One of the First Solar Projects at the Pentagon (2002)
Aurora Energy designed and installed a 70kW ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) system and a 75.6kW solar hot water system at the Pentagon Campus in 2002. This was part of a larger renovation effort after September 11, 2001, and demonstrated the Department of Defense’s (DoD) early commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.
Bob Billak, Pentagon Reservation Energy Manager, highlighted the importance of the project:
“This showcase installation enables the Department of Defense to meet its renewable energy targets, while offering up ‘green’ distributed generation technologies to other government agencies.”
This project became a model for the Pentagon to lead the way for the U.S. government to purchase renewables in the future.Federal Air Management’s Solar Panel News Release [4, 5].
The Role of Government in Solar Power Expansion
Access to solar panel technology has greatly contributed to the push for renewable energy, and the U.S. government has spearheaded incentives for adopting clean energy. The Pentagon Solar Energy Farm in 2002 demonstrated federal government leadership in sustainability, re-enforcing initiatives, such as:
- The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) – Tax incentive making a case for solar adoption.
- DOE Grants – financial support for innovative renewable energy projects
- Federal Renewable Energy Targets — Goals for the conversion of government facilities to clean energy.
The Building Blocks for the Future These early investments formed the basis for modern solar programs such as the Pentagon’s recent $10 million plan to implement solar panels, solar thermal, and heat pumps to improve energy efficiency (AP News, 2024).
Pentagon Solar Installation — A Technical Breakdown
The 2002 edition had the most efficient design to generate renewable energy on site:
Photovoltaic (PV) System
- 70 kW capacity, utilizing ultra-high efficiency 315-watt PV modules from RWE Solar/ASE Americas (Billerica, MA).
- 276 modules installed in 23 rows with a tilt-angle design for maximum power density.
- DC capacity of 87 kW, ensuring optimal energy production.
Inverter System for Reliability
- 46 SMA1800 inverters installed to protect against power loss from a single inverter failure.
- Mounted on a dedicated wall structure, allowing easier troubleshooting and maintenance.
Billak reiterated the DoD’s determination to grow solar capacity:
“The goal for the Pentagon Reservation Solar and Hydro Energy Farm is to expand the facility’s photovoltaic capacity to more than 120 kilowatts.”
Solar Thermal System: Uplifting Clean Energy for Government Facilities
The Pentagon also integrated a 76 kW solar-thermal system to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for heating. This system consisted of:
- 1,080 Thermomax Vacuum Tubes installed on the Pentagon’s mechanical roofs.
- Integration with the existing domestic hot water recirculating system to provide sustainable heating.
- Daytime energy collection to supplement conventional heating methods.
This system was among the earliest large-scale solar-thermal installations at a federal facility, demonstrating the Pentagon’s long-standing leadership in sustainability.
How This Old Solar Project Links to Current Clean Energy Goals
Now, in 2024, the Pentagon is continuing to expand its renewable energy strategy. Recent government initiatives complement the long-term vision reflected in projects like Aurora Energy’s solar installation:
A New Solar Investment from the Pentagon (2024):
The Defense Department set aside $10 million for new solar roof panels, HVAC recommissioning and solar thermal at the Pentagon.
It is part of a $104 million federal grant program to increase carbon-free electricity capacity at 31 government locations (ECMag, 2024).
The Federal Push for Clean Energy:
The Biden administration has targeted 100 percent carbon-free electricity in government facilities by 2030.
The Pentagon, which has been an early adopter of solar energy, serves as a model for other federal institutions.
By tying together historical and contemporary efforts, we can see how Aurora Energy’s 2002 Pentagon project set the stage for future government solar projects.
The Lasting Effect of Aurora Energy’s Pentagon Project
This early contribution to renewable energy at the Pentagon is just one example of Aurora Energy’s leadership role in solar innovation. Besides enabling the project with clean energy solutions, it is likely to shape policy direction of renewable energy adoption by the federal government.
Aurora Energy continues to be a trusted name in commercial solar installations as the U.S. government pours more resources into large-scale solar projects. Companies like that are the ones who can do that, and their skill set is reflected by projects like the Pentagon, so they can be on the cutting edge on sustainable energy for corporations and government agencies.
Aurora Energy’s Part In The Pentagon’s Clean Energy Legacy
The 2002 Pentagon Solar Energy Farm was more than a pilot project — it was a significant event in the U.S. government’s path to clean energy. Today, with renewable energy driving national policy, the Pentagon remains a model of sustainability and innovation.
Aurora Energy’s groundbreaking work has been instrumental in shaping the solar market, paving the way for advancements to come in solar on commercial and government projects.
