It seems that unlike their beloved president, the Department of Energy (DOE) does indeed practice what it preaches. The body that is supposed to monitor the energy needs of the nation and encourage people to turn towards clean energy is also turning into the eco-friendly corner just about now. Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman led the inauguration of a large solar power system at the top of the DOE?s Forrestal Building today.

This is interpreted as a gesture that both symbolically and practically shows the DOE?s commitment to solar power. They could use a few wind turbines as well though. The photovoltaic (PV) system will generate 200 MWh of electricity?enough to provide eight percent of the building?s energy during peak hours. The system will also save up to $26,000 in energy costs during its first year of operation.

The DOE?s new PV system, which was developed by the SunPower Corporation, is 40-50 times larger than a residential system, and is integrated into the Forrestal building?s current roof. While the step is indeed positive, you expect the DOE to do a lot better than just 8% and probably encourage other government buildings to go green as well in some capacity. How about the White House?

Via: Cleantechnica