Solar Leaders Respond to the Strong Growth Found in National Solar Jobs Census

DALLAS, Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Solar leaders are responding to the impressive solar jobs numbers released yesterday, by The Solar Foundation. The "National Solar Jobs Census 2011: A Review of the U.S. Solar Workforce" found that hiring in the solar workforce is on the rise. More than 100,000 Americans are now employed in the solar industry.

The Census identified more than 17,198 solar employment sites and 100,237 solar jobs in all 50 states. The solar industry's job growth rate of 6.8 percent is significantly higher than the 2 percent net job loss in fossil fuel power generation and the economy-wide expectation of 0.7 percent growth over the same period.  

Here's the reaction from some of the top solar leaders in the U.S.:

Danny Kennedy, Founder and President, Sungevity

"The solar industry is creating new jobs in an economy that is flat-lining, with nearly seven percent year-on-year growth in the number of Americans working in the industry. Sungevity is a shining example of this point as we are experiencing rapid growth. Sungevity tripled its employee headcount to 300 since the beginning of this year, employs displaced workers from several depressed industries and is also helping to sustain our local economy." 

Lynn Jurich, President and Co-Founder, SunRun

"The Solar Foundation census results reinforce the current success of the solar industry and the sector's significant growth potential. At SunRun we grew at 200 percent last year and continue to increase headcount rapidly with about 25 open positions across departments. Our partner network employs over 3,000, and it's exciting to be able to make solar more affordable for Americans while also opening them up to new job opportunities."

Lyndon Rive, CEO, SolarCity

"SolarCity, one of the largest employers in the industry, has added more than 500 new jobs in the last 12 months, and now has more than 1,300 employees in 25 locations in 11 states. SolarCity currently has more than 150 additional openings, and expects to hire an aggregate of 150-200 employees in the next few months."

Adam Browning, Executive Director, Vote Solar

"Solar is putting America back to work. America has a nearly $2 billion dollar trade surplus of solar material, and a growing number of installers. These boots on the roof are good, sustainable, local jobs that can never be outsourced. Solar is a bright spot in this time of economic pain."

SOURCE Vote Solar