Energy Department plans to spend $168M on solar power grants

Companies developing advanced solar power technologies could be eligible for up to $168 million in government funding, the Energy Department said Thursday.

In total, 13 projects are in line to receive government support, the Energy Department said. Companies applying for funding include Boeing Co., BP PLC, Dow Chemical Co., General Electric Co. and SunPower Corp. The companies selected would provide more than 50 percent of funding for the government-supported projects.

Final agreements have yet to be negotiated, and Congress would need to provide money for the program.