New York rolls out solar incentives

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ALBANY, N.Y., Aug. 10 (UPI) -- The governor of New York announced the state set aside millions in funding to encourage solar energy development.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the NY-Sun initiative aims to expand the development of solar power installed across the state. His competitive program seeks proposals for solar projects that can generate more than 50 kilowatts of renewable energy.

The program makes $36.4 million available for solar through 2012 and $70.5 million in 2013. State funding is capped at $3 million per project, the governor's office said.

The New York Public Service Commission said the initiative would provide economic stimulus to the state while at the same time protecting the environment and diversifying the state's energy mix.

The state government set a goal of generating 30 percent of its electricity needs through renewable energy resources by 2015.

Cuomo's initiative makes funding accessible for solar projects in New York City and upstate New York.