REVIEW-JOURNAL

State regulators on Wednesday approved 402 applications for customer-installed solar energy systems in Nevada that could produce 1,900 kilowatts of power.

Customers who install photo-voltaic panels that convert sunlight into electricity may qualify for a rebate of $3 per watt up to a total of $5.7 million statewide this year.

Solar panels have been installed at 25 homes in Southern Nevada and 42 homes in Northern Nevada. Another 121 installations are under way around the state, according to the affiliated utilities, Nevada Power Co. and Sierra Pacific Power Co.

Another round of so-called SolarGeneration projects are expected to start operating as soon as July 1, said Bob Balzar, the energy efficiency and conservation director for the two affiliated companies.

The third round of installations is scheduled for completion by June 2007.

A law enacted in 2003 created the program, and the Public Utilities Commission oversees its implementation.