Friday, October 23, 2009 at 1:04:15 PM - by Nate Lew

A bill establishing a baseline amount of government support for solar energy research has passed through the House, reports say.

The Solar Technology Roadmap Act, introduced by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), will soon be considered by the Senate.

In its current form, the act grants $2.25 billion in government support for solar technology development. And the Department of Energy (DOE) will have to appoint a panel that will direct government-sponsored solar research. The funds provided in the bill are spread out over five years, beginning in 2011 with $350 million in grants and rising to a maximum of $550 million per year.

Giffords' bill is based on the well-regarded National Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors, which is believed to have boosted the growth of the semiconductor industry when it was in its infancy.

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) president Rhone Resch anticipates that the bill would "continue technological innovations" in the industry while "driving down costs."

Giffords' introduction of the bill is little surprise; Arizona and other sunny states are ideal for solar installations. Rep. Maurice Hinchey of New York attached a rider to the bill, ensuring that his state gets a fair share of the federal funds for solar energy development.