Jimmy Carter was the first president to install White House solar panels, then Ronald Reagan removed them. Here's what happened.

Talia LakritzFeb 24, 2023, 04:21 IST

The dedication ceremony for solar panels installed on the roof of the West Wing on June 20, 1979.Billy Shaddix/Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter installed solar panels on the roof of the White House.
Amid an energy crisis, Carter hoped to reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil.

In the 1970s, the US was in an energy crisis.

A gas station in 1973.Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

President Jimmy Carter pushed for renewable energy sources to reduce pollution and America's dependence on fossil fuels.

Jimmy Carter signs the National Energy Bills circa 9 November 1978.HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

As part of his efforts, he installed 32 solar panels on the roof of the West Wing in 1979.

The dedication ceremony for solar panels installed on the roof of the West Wing on June 20, 1979.Billy Shaddix/Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

At the dedication ceremony, Carter expressed his administration's goal of the US running on 20% renewable energy by 2000.

President Jimmy Carter speaks against a backdrop of solar panels at the White House in 1979.Harvey Georges/AP

In 1980, Carter lost the general election to Ronald Reagan, who didn't share his vision for renewable energy.

Republican President-elect Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan standing with President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter outside the White House in 1980.Diana Walker/Getty Images

In 1986, Reagan had the solar panels removed during repairs to the roof of the White House.

President Ronald Reagan in the Oval Office.Diana Walker/Getty Images

Carter continued advocating for renewable energy after his time in the White House.

Former president Jimmy Carter, right, sits with his grandson Jason Carter during a ribbon cutting ceremony for a solar panel project on farmland he owns in his hometown of Plains Georgia, in 2017.David Goldman/AP

Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife have 4 kids and a total of 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Meet their family.

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