SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law that takes effect today, the state of Illinois will invest $30 million in solar energy next year. This investment will likely create hundreds of new jobs, generate 15 megawatts of solar energy and reduce pollution.

“Increasing our investment in clean energy creates jobs, protects the environment and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels,” said State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), the law’s sponsor. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen wind energy take off in Illinois. I hope that this investment starts a similar revolution in solar energy.”

According to information from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Illinois has the second greatest solar energy potential in the Midwest.

The new law authorizes the Illinois Power Agency to tap into an existing renewable energy fund to help finance new and existing solar power projects. Much of the money would likely go to new projects, like installing rooftop solar panels on homes and businesses, improving abandoned industrial sites and constructing solar plants.

In 2009, Illinois passed a law requiring utility companies to buy an increasing amount of solar energy.  The Department of Energy estimated that this provision would create more than 20,000 jobs in the state.

“For the sake of our environment and our future, we need to increase our investment in clean energy,” Harmon said. “Fossil fuels pollute our environment, and they won’t last forever. Every new solar panel and wind turbine is a step in the right direction.”