U.S. military sees surge to solar power

The United States is calling out the military to help it win the global war for clean energy, building solar farms at bases and funding research.

U.S. military leaders hope the surge will help secure energy security at home and abroad, but the strategy could also boost the solar industry and soothe critics who fear the United States is lagging China and other nations in clean technology.

For some, the military's focus evokes China's top-down orders to expand its own solar and wind industries and use more alternative energy at home.

"The (Department of Defense) is kind of like China. When the DoD says 'do this thing,' this thing gets done," said Dan Nolan, an Army veteran who started a consultancy, Sabot 6 Inc, to connect green energy companies with government agencies.

For further information: Reuters