HARRISBURG – Gov. Edward G. Rendell announced applications are being accepted for funding for large-scale solar projects designed to develop green energy production and jump-start the economy.
Up to $7 million in federal funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be available through the Green Energy Works! Solar program, one of four competitive grant programs intended to show that green energy and green jobs are the future of economic development and power production.
“Since we issued our first Recovery Act funded grant in March, we have supplied our citizens with a variety of options to move forward in the green energy industry,” Rendell said. “For example, the PA Sunshine Solar program for residential projects which opened in May has more than doubled our solar capacity in the commonwealth.
“The Green Energy Works! Solar program will allow us to fund significant projects that will continue to expand our solar industry. These large-scale solar projects will reduce our foreign oil dependence, put Pennsylvanians to work, stimulate our economy and meet our future energy demands in a cleaner, more environmentally friendly and efficient way.”
The Governor noted that solar installation costs have declined by about 25 percent since 2008.
“As more solar production is built, solar costs will continue to decline,” Rendell said. “The national goal is by 2015 to reduce the cost of solar electricity to the cost of electricity from the grid.”
All proposed projects must create jobs, be able to start work within six months, be completed with 24 months and prior to April 30, 2012. Guidelines may be viewed at www.recovery.pa.gov under the heading, “Where is your money going?” Click on “Energy Independence.”
Applications must be submitted via the Environmental eGrants system at www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us. The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. on Nov. 5. E-mails, hard copy mailings or faxes will not be accepted. Applications are currently being accepted for two other Green Energy Works! grant programs. The deadline for combined heat and power projects is this Friday, Oct. 9. The deadline for biogas project applications is Oct. 23.
“By using Recovery Act funds to quickly deploy large projects that put Pennsylvania labor back to work, we are striving to utilize local Pennsylvania products to build long lasting green energy generating facilities,” said Rendell. “By demanding significant leveraging of additional funds, these projects will help power our economy and our homes in the years to come.”