Solar Now Employs Over 200,000 Americans

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Environment America

WASHINGTON, DC – The Solar Foundation released its 2015 solar jobs census today, showing 208,859 Americans now work in the solar energy sector. The solar jobs number represents a 20.2 percent increase from the previous year – the third consecutive year that solar jobs have grown by 20 percent or more.

The top ten states for total solar jobs are California, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina and Colorado.

Environment America Solar Program Coordinator Bret Fanshaw released this statement:

 “As today’s census shows, when we place solar on the rooftops of homes, businesses, schools and places of worship, we not only reduce pollution, but also create jobs in communities across the country.

 “The detractors of solar power, including some of our nation’s largest utility companies, should take note – solar is growing, it’s employing real people and it’s here to stay.

“This census shows that progress toward a 100 percent clean, renewable energy future can go hand in hand with economic progress.

“We urge leaders around the country to continue to implement policies that move solar ahead, so that more and more Americans can realize the economic and environmental benefits of this clean, virtually limitless energy source.”

 

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Environment America is a federation of state-based, citizen-funded environmental advocacy organizations working for clean air, clean water and open space.