Why Did Reagan Take Down Solar Panels

Author natalie goldstein wrote in global warming.

Why did reagan take down solar panels. Reagan saw the solar panels installed by carter for what they were a public relations stunt and ordered them dismantled. Reagan who didn t think much of solar energy also allowed the tax credit carter had instated to lapse. That was probably the case during the energy crisis of the 1970s when president jimmy carter donned a sweater turned down his thermostat and had a solar powered water system installed. In 1986 when the price of energy was temporarily cheaper and americans minds were less focused on environmental issues president reagan ordered the panels removed from the white house roof.

Originally panels were installed in the late 70s during president jimmy carter s administration but president ronald reagan removed them in 1986 because of a roof leak and decided not to. Ronald reagan was quoted as saying the solar panels were were unsightly and unnecessary the solar panels which were for. Barry commoner a distinguished scientist and strong solar advocate was surprised and troubled by the smallness of both the proposed solar research budget and expected results he wanted to see the data from the national science foundation that supported the atomic energy commission s dismal view of the future of solar power especially since solar subpanel ix the scientific panel. It was clear reagan had a completely different take on energy consumption.

Reagan s political philosophy viewed the free market as the best arbiter of what was good for the country. President ronald reagantook office in 1981 and the solar panels were removed during his administration.