Friday, October 09, 2009 at 11:04:40 AM - by Nate Lew

Governor David Paterson of New York announced a major expansion of the state's solar energy system on Wednesday, including competitive statewide projects funded by federal stimulus money and a solar initiative by the New York Power Authority.

According to Paterson, $10 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding will go towards solar energy projects chosen by competitive statewide solicitation. The funding is available through New York's State Energy Program to fund the installation of photovoltaic panel systems.

In addition, Paterson announced, the NYPA is expected to formally request a 100-megawatt solar energy initiative later this year. This would increase the state's solar power capacity by a factor of five.

"The statewide interest in developing our solar energy production is proof that New York is fertile ground for the clean energy economy. Not only will these projects put New Yorkers back to work, but they will help cut down energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Paterson.

California currently leads the country in solar energy production, with a capacity of over 500 megawatts at peak periods, according to a 2008 report by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, a nonprofit that promotes the expansion of solar energy