Jimmy Carter and J&B Solar: Visionaries forging a new path in solar energy – Solar Builder Magazine

J&B Solar shares ties with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. As the 99-year-old Carter approaches his 100th birthday this year, J&B took time to reflect on a milestone project from 2017.

In the late 1970s, a visionary named Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia, became the first American president to champion solar energy as a key to energy independence. His bold initiatives set the stage for the future of renewable energy in the United States. Decades later, another pioneer in the solar industry, J&B Solar, would carry forward Carter’s legacy by playing a pivotal role in transforming Carter’s family farm into a modern solar powerhouse.

At the then age of 92, Carter’s dedication to solar energy came full circle when his family decided to convert 10 acres of their peanut farm into a 1.3 MW solar farm. J&B Solar, a Florida-based company known for being one of the first in the industry, was chosen to build the array. The company’s expertise and forward-thinking approach aligned with Carter’s vision of a sustainable future.

The story of this collaboration began on Feb. 8, 2017, when Carter and his family attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new solar project. Developed under a lease agreement with Atlanta-based SolAmerica, the project covered 10 acres and promised to produce over 55 million kWh of energy over the next 25 years. J&B Solar was entrusted with the critical tasks of installing 200 concrete foundations, assembling aluminum racking, and positioning 3,852 polycrystalline solar panels. This setup was designed to generate more than half of the power needs for the residents of Plains, a small town with a population of 683.

“I hope that we’ll see a realization that one of the best ways to provide new jobs, good-paying and productive and innovative jobs, is through the search for renewable sources of energy,” said the soft-spoken 39th president, reflecting on this milestone. This statement encapsulates the shared vision of both Carter and J&B Solar — a future where renewable energy not only powers communities but also drives economic growth.

Carter’s presidency laid the groundwork for the solar industry. A former nuclear submarine officer with a background in science, he understood the potential of advanced technology. In 1977, amidst an energy crisis, he established the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) in Golden, Colorado — now known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) — and set an ambitious goal to install solar energy in over two and a half million homes by 1985. He even installed solar panels on the White House, a symbolic act of “walking the talk.”

J&B Solar has mirrored Carter’s pioneering spirit. As one of the original installers in the solar industry, J&B Solar has consistently been at the forefront of technological advancements and market growth. The challenges faced by the early solar market, fueled by tax credits and federal incentives, did not deter them. Instead, these obstacles strengthened their resolve, enabling them to innovate and excel in a rapidly evolving industry.

Today, the photovoltaic industry thrives on a global scale, driven by more than just government incentives. Companies like J&B Solar, inspired by the early efforts of visionaries like Carter, continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in renewable energy. The collaboration on the Carter family farm is a testament to the enduring impact of these trailblazers, showing how far the industry has come and how much potential lies ahead.

“Being forever connected to a visionary like Jimmy Carter is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Josh Bessette, CEO of J&B Solar. “His pioneering efforts in promoting solar energy laid the groundwork for the industry we are proud to be a part of today. As we look to the future, we at J&B Solar are committed to building on his legacy, pushing the boundaries of renewable energy, and creating a sustainable world for generations to come.”

In essence, the story of Jimmy Carter and J&B Solar is one of visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. Both have forged new paths in the solar industry, transforming ideas into reality and setting the stage for a greener, more resilient world.

This article was provided by J&B Solar corporate communications.

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