Local officials and business owners should consider applying for new state funding designed to increase use of solar power by businesses and manufacturers, said Assemblyman Anthony J. Brindisi, D-116, Utica.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is providing $107 million for large projects that generate electricity through photovoltaic/PV systems. Applicants who submit plans for developing PV systems of 50 kilowatts or more for businesses or communities can obtain up to $3 million per project, and co-funding will be required for all projects, said Brindisi.

Applicants with smaller projects may want to consider a non-competitive program that provides monthly funding for residential projects of up to 7 kilowatts, and non-residential projects of up to 50 kilowatts, said Brindisi. Such projects can significantly cut power costs while generating clean energy, he added.

Funding for the NY-Sun Competitive PV Program will be available in three phases, with application deadlines of Nov. 8 followed by dates in the first and third quarters of 2013. Visit www.ny-sun.ny.gov online or call 732-1055.