http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/articles/i/5335/?cid=3

New York's Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has earmarked $107 million for large solar photovoltaic installations in the city and across the state under the NY-Sun initiative.

Funding has now been doubled for 2013 and the original two-year programme covering New York City, Westchester County and the lower Hudson Valley expanded to encourage more businesses and organisations install systems over 50 kW.

The new NY-Sun Competitive PV Program will make $36.4 million available in 2012 and $70.5 million in 2013, with funding capped at $3 million per project. All projects will also require co-funding.

"The NY-Sun initiative has helped establish New York State as a leader in solar power, and these investments in photovoltaic systems will allow businesses and municipalities to put in place green, cost-effective electric generating installations," commented Governor Cuomo.

Proposals for the first round of funding are due by November 8, with two further deadlines to be announced in 2013.

Meanwhile, NYSERDA is also operating a smaller-scale solar photovoltaic programme for installations under 50 kW on non-domestic sites and less than 7 kW on residential sites.

Funds will be increased to $3.5 million a month for the remainder of 2012 and continue at $3.1 million a month for 2013.