CASE STUDY: U.S. Department of Energy Headquarters
Washington, DC

The Forrestal Building, adjacent to the National Mall, became the first government agency in 2008 to adopt a roof-mounted solar array demonstrating the viability of solar energy for tens of thousands of commercial and government building rooftops.

The 205-kilowatt system provides up to 8% of the Forrestal Complex’s energy during peak demand hours. The projection is to save taxpayers $26,000 during its first year of operation. The system generates approximately 215 megawatt hours of clean electricity each year. This system puts the Department of Energy a big step closer to acquiring 7.5% of all energy from renewable sources by 2010.

Samuel Bodman, Secretary of Energy, 2005-2008:
“The significance of this solar array is both practical and symbolic – it improves the way the Department consumes energy and it is a symbol of America’s commitment to using the best available new technologies to confront the energy challenges we face today and will face tomorrow.”

Project Data