The Ten Million Solar Roofs legislation proposed by Bernie Sanders (I-VT) got the seal of approval from the Senate Energy Committee yesterday, giving hope to renewable energy supporters after comprehensive climate change legislation was put on ice last week.

The proposed solar bill would provide a total of $250 million in annual funding for competitive grants for the next two years, with more funds available through 2021. This level of funding, some observers believe, would allow the United States to exceed the bill’s stated goal of installing solar energy systems on the roofs of ten million homes.

You can read more details via Market Watch, and we at GetSolar are excited by the possibility this presents. Even though the blogosphere has been showing us nothing but depressing news about energy legislation today, it’s good to know that some positive steps are being taken. Yes, this bill is in the early stages. And, given widely held concerns over the federal deficit, the legislation is sure to confront a slew of doubters and fiscal hawks along the way. But there are compelling justifications to boost the amount of energy that’s either saved or generated within our own borders. At very least, let’s hope the Ten Million Solar Roofs proposal stimulates nationwide discussion on energy issues.