Solar Jobs in America
With more than 8,000 companies now operating nationwide, solar energy has become one of the fastest-growing industries in America. Total U.S. solar capacity is expected to double over the next two years, because demand for solar energy in America is higher than ever, with solar capacity cracking 22 gigawatts (GW) for the first time this past summer.
Milestones like this are possible because of smart and effective public policies like the federal investment tax credit (ITC). Thanks in part to the ITC, solar is now creating jobs at a rate that is 10 times faster than the American economy at large.
Consider what’s happened nationwide since the ITC was enacted in 2006 under the Bush Administration:
• 150,000 new solar jobs have been added across America;
• Enough new solar has come online to power 4 million homes;
• More than $66 billion has been invested in new solar installations; and
• One-third of all new electricity added to the U.S. grid last year came from solar.
The projects of our partners, from Maine to Washington, benefit from the ITC. We think of it has leveraging federal dollars to build critical energy infrastructure for our future, much like we have long used federal resources to build-out transportation infrastructure.
Solar energy is quickly becoming a major success story in the United States, but threatening to derail that progress is the looming expiration of the federal ITC at the end of 2016.
According to a new analysis by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, the expiration of the ITC will cause a 71 percent decline in U.S. solar installations between 2016 and 2017. This could lead to the loss of more than 100,000 jobs nationwide. Such a dramatic drop would bring new solar installation activity to its lowest annual level since 2012.
Critics of solar will say that it’s not ready for prime time if it can’t thrive without federal support. Let’s remember, however, other fossil fuels sources which solar now directly competes with have received federal support since the 1910s! And they still do at a rate much greater than solar. That’s several generations of federal resources at a total annual amount that is still much higher than solar, when scarce federal support ought to be targeting emerging industries we hope to foster and then let stand on their own.
And unlike the federal subsidies for fossil fuels and nuclear power, the support for solar goes down as costs have come down — nearly 70 percent since the ITC was enacted. It’s the perfect tax policy: the public gets more for less as the industry does better lower costs. And solar has.
As an industry, we’re strongly urging support from Congress for extending the ITC for at least five years. By then, many analysts are predicting, solar will reach grid parity in most electricity markets, helping to create a level playing field among energy producers, which will benefit consumers, the U.S. economy and our environment.
Reprinted with permission from AllEarth Renewables
About NC Solar Now: NC Solar Now is your trusted local solar installation partner. We are a pioneering force in empowering communities across North Carolina with sustainable energy solutions. As a leading solar provider, we specialize in designing, installing, and maintaining state-of-the-art solar systems tailored to meet the unique needs of our customers.
NC Solar Now takes pride in being certified experts in solar installation, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and professionalism in every project we undertake. Our team consists of highly trained technicians who are certified by leading industry organizations, equipped with the knowledge and expertise to deliver superior solar solutions tailored to your needs.
By choosing NC Solar Now, you can trust that your solar installation will be carried out with precision and attention to detail, meeting and exceeding industry standards. Our certifications not only demonstrate our commitment to excellence but also provide you with peace of mind knowing that your solar system is in the hands of skilled professionals. Experience the difference that certification makes with NC Solar Now and embark on your journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future today.
NC Solar Now excels in providing comprehensive solar savings analyses, offering invaluable insights into the financial benefits of transitioning to solar energy. Leveraging their expertise and cutting-edge technology, NC Solar Now conducts thorough assessments tailored to each client’s specific needs and circumstances.
Through meticulous examination of energy usage, local incentives, and system configurations, they empower individuals and organizations to make informed decisions about their energy future. By showcasing potential cost savings and return on investment, NC Solar Now enables clients to envision the long-term economic advantages of solar adoption. With a commitment to transparency and accuracy, their solar savings analyses serve as invaluable tools for navigating the transition to clean, renewable energy with confidence and clarity.
Committed to innovation, reliability, and environmental stewardship, NC Solar Now transforms spaces, illuminating a brighter, greener future for homes and businesses. Join us in harnessing the sun for a cleaner, more sustainable North Carolina. We are NABCEP Certified! Check us out on Facebook or Instagram. Visit us online at NC SOLAR NOW, send us a message, or call us at 919-833-9096.
