America embraces solar energy

American solar power is maintaining its accelerated growth, adding new jobs 12 times faster than the remainder of the economy, while saving consumers tens of millions of dollars annually on energy bills. This is occurring despite the Trump administration’s energy policy. So far, the administration is trying to gut clean air laws, touting “clean coal,” an oxymoron if there ever was one, and even nuclear power. Placing tariffs on Chinese solar panels is only the latest in a string of policies that ignore the fact of global warming. The administration also is trying to reverse clean air regulations that have saved countless lives.

The fact is that fossil fuels will be finished very soon, and there are powerful interests who want to drill for all the oil surviving as soon as possible. The Trump administration wants to drill off the coast of California, but Governor Jerry Brown says, "over my dead body." The governor recognizes what a valuable resource the Pacific Ocean is and to drill there when renewable energy is available everywhere strains credulity. Trump also wants to drill for oil in the precious Arctic region, one of the most ecologically delicate parts of the planet.

 Fortunately, U.S. solar energy capability has grown thirtyfold in the past four years. Across the United States, there are now over one million solar energy projects working. Solar is saving Americans tens of millions of dollars annually on their electricity bills. Rooftop solar customers will experience savings annually for the 30-plus years their solar energy system is in operation.

These savings are supported by a skilled, flourishing workforce that is also developing 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 command the solar industry

Since The Solar Foundation began following solar workforce trends in 2010, the solar industry has added numerous highly skilled jobs to the U.S. economy every year. Even as unemployment levels approached all-time highs, the solar business was ready to add jobs and serve as a bright 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 noted impact on our nation’s economy. Solar projects have encouraged reform and inspired the creation of new businesses and employment openings throughout the country. Today, there are thousands of thriving solar small businesses throughout our country that leverage American imagination to ensure that more of us have an opportunity to realize the American dream. In addition, solar jobs offer ambitious earnings. 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 specialists earn $29 per hour. By continuing to drive the production of new small businesses and providing high-quality living wage jobs, solar’s dramatic growth permits more Americans to produce 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 earlier you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power. Now that solar panel prices are still low, there has never been a better time to invest in a solar energy system. Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.

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