WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsFederal dollars to develop Wis. solar energy

Federal dollars to develop Wis. solar energy

MADISON (WKOW) -- Wisconsin will receive $4.3 million in federal funds to support solar energy technologies and develop a solar workforce, Gov. Jim Doyle announced Monday.

"Wisconsin has been a leader in renewable technology, and this important funding from the U.S. Department of Energy will help move us forward in our efforts to secure a clean energy future for Wisconsin residents," said Doyle. "We have the trained workers, experience and infrastructure to take the lead in this emerging industry, while also protecting our citizens."

The cities of Milwaukee and Madison, as well as the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, will receive shares of the funds.

Milwaukee will receive $650,000 to expand existing efforts to promote solar energy via the "Milwaukee Shines" initiative.

Madison will receive $370,000 for the "MadiSUN" project, which set goals to double the use of solar energy in Madison in the next two years, reduce greenhouse gases by 25 percent by 2011 and install 200 solar hot water systems by 2010.

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association will receive $3.3 million for its solar installation training throughout the region.

The Dept. of Energy designated both Milwaukee and Madison as Solar America Cities, of which there are only 25 in the country.