In today’s solar energy news: a tale of three states’ solar-power aspirations.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie last week froze unspent funds to help close the state’s $2.2 billion shortfall, a move that could lock up $158 million in funding for New Jersey’s Clean Energy Fund. According to Abby Gruen of The Star-Ledger, advocates of the clean energy program fear that “losing the $158 million could result in lower grant and rebate amounts this year, endangering thousands of jobs and setting back the state’s solar industry, the largest in the country after California.” The State Senate Environment and Energy Committee estimate that losing the $158 million in public funding could eliminate as much as $800 million in economic activity.

In Arizona, a bit of legislation currently under consideration would include nuclear power under the state’s renewable energy standard (RES), reports Osha Davidson at the Energy Collective. If passed, House Bill 2701 “would surely be the death knell for advancing solar energy in the state,” according to Kris Mayes, chair of the Arizona Corporation Commission. As it stands, the state RES requires utilities to generate 15 percent of electricity using renewable resources by 2025.

While New Jersey and Arizona may be seen recently as wavering in their support for solar energy, Texas is plowing ahead, according to Dallas Morning News. As we’ve mentioned on this blog before, the state’s Public Utilities Commission is considering a plan that would add 500 megawatts of solar power, statewide. That represents less than 5 percent of Texas’s power mix. But, relative to the 6 or so megawatts currently installed, it would be a huge step in the right direction.

Finally, for an interesting take on where, literally, solar panels will end up in the future, be sure to check out this piece from Greentech Media: ”Where Will Solar Power Plants Be Built — Deserts or Rooftops?”

That’s all for this Monday. Stay plugged in with GetSolar for this coming week’s solar power news and relate info.