Mr Hagman portrays his character as disillusioned about the oil industry following the BP oil leak and decides to go for solar power.
In real life Mr Hagman is a huge advocate of solar power claiming it reduced his mansion’s power bill from more than $30,000 to around $13 a year.
Mr Hagman, speaking at the launch of the advert, outlined the fallout from the US’s over-dependence on fossil fuels that has mounted since JR debuted as a Texas tycoon in 1978.
He said the nation has suffered oil-related price shocks, military conflicts and environmental disasters, including the Gulf of Mexico spill which is 12 weeks old now.
Moreover, its dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil has steadily grown, and much of its manufacturing employment has shifted overseas, claimed Mr Hagman.
“When is long enough long enough? I say it’s now – now it’s enough,” Mr Hagman said.
“We can’t expect the government to pull a genie out of a bottle to ease Americans’ addictions to fossil fuels.
“We need to take the lead in building a solar America. It’s time to rise – and shine, baby, shine!”
Mr Hagman believes he owns the largest US residential solar system, including SolarWorld’s 240-watt panels.
Luke Walsh