Data Shows Solar Investment Creates Jobs

By Andrea Luecke, Executive Director, The Solar Foundation

October 1, 2011, Reposted from National Journal

Solar energy is a smart investment. It is clean, reliable energy that creates jobs. It is creating jobs at an impressive clip, according to The Solar Foundation’s National Jobs Census 2011.

Our latest research shows that solar energy now employs more than 100,000 workers. This figure represents 6.8 percent growth from the previous year. To put that in perspective, overall job growth grew an anemic 0.7 percent and fossil fuel electric generation actually lost 2 percent of its workforce.

As Washington has discussions about crucial energy policy choices, it important to have reliable data, backed by strong methodology. Doing so ensures that policymakers are informed about the best course of action.

These numbers were created using both primary and secondary data sources, along with careful statistical analysis to ensure that these numbers are as accurate as possible,

Driving this job growth are federal policies like the 1603 Treasury Program, which is stimulating the commercial solar market and the solar investment tax credit, which is helping more and more homeowners go solar.

Solar’s longstanding popularity, combined with increasing cost-competitiveness is creating opportunities for many businesses to grow and to scale an industry. For example, Oakland-based solar installer Sungevity plans to double its workforce by the end of the year. They’re also becoming an economic anchor in the city by recently signing a lease to double its space in Jack London Square.

The data clearly shows that our small investments (when compared to the billions given to fossil fuels) in solar are making a real impact in helping workers find jobs and growing our economy.