MNN - Mother Nature Network

<div><img width="160" vspace="5" hspace="5" height="160" border="1" align="left" alt="" src="/sites/default/files/user-75/5631501906_cffb701a2a_m.jpg" />The Obama administration announced in fall 2010 <a href="http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/energy/stories/here-comes-the-sun-obamas-white-house-to-go-solar">a plan to add solar panels to the White House</a> by spring 2011. They're not likely to hit their deadline, but it raises a smart question: if other buildings, like public schools and hospitals, already use renewable energy sources for power, why not do more? Parks, train stations, parking lots and other public spaces could benefit from a similar model and are an easy place to start. Not only is it eco-conscious, <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/7932889/Solar-panels-and-wind-turbines-to-be-installed-on-schools-and-hospitals.html">it could be profitable</a> &mdash; but not right out of the gate.</div>