KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Governor Phil Bredesen announced Wednesday a solar power initiative billed as a comprehensive solar-energy and economic-development program that will use up to $62.5 million in federal stimulus money, according to a release from the governor's Communications office.

The plan, called the "Volunteer State Solar Initiative," would fund projects at UT, ORNL, and in West Tennessee.

The proposal would fund the development of the Tennessee Solar Institute at The University of Tennessee and ORNL and a massive solar farm in West Tennessee.

The Tennessee Solar Institute would focus on improving the affordability and efficiency of solar products.

The five-megawatt, 20-acre power generation facility in Brownsville known as the West Tennessee Solar Farm would be one of the largest in the country.

"Our success over the past few months in recruiting solar-industry manufacturers to Tennessee shows we have bright economic prospects for additional job growth in this area," Bredesen said. "Now, it's time to build on our strengths and position Tennessee for the next wave of investment in the renewable-energy sector. This approach fits within our state's broader job creation strategy, and addresses President Obama's short- and long-term goals in economic stimulus and renewable energy."