) . He is a leading authority on integrating renewable energy systems, especially solar, in buildings in North America. Strong’s firm consults to architects on the integration of solar power, and to the building industry on product development through his firm, Solar Design Associates.

Over the past 25 years, Steven has designed scores of solar buildings including the world’s first PV-powered neighborhood in central Massachusetts in 1984, and in what was the world’s largest PV installation at the time—the Natatorium Complex at the 1996 Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta.

Amongst his many PV installation accomplishments, Strong was involved in a semi-clandestine solar mission—deploying solar in the less-than-friendly environment of the Bush/Cheney White House compound at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C.

“The dialogue actually began with the prior tenant,” Strong explained.  “But Clinton was distracted by interns and impeachment,” and Strong never heard from the Clinton people after that.

Then, nine months after the start of the W. administration, Strong visited the site and spent the entire day with the White House architect.  They looked at all the potential siting opportunities, excepting the main mansion which is “covered with spook stuff.”  (BTW: The White House grounds are managed by the Parks Service)

Strong ended up helping design and install a 10kW+ photovoltaic system and two thermal solar systems within the compound.  All the inverters had to go to the secret service warehouse for clearance, presumably for inspection for listening devices and explosives.  The system was installed on one of those few occasions when the President was at his ranch clearing brush and the VP was at an undisclosed location.

If you wonder why you didn’t hear more about this seemingly positive news from the W. press office—well, in an administration that had a VP saying things like, “conservation may be a sign of personal virtue, but it is not a sufficient basis for a sound, comprehensive energy policy,” the presence of PV on the White House never made it to their talking points.