In tribute to the late President Jimmy Carter, we want to share a personal and local story about his famed White House solar panels—one that connects our company’s history with his leadership in renewable energy.
In the late 1970s, President Carter made history by installing solar panels on the White House. This act, unprecedented at the time, signaled a bold commitment to renewable energy during an era of energy crises. These panels were designed to heat water for the White House, embodying Carter’s belief in the power of practical solutions to address global challenges. More than just a technological addition, the panels symbolized a broader vision: a call to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and embrace sustainable energy.
In 1986, during the Reagan Administration, the solar panels were removed. But their story didn’t end there. The dismantled panels were distributed to various institutions and organizations, preserving their legacy and extending their impact far beyond their original purpose.
The Journey to NRG Systems
At the time, our CEO David Blittersdorf, then founder and co-owner of NRG Systems, was building a company dedicated to renewable energy innovation. His Director of Operations, Phil Pouech, had a unique connection to the White House solar panels: as a graduate of Unity College in Maine, he was part of an institution that received some of the dismantled panels. 16 of the White House panels were installed on the University’s cafeteria’s roof, and the rest were placed in storage.
In a collaborative exchange, NRG Systems provided Unity College with donated wind measurement equipment. In return, the company received one of the historic White House solar panels. This gesture not only symbolized the shared commitment to sustainability but also underscored David’s alignment with Carter’s vision of a more sustainable future.
A Symbol of Progress
For years, the panel sat in storage, quietly carrying its legacy. Today, it’s proudly displayed in NRG Systems’ headquarters in Hinesburg, serving as a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come in the renewable energy movement—and how much further we have to go.
This panel stands as a bridge between the early days of the renewable energy revolution and the cutting-edge innovations driving today’s solutions. It’s a testament to progress and perseverance, an artifact that highlights the importance of remembering milestones as we push forward in the fight for a sustainable future.
Reflecting on Carter’s Legacy
As we reflect on this connection between past and present, it’s clear that the seeds of change planted decades ago continue to grow, fueled by organizations that honor the spirit of innovation and sustainability. Carter’s vision remains a guiding light for the renewable energy movement and a call to action for bold climate leadership—a call that is more urgent today than ever.
Let President Carter’s legacy live on, and let the fight for the climate continue.