The Solar Energy Consortium (TSEC), a New York-based organization that aims to increase instate solar energy research, development and manufacturing, yesterday announced it will receive $2.25 million in federal support.

U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-Hurley, made the announcement at a solar energy summit held in Kingston. “This latest allocation of $2.25 million in federal funding … will greatly support TSEC’s operations and enable the consortium to bring in yet another solar company to the Hudson Valley,” Hinchey said.

As relayed by the Daily Freeman, the funds will be used to promote solar energy research at New York universities.

In a press release, Hinchey said the consortium has partnered with SUNY Binghamton, the City University of New York, Clarkson University, Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and SUNY New Paltz in programs that combine business needs and technology research.

Through its unique partnerships with businesses, higher education institutions, and marketers, TSEC has created an umbrella organization that is fostering the strong growth of the solar energy industry in New York,” Hinchey said.

To date, Hinchey said, $20 million in federal funding has gone to consortium initiatives during the past two years. With addition funding “to be announced in the coming weeks” he said, that figure will increase to nearly $30 million.”

As we’ve reported on this blog before (see here and here), many states want solar energy manufacturers to locate within their borders. It has proved difficult, for some. Just yesterday, for instance, the New York Times published a story on New Jersey, a state that has excelled at promoting the installation of solar panels but has, at the same time, struggled to create so-called “green jobs” by attracting solar manufacturers. In the on-going recession, creating jobs has proved more difficult than simply pouring money into the economy.

Whether The Solar Energy Consortium will deliver on this front is anybody’s guess. One thing is for certain: we here at GetSolar love to see money going towards solar R&D.

For more info on TSEC, see their website.