U.S. boosts solar research funding

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- The United States will invest up to $24 million to advance the development of solar energy products, the Department of Energy said Tuesday.

Twelve industry teams will partner with the Energy Department to accelerate penetration of solar photovoltaic in the United States with the goal of making solar energy cost-competitive with conventional forms of electricity by 2015.

"Harnessing the natural and abundant power of the sun and cost-effectively converting it into energy is an important component of our comprehensive strategy to commercialize and deploy advanced, clean, alternative technologies to enhance our energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," DOE Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Mizroch said in a statement.