More US jobs in solar than coal mining

For a number of years, clean energy jobs in the US have been growing steadily, even in a time of high unemployment and a severe recession. But the good news has often been hard to spot, given the relatively small size of the renewable energy sector and the dreadful shape of the overall  economy.

But now evidence is pouring in that clean energy jobs, especially in solar energy, are surging. An article posted today on RenewableEnergyWorld.com describes remarkable job growth in most renewable energy fields in 2010 and projects strong growth in the year ahead, in part due to investments contained in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

For example, the article states:

"The solar power industry doubled the number of people that worked in the industry from 2009 to 2010, from approximately 50,000 in 2009 to 100,000 in 2010...In 2011, it is expected to grow the number of (US) jobs in the industry by 26%."

In contrast, in 2006, there were 82,595 people employed in coal mining in the US.

The article cites data from the Solar Foundation showing that solar installations in the US more than doubled in 2010 compared to the year before. "Firms are adding employees in all 50 states and the fastest growing jobs are installers and electricians."

Of course, public policies matter. That's why jobs in the solar industry are being created at a rapid clip in states like Ohio and North Carolina - both of which recently passed legislation requiring utilities to get an increasing share of their power from renewable sources, including solar energy. Kentucky's lawmakers will have the opportunity to support similar legislation when they return to session in 2011.

Stay tuned for more information about ways you can get involved!