This expanded program will benefit homeowners, businesses, farmers and not-for-profit organizations.

WASHINGTON, DC - In a move that's expected to increase the use of solar hot water systems across New York, the state's Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is expanding its Solar Hot Water Program statewide to include projects that displace hot water produced by heating oil, natural gas, propane and wood, as well as projects that displace electricity. After the announcement was made today, Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), which strongly supported the expansion, applauded Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his administration for their continued commitment to clean, reliable solar energy.

"This is a win-win for New York," Resch said. "This will help to create new jobs and spur the state's economy, while also helping to improve the environment. This expanded program will benefit homeowners, businesses, farmers and not-for-profit organizations. Taxpayers will also gain because solar hot water systems can significantly reduce the electricity needs of government buildings. Once again, Gov. Cuomo and his administration are leading by example – and they're to be congratulated for their unwavering commitment to a clean energy economy."

According to the announcement, NYSERDA will begin accepting applications to the expanded Solar Hot Water Program starting March 20 on a first come-first served basis.

"This solar hot water expansion is an opportunity for more residents, businesses and organizations to benefit from this clean energy resource," John B. Rhodes, president and CEO, NYSERDA, said in making the announcement. "As with Governor Cuomo's NY-Sun initiative for solar electric systems, solar hot water can lower energy bills and improve the environment, while helping the state increase the use of renewable energy."

According to Resch, innovative solar heating and cooling systems (SHC) are offering American consumers cost-efficient, effective options for meeting their energy needs, while lowering their utility bills. In fact, a report prepared for SEIA outlines an aggressive plan to install 100 million SHC panels in the United States by 2050. This action alone would create 50,250 new American jobs and save more than $61 billion in future energy costs.