The continuing growth of solar in America

American solar power is continuing its rapid growth, adding new jobs 12 times faster than the rest of the economy, while saving customers tens of millions of dollars per year on energy bills. This is happening despite the Trump administration’s ridiculous energy policy. So far, the administration is attempting to gut clean air laws, championing “clean coal,” an oxymoron if there ever was one, and even nuclear power. Placing tariffs on Chinese solar panels is just the latest in a series of policies that ignore the reality of climate change. 
U.S. solar energy capacity has grown thirtyfold since in the past four years. Across the United States, there are now over one million solar energy projects operating. Solar is saving Americans tens of millions of dollars per year on their electricity bills. Rooftop solar customers will see savings every year for the 30-plus years their solar system is in operation.
These savings are bolstered by a skilled, thriving workforce that is also growing at an impressive rate.  The solar workforce is growing at a rate 12 times faster than the overall economy and now boasts nearly 300,000 workers.

Highly skilled workers in the solar industry

Since The Solar Foundation began tracking solar workforce trends in 2010, the solar industry has added many highly skilled jobs to the U.S. economy every year. Even as unemployment levels reached all-time highs, the solar industry was able to add jobs and serve as an encouraging point in a sluggish national economy. From New York, where solar workers are saving their neighbors approximately $11 million per year through solar, to Arizona, where solar customers are saving approximately $13 million, Americans working in the solar industry are having a real impact on our nation’s economy. Solar projects have inspired innovation and encouraged the creation of new businesses and employment opportunities throughout the country. Today, there are thousands of thriving solar small businesses throughout our nation that leverage American ingenuity to ensure that more of us have an opportunity to capture the American dream. In addition, solar jobs offer competitive wages. On average, solar installation workers -- the industry’s biggest sector -- earn a median wage of $21 per hour, while solar designers earn $27 per hour while sales and marketing professionals earn $29 per hour. By continuing to spur the creation of new small businesses and providing high-quality living wage jobs, solar’s dramatic growth enables more Americans to provide for their families while also helping the United States to achieve its clean energy and climate goals.   

There has never been a better time to install a solar energy system!

Solar power is here to stay, and the sooner you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power. Go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. It tells you how much solar power you need, and how much you can save.

Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.