WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new report touts the solar industry for the number and quality of jobs it is creating in the United States.

 

The Solar Foundation, a nonprofit group, released its National Solar Jobs Census 2016 late last month; it’s the seventh such annual report. It reveals data on the number of solar jobs in every state, metropolitan area, county and Congressional district, showing the impact of the solar industry down to the local level.

 

These data can be found on an interactive map available on the group’s webpage.

 

The Michigan Agri-Business Assoc. (MABA) says the industry has brought more than 1,300 new solar jobs to Michigan in the past year, bringing the state’s total to more than 4,100 workers employed in the industry. “Michigan agribusinesses, farmers and rural communities can benefit from advancements in clean energy technology, including both renewable energy and energy efficiency, and today’s report is a good example of an industry that’s developing across the state,” said MABA President Jim Byrum.

 

“Solar energy has become more cost-effective, creating additional demand and ultimately, additional jobs in Michigan.”

 

In a separate interview last week, MABA spokesman Chuck Lippstreu said the report showing a 25 percent increase in solar jobs is important for everybody, whether they live in cities or small towns. He said solar is important because the industry is creating jobs in America, including rural Michigan.

 

“Energy in general is a really important consideration for agribusiness,” Lippstreu said. “Anything that could generate some savings is important. This isn’t just about solar energy, it’s about all kinds of renewable energy.”

 

As part of the report, The Solar Foundation produced 50 state-level fact sheets and released an analysis of the economic impact of the solar labor market nationwide and in five states: California, Florida, New York, Ohio and Texas.

 

The report stated that employment in the industry increased by 25 percent nationwide from 2015 to 2016, for a total of 260,077 solar workers. The growth in workers occurred in 44 of 50 states. In 21 states, solar jobs grew by 50 percent or more.

 

In Michigan, solar jobs grew by 48 percent in 2016, with 1,339 new jobs created in the industry. The report projects a rate of growth in solar jobs of 7 percent in 2017. The report noted that veterans make up 9 percent of this workforce in Michigan.

 

In Indiana, the report shows 1,133 new jobs in the solar industry created last year, which made for a 72 percent growth for a total of 2,700 jobs. Projected jobs growth in the industry for this year is 17 percent. Six percent of the jobs are held by veterans.

 

Kentucky produced 200 new solar jobs during this period, for a 20 percent rate of growth and a total of 1,202 jobs. The report projects an additional 8 percent rate of growth in 2017. Nine percent of the jobs are held by veterans.

 

Illinois created 235 new solar jobs in 2016, for a 7 percent rate of growth; total jobs in the industry are 3,718. The report projects a 5 percent rate of growth for 2017, and 10 percent of such jobs are held by veterans. In Ohio, 1,020 new solar jobs were created last year for a total of 5,831 in the industry and a 21 percent rate of growth. The report projects a 3 percent rate of growth for this year. Seven percent of the solar workforce are veterans.

 

Tennessee lost 250 solar jobs in 2016, for a 7 percent loss. However, the state boasts 3,548 jobs in the industry. The report projects a 7 percent increase in solar jobs in 2017. Nine percent of the jobs are held by veterans.

 

The report, based on primary data from the federal government, said solar installers occupy 137,133 positions in the industry; it also claims a median wage of $26 per hour.

 

 To view or download a copy, go to www.thesolarfoundation.org/national