With the economy struggling to recover, its always great to read hopeful, positive news like this. Solar power is creating new green jobs at an impressive rate in the U.S. According to the Solar Foundation, there are now over 100,000 Americans that are employed in the solar industry, based on preliminary data from National Solar Jobs Census 2011: A Review of the U.S. Solar Workforce.
Solar power is becoming more widespread and affordable, which continues to increase demand for employees.
Solar jobs increasing in the U.S.
Over a 12-month period from August 2010, approximately 6,735 new solar employees were added to the workforce, which is a growth rate of 6.8%, according to the National Solar Jobs Census 2011. Employment within the solar industry in the U.S. has grown at a rate that exceeds that of fossil-fuel based electricity generation, as well as the overall economy (which grew by only 0.7%) during the same period.
According to Andrea Luecke, executive director of The Solar Foundation:
“The U.S. solar industry is creating jobs at a far greater pace than the economy as a whole. The National Solar Jobs Census series provides a definitive measure of the U.S. solar workforce and its growth over time. It proves where smart solar energy policies are having the most impact both in terms of states and across the vast solar supply chain.”
To read more about solar jobs and the growth of this industry, review the full National Solar Jobs Census 2011 report, which was made available on October 17 this year. Figures for solar employment in various fields, including installation, wholesale trade, manufacturing, utilities and more are included, as well as growth rates and job numbers. Solar power green jobs are also reviewed at the state level.
Tags: green jobs, solar employment, solar industry, solar jobs, solar power, solar sector
