American Solar Job Force Hits New Record Growth, Now Stands at 260,000-Strong

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Experiencing its biggest growth year yet, the solar industry in the United States now employs more than 260,000 Americans, according to The Solar Foundation’s seventh annual National Solar Jobs Census released today.

“Last year, one out of every 50 new jobs created here in America was a solar job,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “That’s an incredible finding that proves that solar energy is increasingly becoming a linchpin in America’s economy. When communities across America open their doors to solar, the jobs come racing in.”

With 51,000 jobs added to the U.S. workforce by the solar industry in 2016, this marks the fourth consecutive year of more than 20 percent growth year-over-year for solar, which greatly outpaces job growth nationwide. Across America, the number of solar jobs have nearly tripled since 2010. 

The new census also showed sizeable gains in diversity by both race and gender, which has been an area of emphasis for SEIA. For example, women now make up 28 percent of the solar workforce, up from 24 percent. Additionally, 9 percent of the solar workforce are now veterans of the U.S. Armed Services, which exceeds the national employment average.

To read The Solar Foundation’s full report, which includes state breakdowns, go to www.solarjobscensus.org.

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About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 43rd anniversary in 2017, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs over 260,000 Americans. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America.  SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact:

Alex Hobson, SEIA Senior Communications Manager, ahobson@seia.org (202) 556-2886