The State of Michigan is redoubling its efforts to cultivate solar power as a resource for electrical demands.

Despite the northern state's frigid winters, the Department of Energy and the state energy office are encouraging solar applications, noting a variety are functioning or developing in the state, officials said.

"Our focus is to continue to grow the solar industry in terms of implementation and funding," said Amy Butler, director for the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth's Bureau of Energy Systems.

And many of those programs are in operation or development throughout the state, said John Sarver, supervisor of technical assistance at the state energy office.

"A lot of projects are under way," Sarver said. "Some fairly large projects are being considered."

Four such projects are Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City developing a 10-kilowatt system, Monroe County Community College installing a 500 kilowatt system, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan installing a 150 kilowatt system, and the Coldwater Board of Utilities installing an 8 megawatt system.