While political power struggles are on temporary hold during the 2013 Congressional summer recess, there\u2019s a new source of power at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The White House is installing solar panels on the roof of the presidential residence.<\/p>\n

During his first term in office, President Obama made a point of promising to put solar panels on the White House. Now, in 2013, that promise is being kept. The White House says the project will help demonstrate that historic buildings can incorporate solar energy and energy efficiency upgrades.<\/p>\n

But President Obama cannot claim to be the first solar-powered president. He\u2019s actually the third.<\/p>\n

Jimmy Carter<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 1979, in the midst of the Arab oil embargo, which caused a national energy crisis, Carter installed 32 solar panels on the presidential mansion. At the same time, Carter called for a campaign to conserve energy. In a speech at the solar-panel installation, Carter called solar energy one way to make America more energy independent, saying, \u201cNo one can ever embargo the sun or interrupt its delivery to us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He added:<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a>