[Google] Going Solar

Google has just announced on their official blog that they'll be installing 1.6 megawatts of solar photovoltaic panels at the Googleplex, the largest installation of solar panels in corporate history.



It seems amazing to even think about it. This kind of forward thinking is radically new given the corporate world and yet it seems like just a normal day considering the unique brand of thinking at Google.

It's going to cost Google an estimated $3 million to install the panels, a cost that they should be able to recover through power savings in about 15 years given this will save them about $393,000 annually.

Personally, I love the idea. I've always been a bit of an environmentalist at heart although not the kind that ties himself to trees and that sort of thing. While Google may not be typical of corporate America, so to speak, they're still a part of it. It's this kind of willingness and courage to go beyond the norm and sheer gall to dare to do something different that always makes me look up to Google and admire their drive. Not only will this solar initiative save them money - it helps save our valuable resources and reduce CO2 emissions.