New York State announced Friday it will go forward with projects that will eventually generate up to 100 megawatts of solar photovoltaic energy.

The projects are part of the state's goal of obtaining 45 percent of its electricity through projects which improve energy efficiency and use renewable energy by 2015.

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) said the power generated by 100 MW is the equivalent of powering approximately 15,000 homes. The solar installations would include both public and commercial buildings.

Today's announcement is a critical step forward in achieving New York's goals under its Renewable Portfolio Standard and in boosting the State's energy independence, Governor David A. Paterson said Friday in a statement.

State-owned NYPA will seek partnerships in the solar industry to install the project including roof-mounted and ground-mounted Photovoltaic arrays at municipal facilities, public and private schools, businesses and State agencies throughout New York, the governor's statement said.

NYPA would specifically consider proposals that create jobs for manufacturing, assembly, installing, operating and maintaining within the state. It is estimated that this program will create 50,000 new jobs.

Renewable energy Energy Solar