IIRC those were solar hot water heaters. More of a curiosity than something legitimately powering the white house.

The symbolism, and the stupidity, was there though. As time has gone on it has been more clear every year how intelligent Carter's administration was and how terrible the following administration was. Investing in/promoting solar was just one of many smart moves by Carter that were attacked purely to gain political points that only harmed us in the long run.

	▲	genthree 2 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Carter: “This energy crisis shows us how vulnerable we are to foreign autocrats. We should work toward energy independence via renewable energy and waste reduction, to lead the world away from this risky and unsustainable fossil fuel market and secure ourselves a brighter future.” America: throws a decades-long, ongoing tantrum It’s fairly reductive… but still kinda true.