From behind bars to the rooftop

California has an innovative program to train ex-convicts to install solar panels, which is a booming market in the state.

Some solar-installation companies say these new employees are among their most productive and trustworthy, according to this WSJ article.

It would be great if more states had programs like this. And prison inmates should be put to work fabricating rooftop wind turbines, in addition to license plates. The turbines could be installed on government buildings, saving taxpayer money.