It's pretty clear at this point that wind and solar are the fastest technologies out of the gate in the renewable energy race. As of late, the Department of Energy has been modeling itself as a true power player in this market. Matter has blogged about DOE's support for geothermal and biofuels projects in the past.

The Department of Energy's most recent announcement provides $5.4 million in funding and technical assistance for solar in 12 major cities. Titled Solar America Cities, the program is part of President Bush's Solar America Initiative (SAI), which aims to make photovoltaic power competitive with traditional sources by 2015. Additional state and industry funds could push the total investment to over $15 million.

Making the annoucement at the New Frontiers in Energy Summit 2008 in Denver, DOE Secretary Samuel Bodman said, "These Solar America Cities aim to jump-start integration of solar power and encourage other cities across the nation to follow suit."

All this cash will help develop local infrastructure and implement programs in solar water heating, photovoltaics, and solar thermal technologies. The big winners, each receiving a $200,000 grant, are: Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Knoxville, TN; Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN; Orlando, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Sacramento, CA; San Antonio, TX; San Jose, CA; Santa Rosa, CA; and Seattle, WA. Cities were chosen to be diverse in geography and solar experience.

This is the 2nd year of Solar America Cities. DOE provided $5.4 million in funding and technical assistance to 13 cities in 2007. I hope the 2008 crop enjoys their federal largess, because next year it will be a dozen more cities having their moment in the sun.

Side note: Bravo DOE on the surprisingly well-designed graphic on the Solar America Cities page (and this one).