BISMARCK — The North Dakota Industrial Commission awarded $500,000 to a Fargo company for a solar power project this week.

In a news release issued Friday, July 19, the commission said the funds awarded to Packet Digital will be used for a project to "enhance the design of a portable solar power generation system for military and commercial applications."

"The development of these units will create manufacturing opportunities and help to establish the portable solar market in North Dakota," the three-member commission, led by Gov. Doug Burgum, said in a joint statement. "The portable solar market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years."

The funds came from the state's Renewable Energy Program, which the Legislature established in 2007.