U.S. to spend $60M more on solar

NEW YORK, June 22 (UPI) -- U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman announced the Energy Department will make available nearly $60 million to increase the use of solar power nationwide.

Bodman announced up to $2.5 million for Solar America Cities cooperative agreements, in which 13 selected cities will receive awards to promote increased use of solar-powered technologies throughout each city.

The Energy Department will provide hands-on assistance from technical and policy experts to help cities integrate solar technologies into city energy planning, zoning and facilities, and to streamline city-level regulations and practices.

Bodman also made a Funding Opportunity Announcement for up to $30 million for universities to research near-term improvements in solar products. This funding will support university work on materials and process research to yield near-term improvements in solar products. Funding is subject to Congressional appropriations.

The announcement highlighted a competitive selection of 10 cost-shared Photovoltaic Module Incubator projects that will receive up to $27 million in funding over 18 months.

"We believe these projects will stimulate activity in the marketplace and create a ripple effect that will boost the use of solar energy across the country," Bodman said.

Bodman made the announcements while delivering keynote remarks at the American Council on Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Finance Forum in New York.