Powered by shopaholics - and sun?

Pennsylvania is expanding its commitment to advance alternative energy sources by investing in six projects in six counties that can power more than 44,000 Pennsylvania homes, the state announced today.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority yesterday approved six projects for nearly $13.8 million funding through the state's Solar Energy, Renewable Energy, and Alternative and Clean Energy Programs, including a solar installation at QVC headquarters in Chester County. The projects will have an installed capacity of more than 141 megawatts and the generation of more than 423,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually — enough to provide energy to every household in a city such as Erie or Reading, a news release said.

Liberty Interactive Corporation will receive $500,000 for a ground-mount solar system for the QVC Studio Park in West Chester. The home-shopping giant is one of the largest multimedia retailers in the world, broadcasting live 24 hours a day, 364 days a year, according to its web site.