The solar industry in Arizona saw significant job losses in 2013, declining by over 1,200 workers and 12.7% from the previous year. This is attributed to the completion of large solar projects that drove hiring in prior years. While total solar capacity installed was similar year-over-year, the residential market segment grew more slowly at 13% compared to nearly 94% the prior year. Over a third of Arizona solar employers expect to add jobs in the coming year, but overall employment is projected to grow by only 475 jobs or 5.6% with continued policy uncertainty in the state. The solar workforce in Arizona currently stands at 8,558 workers, down from 9,800 in 2012, with the vast majority employed in installation
The document summarizes a report on solar jobs in California in 2013. It finds that California had 47,223 solar workers as of November 2013, concentrated in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California. Solar employers in California expect to add 10,500 new solar jobs, a growth rate of 22.3%, by November 2014. California has been a leader in solar energy and jobs due to its renewable energy policies like renewable portfolio standards and solar rebate programs, which have led to over 10,000 MW of installed solar capacity, over 40% of the US total.
The Solar Foundation's National Solar Jobs Census 2014 found that the U.S. solar industry employs 173,807 workers, a growth of 21.8% since 2013. Solar employment grew nearly 20 times faster than the overall economy and accounted for 1.3% of new U.S. jobs over the past year. The installation sector remains the largest, more than doubling in size since 2010. If growth continues, the Census predicts 210,060 solar workers within a year, driven by increasing demand before tax credits expire in 2017.
The document summarizes a report on solar jobs in Minnesota in 2013-2014. It found that:
1) The solar industry in Minnesota employs 864 workers, a 73% increase since 2012, and employers expect to add around 250 jobs (28% growth) by late 2014.
2) Most Minnesota solar establishments are involved in installation (56%) and sales/trade (16%), though manufacturing accounts for 14% of solar jobs.
3) The industry focuses on photovoltaics (81%) and water heating (41%), consistent with national trends.
Solar employment in North Carolina grew from 3,100 in 2013 to 5,600 in 2014, adding over 200 jobs per month between November 2013 and November 2014. At over 80 percent year-over-year growth, the North Carolina solar industry grew nearly 40 times faster than overall employment in the state.
The document provides an analysis of solar employment in California in 2013. It finds that California had 47,223 solar workers employed across the state, with most concentrated in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California. California solar employers expect to add 10,500 new jobs, a growth rate of 22.3% by November 2014. The success of California's solar industry is driven by its leadership in solar energy installation, with over 40% of the nation's total solar capacity. Strong state policies like renewable portfolio standards and solar rebate programs have supported the growth of the solar industry and job creation in California.
This document explores sustainable funding models for solar workforce training programs as public funding decreases. It notes rapid growth in the solar industry and jobs, but limited and declining public funding for associated training. It proposes three new funding concepts: 1) Public-private partnerships to jointly fund training; 2) Revolving loan funds for trainees that are repaid after employment; and 3) Crowdsourcing training funding from industry. The document aims to facilitate a transition from public to private funding that maximizes efficient allocation of funds to training providers.
The U.S. solar industry currently employs nearly 174,000 workers across all 50 states, a growth of 86% over the past 5 years. Solar jobs are being created 20 times faster than the overall economy. In 2014, solar companies expect to add 36,000 new jobs, a growth rate of 20.9%. However, the scheduled reduction of the federal investment tax credit from 30% to 10% for commercial projects poses a threat to future job growth and may cause layoffs, especially in the solar installation sector which employs the most workers.
For the first time, the significant contributions of military veterans to the solar industry have been documented in a joint report from The Solar Foundation and Operation Free, Veterans in Solar: Securing America’s Energy Future. The brief report shows that the U.S. solar industry employs 13,192 veterans of the armed forces, a figure which represents 9.2% of all solar workers in the nation, exceeding the percentage of veteran employment in the overall economy. Importantly, the report also explores the challenges of connecting highly-skilled military veterans with positions in the solar industry that match their abilities. Read the report for more details and future steps to expand opportunities for veterans in solar energy, and visit VetsinSolar.org for future updates.
The document summarizes a report on solar jobs in California in 2013. It finds that California had 47,223 solar workers as of November 2013, concentrated in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California. Solar employers in California expect to add 10,500 new solar jobs, a growth rate of 22.3%, by November 2014. California has been a leader in solar energy and jobs due to its renewable energy policies like renewable portfolio standards and solar rebate programs, which have led to over 10,000 MW of installed solar capacity, over 40% of the US total.
The Solar Foundation's National Solar Jobs Census 2014 found that the U.S. solar industry employs 173,807 workers, a growth of 21.8% since 2013. Solar employment grew nearly 20 times faster than the overall economy and accounted for 1.3% of new U.S. jobs over the past year. The installation sector remains the largest, more than doubling in size since 2010. If growth continues, the Census predicts 210,060 solar workers within a year, driven by increasing demand before tax credits expire in 2017.
The document summarizes a report on solar jobs in Minnesota in 2013-2014. It found that:
1) The solar industry in Minnesota employs 864 workers, a 73% increase since 2012, and employers expect to add around 250 jobs (28% growth) by late 2014.
2) Most Minnesota solar establishments are involved in installation (56%) and sales/trade (16%), though manufacturing accounts for 14% of solar jobs.
3) The industry focuses on photovoltaics (81%) and water heating (41%), consistent with national trends.
Solar employment in North Carolina grew from 3,100 in 2013 to 5,600 in 2014, adding over 200 jobs per month between November 2013 and November 2014. At over 80 percent year-over-year growth, the North Carolina solar industry grew nearly 40 times faster than overall employment in the state.
The document provides an analysis of solar employment in California in 2013. It finds that California had 47,223 solar workers employed across the state, with most concentrated in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California. California solar employers expect to add 10,500 new jobs, a growth rate of 22.3% by November 2014. The success of California's solar industry is driven by its leadership in solar energy installation, with over 40% of the nation's total solar capacity. Strong state policies like renewable portfolio standards and solar rebate programs have supported the growth of the solar industry and job creation in California.
This document explores sustainable funding models for solar workforce training programs as public funding decreases. It notes rapid growth in the solar industry and jobs, but limited and declining public funding for associated training. It proposes three new funding concepts: 1) Public-private partnerships to jointly fund training; 2) Revolving loan funds for trainees that are repaid after employment; and 3) Crowdsourcing training funding from industry. The document aims to facilitate a transition from public to private funding that maximizes efficient allocation of funds to training providers.
The U.S. solar industry currently employs nearly 174,000 workers across all 50 states, a growth of 86% over the past 5 years. Solar jobs are being created 20 times faster than the overall economy. In 2014, solar companies expect to add 36,000 new jobs, a growth rate of 20.9%. However, the scheduled reduction of the federal investment tax credit from 30% to 10% for commercial projects poses a threat to future job growth and may cause layoffs, especially in the solar installation sector which employs the most workers.
For the first time, the significant contributions of military veterans to the solar industry have been documented in a joint report from The Solar Foundation and Operation Free, Veterans in Solar: Securing America’s Energy Future. The brief report shows that the U.S. solar industry employs 13,192 veterans of the armed forces, a figure which represents 9.2% of all solar workers in the nation, exceeding the percentage of veteran employment in the overall economy. Importantly, the report also explores the challenges of connecting highly-skilled military veterans with positions in the solar industry that match their abilities. Read the report for more details and future steps to expand opportunities for veterans in solar energy, and visit VetsinSolar.org for future updates.
This document summarizes the state of the solar industry in Arizona in 2015. It finds that while the US solar industry grew 20.2% in 2015, adding over 35,000 jobs, Arizona saw a 24.5% reduction in solar jobs. Solar capacity additions in Arizona have stagnated since 2012, installing just 141 MW in 2015, less than neighboring Nevada. Utility-scale solar makes up most new capacity but the residential and commercial markets have struggled due to policy changes reducing the economics of rooftop solar.
The solar industry in Arizona saw a significant decline in jobs between 2012 and 2013, dropping from 9,800 solar workers to 8,558, a reduction of over 1,200 jobs or 12.7%. This decline was largely due to the completion of large solar projects, policy uncertainty in the state, and struggles in the international solar industry. However, the outlook is somewhat more positive, with over one-third of Arizona solar companies expecting to add jobs by late 2014. The industry projects adding around 475 jobs, a growth rate of 5.6%, over the next year. Currently, the vast majority (around 68%) of Arizona solar workers are employed in the installation sector.
The document is a report analyzing the solar workforce in Minnesota in 2013. It finds that Minnesota had 864 solar workers in 2013 and has steadily increased its solar capacity over the past decade to 16.2 megawatts currently. Recent policy changes in Minnesota, including a solar electricity standard requiring utilities to source 1.5% of retail sales from solar by 2020, are expected to drive rapid growth in the state's solar market and significant increases in solar jobs over the next several years. The report provides a baseline of current solar employment to measure this expected future growth.
The U.S. solar industry employs an estimated 100,237 solar workers as of August 2011, up 6.8% from August 2010. Nearly half of solar firms expect to add jobs over the next 12 months, anticipating growth of around 24,000 new jobs and a 24% increase. Solar job growth significantly outpaces overall national employment growth. Installation, manufacturing, sales and distribution, and utility firms all anticipate substantial employment gains in the coming year.
The National Solar Jobs Census 2010 found that as of August 2010:
- The U.S. solar industry employs approximately 93,000 solar workers nationwide.
- Over the next 12 months, solar companies expect to add nearly 24,000 new jobs, a growth rate of 26%.
- Half of solar firms anticipate increasing their workforce over the coming year, while only 2% expect reductions.
The GW Solar Institute, a research partner on the National Solar Jobs Census 2014, joined The Solar Foundation and BW Research Partnership in announcing that the solar energy industry added over 31,000 new jobs in 2014. This remarkable growth rate is almost twenty times the national average and accounts for 1 out every 78 new jobs created in the US since Solar Jobs Census 2013.
This document summarizes a Google Hangout session on green jobs and the energy transition to sustainable development. The session included three presenters: Janine Finnell reviewed recent US studies and data on green jobs; Silvia Leahu-Aluas provided examples of green job successes in Midwest states like Iowa, Ohio, and Indiana; and Adriaan Kamp discussed international perspectives on green jobs and their relationship to energy transition, sustainable development, and economic growth. The discussion touched on topics like the challenges of climate change and employment, definitions of green jobs, US and international data sources, and examples of renewable energy job growth and economic development in the Midwest region.
This document provides a summary of the 2012 National Solar Jobs Census conducted by The Solar Foundation. Some key findings include:
- As of September 2012, the U.S. solar industry employed 119,016 workers, a 13.2% increase from 2011.
- Installation jobs increased the most over the past year, offsetting declines in manufacturing. Larger installation firms saw more dramatic growth.
- The solar industry is expected to grow employment by 17.2% (around 20,000 new jobs) in the next 12 months.
- Nearly all solar industry subsectors expect double-digit percentage job growth in the coming year. Installation firms anticipate adding around 12,000 new jobs, a 21% increase
The document discusses solar energy trends in Arizona since 2009. It notes that while US solar development has grown significantly since 2009, Arizona's growth has slowed recently. It also discusses the challenges of integrating utility and non-utility solar providers as the electricity market changes rapidly due to technological advances. Finally, it calls for continued investment and partnerships to rapidly deploy renewable energy in Southern Arizona.
The GW Solar Institute at George Washington University identifies and shares solutions to policy barriers preventing solar energy adoption. It provides policymakers with strategic analysis on complex solar issues. The Institute is led by Amit Ronen and engages stakeholders through events, education and serving as a public information resource. It focuses research on issues like solar legislation, low-income solar access, and the utility industry transition facilitated by distributed generation.
The document is a capstone project exploring consumer attitudes and actions regarding solar and wind energy adoption in Minnesota. It contains a literature review on previous research showing that environmental concern and economic motivations like reducing utility bills are top drivers for adoption, while high upfront costs and complexity are major barriers. The research also found that social learning from others who have adopted renewable energy can influence decisions. The project aims to understand Minnesota consumers and companies to help improve an online directory for finding solar and wind installers.
This document provides an overview of solar industry jobs in the Greater Los Angeles region, focusing on three primary job tracks: construction, design, and sales & marketing. It describes typical duties, qualifications, and salaries for various entry-level to mid-level roles within each track, such as junior solar installer, site assessor, PV system designer, and sales consultant. The document also includes statistics on solar job growth and wages to provide context on the expanding industry opportunities.
The document discusses strategies for deploying solar power in communities, including on schools. It outlines approaches to increase installed solar capacity and access to financing options. It also describes the SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership program, which provides resources and technical support to help local governments and stakeholders develop local solar markets. The document contains information on various solar technologies, terminology, and the economic and environmental benefits of solar power.
Oregon successfully attracted two solar manufacturers, SolarWorld and Solaicx, by highlighting available infrastructure like a mothballed semiconductor plant, a skilled workforce from its history in the semiconductor industry, and state incentives like tax credits. Other states like Massachusetts, Washington, and others are also actively recruiting solar manufacturers by offering tax incentives and policies to grow local solar markets and support in-state solar component manufacturing. Solar companies consider factors like available workforce, infrastructure for transportation and supplies, and market access when choosing production locations.
The document provides an overview of the solar energy industry and forecasts for the US solar market. It discusses how solar photovoltaic costs are decreasing and several solar companies expect to reach grid parity by 2015. Conservative forecasts show average US electricity prices reaching 16 cents/kWh by 2015, making solar competitive in many areas. The US Department of Energy's Solar America Initiative aims to achieve grid parity for solar electricity across all sectors by 2015 through research, partnerships and funding to solar companies.
The document summarizes the U.S. Department of Energy's perspective on the trajectory of the U.S. solar market. It predicts that solar energy will reach grid parity and widespread adoption by 2015, driven by declining costs and rising electricity prices. Residential and commercial solar are projected to have lower levelized costs of energy than grid electricity by 2010 in many areas. The DOE's Solar America Initiative aims to achieve this through reducing costs across the solar industry and increasing private investment in solar companies and manufacturing. A temporary shortage in silicon feedstock prices is expected to end by 2010.
This fact sheet highlights some statistics from a report by the University of Tennessee Howard H. Baker Center for Public Policy on federal energy incentives. The report shows that federal support for solar energy is consistent with support for traditional energy sources.
Energy Sources and the Production of Electricity in the United StatesDavid Manukjan
A 48 page paper that forecasts the total costs of energy sources used in the production of electricity in the United States, based on calculations of externality costs and market price per kWh. The paper also explores realistic energy distributions for electricity production that would lower carbon emissions, while taking into consideration economic, geographical, and political feasibility.
Solar energy harnesses the sun's energy and converts it to electricity through solar panels. It is an abundant, renewable resource that provides significant benefits by reducing energy costs and bills over time. The increasing use of solar energy in the United States has created a large solar industry that adds many jobs and has helped power over 12 million homes. However, further investment is still needed to support continued growth and overcome challenges like those presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The document summarizes Haryana's Solar Power Policy 2014, which aims to promote solar power generation in the state. Key points:
- Targets installing 100MW of grid-connected solar projects by 2017 and 1300MW total by 2022 to meet renewable energy obligations.
- Encourages rooftop solar projects totaling 50MW on homes, businesses, public buildings by offering subsidies and power purchase.
- Explores setting up 50MW of projects on panchayat lands and along canal overheads via competitive bidding.
- Aims to create jobs, boost the economy, reduce emissions through developing the local solar industry and increasing solar power use.
This document summarizes the state of the solar industry in Arizona in 2015. It finds that while the US solar industry grew 20.2% in 2015, adding over 35,000 jobs, Arizona saw a 24.5% reduction in solar jobs. Solar capacity additions in Arizona have stagnated since 2012, installing just 141 MW in 2015, less than neighboring Nevada. Utility-scale solar makes up most new capacity but the residential and commercial markets have struggled due to policy changes reducing the economics of rooftop solar.
The solar industry in Arizona saw a significant decline in jobs between 2012 and 2013, dropping from 9,800 solar workers to 8,558, a reduction of over 1,200 jobs or 12.7%. This decline was largely due to the completion of large solar projects, policy uncertainty in the state, and struggles in the international solar industry. However, the outlook is somewhat more positive, with over one-third of Arizona solar companies expecting to add jobs by late 2014. The industry projects adding around 475 jobs, a growth rate of 5.6%, over the next year. Currently, the vast majority (around 68%) of Arizona solar workers are employed in the installation sector.
The document is a report analyzing the solar workforce in Minnesota in 2013. It finds that Minnesota had 864 solar workers in 2013 and has steadily increased its solar capacity over the past decade to 16.2 megawatts currently. Recent policy changes in Minnesota, including a solar electricity standard requiring utilities to source 1.5% of retail sales from solar by 2020, are expected to drive rapid growth in the state's solar market and significant increases in solar jobs over the next several years. The report provides a baseline of current solar employment to measure this expected future growth.
The U.S. solar industry employs an estimated 100,237 solar workers as of August 2011, up 6.8% from August 2010. Nearly half of solar firms expect to add jobs over the next 12 months, anticipating growth of around 24,000 new jobs and a 24% increase. Solar job growth significantly outpaces overall national employment growth. Installation, manufacturing, sales and distribution, and utility firms all anticipate substantial employment gains in the coming year.
The National Solar Jobs Census 2010 found that as of August 2010:
- The U.S. solar industry employs approximately 93,000 solar workers nationwide.
- Over the next 12 months, solar companies expect to add nearly 24,000 new jobs, a growth rate of 26%.
- Half of solar firms anticipate increasing their workforce over the coming year, while only 2% expect reductions.
The GW Solar Institute, a research partner on the National Solar Jobs Census 2014, joined The Solar Foundation and BW Research Partnership in announcing that the solar energy industry added over 31,000 new jobs in 2014. This remarkable growth rate is almost twenty times the national average and accounts for 1 out every 78 new jobs created in the US since Solar Jobs Census 2013.
This document summarizes a Google Hangout session on green jobs and the energy transition to sustainable development. The session included three presenters: Janine Finnell reviewed recent US studies and data on green jobs; Silvia Leahu-Aluas provided examples of green job successes in Midwest states like Iowa, Ohio, and Indiana; and Adriaan Kamp discussed international perspectives on green jobs and their relationship to energy transition, sustainable development, and economic growth. The discussion touched on topics like the challenges of climate change and employment, definitions of green jobs, US and international data sources, and examples of renewable energy job growth and economic development in the Midwest region.
This document provides a summary of the 2012 National Solar Jobs Census conducted by The Solar Foundation. Some key findings include:
- As of September 2012, the U.S. solar industry employed 119,016 workers, a 13.2% increase from 2011.
- Installation jobs increased the most over the past year, offsetting declines in manufacturing. Larger installation firms saw more dramatic growth.
- The solar industry is expected to grow employment by 17.2% (around 20,000 new jobs) in the next 12 months.
- Nearly all solar industry subsectors expect double-digit percentage job growth in the coming year. Installation firms anticipate adding around 12,000 new jobs, a 21% increase
The document discusses solar energy trends in Arizona since 2009. It notes that while US solar development has grown significantly since 2009, Arizona's growth has slowed recently. It also discusses the challenges of integrating utility and non-utility solar providers as the electricity market changes rapidly due to technological advances. Finally, it calls for continued investment and partnerships to rapidly deploy renewable energy in Southern Arizona.
The GW Solar Institute at George Washington University identifies and shares solutions to policy barriers preventing solar energy adoption. It provides policymakers with strategic analysis on complex solar issues. The Institute is led by Amit Ronen and engages stakeholders through events, education and serving as a public information resource. It focuses research on issues like solar legislation, low-income solar access, and the utility industry transition facilitated by distributed generation.
The document is a capstone project exploring consumer attitudes and actions regarding solar and wind energy adoption in Minnesota. It contains a literature review on previous research showing that environmental concern and economic motivations like reducing utility bills are top drivers for adoption, while high upfront costs and complexity are major barriers. The research also found that social learning from others who have adopted renewable energy can influence decisions. The project aims to understand Minnesota consumers and companies to help improve an online directory for finding solar and wind installers.
This document provides an overview of solar industry jobs in the Greater Los Angeles region, focusing on three primary job tracks: construction, design, and sales & marketing. It describes typical duties, qualifications, and salaries for various entry-level to mid-level roles within each track, such as junior solar installer, site assessor, PV system designer, and sales consultant. The document also includes statistics on solar job growth and wages to provide context on the expanding industry opportunities.
The document discusses strategies for deploying solar power in communities, including on schools. It outlines approaches to increase installed solar capacity and access to financing options. It also describes the SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership program, which provides resources and technical support to help local governments and stakeholders develop local solar markets. The document contains information on various solar technologies, terminology, and the economic and environmental benefits of solar power.
Oregon successfully attracted two solar manufacturers, SolarWorld and Solaicx, by highlighting available infrastructure like a mothballed semiconductor plant, a skilled workforce from its history in the semiconductor industry, and state incentives like tax credits. Other states like Massachusetts, Washington, and others are also actively recruiting solar manufacturers by offering tax incentives and policies to grow local solar markets and support in-state solar component manufacturing. Solar companies consider factors like available workforce, infrastructure for transportation and supplies, and market access when choosing production locations.
The document provides an overview of the solar energy industry and forecasts for the US solar market. It discusses how solar photovoltaic costs are decreasing and several solar companies expect to reach grid parity by 2015. Conservative forecasts show average US electricity prices reaching 16 cents/kWh by 2015, making solar competitive in many areas. The US Department of Energy's Solar America Initiative aims to achieve grid parity for solar electricity across all sectors by 2015 through research, partnerships and funding to solar companies.
The document summarizes the U.S. Department of Energy's perspective on the trajectory of the U.S. solar market. It predicts that solar energy will reach grid parity and widespread adoption by 2015, driven by declining costs and rising electricity prices. Residential and commercial solar are projected to have lower levelized costs of energy than grid electricity by 2010 in many areas. The DOE's Solar America Initiative aims to achieve this through reducing costs across the solar industry and increasing private investment in solar companies and manufacturing. A temporary shortage in silicon feedstock prices is expected to end by 2010.
This fact sheet highlights some statistics from a report by the University of Tennessee Howard H. Baker Center for Public Policy on federal energy incentives. The report shows that federal support for solar energy is consistent with support for traditional energy sources.
Energy Sources and the Production of Electricity in the United StatesDavid Manukjan
A 48 page paper that forecasts the total costs of energy sources used in the production of electricity in the United States, based on calculations of externality costs and market price per kWh. The paper also explores realistic energy distributions for electricity production that would lower carbon emissions, while taking into consideration economic, geographical, and political feasibility.
Solar energy harnesses the sun's energy and converts it to electricity through solar panels. It is an abundant, renewable resource that provides significant benefits by reducing energy costs and bills over time. The increasing use of solar energy in the United States has created a large solar industry that adds many jobs and has helped power over 12 million homes. However, further investment is still needed to support continued growth and overcome challenges like those presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The document summarizes Haryana's Solar Power Policy 2014, which aims to promote solar power generation in the state. Key points:
- Targets installing 100MW of grid-connected solar projects by 2017 and 1300MW total by 2022 to meet renewable energy obligations.
- Encourages rooftop solar projects totaling 50MW on homes, businesses, public buildings by offering subsidies and power purchase.
- Explores setting up 50MW of projects on panchayat lands and along canal overheads via competitive bidding.
- Aims to create jobs, boost the economy, reduce emissions through developing the local solar industry and increasing solar power use.
This document provides examples of solar lighting installation projects completed by Philips Solar in India. It describes projects such as installing solar LED lighting for 50,000 homes in Uttar Pradesh, installing over 100,000 solar street lights across Uttar Pradesh, and installing 75 solar LED lights at a Hindustan Unilever factory in Khamgaon. It also lists several other municipal and commercial solar lighting projects completed in India with luminaire wattages ranging from 12 to 56 watts. Customer references and comments are provided praising the performance and benefits of Philips Solar LED lighting solutions.
Official Document of the Karnataka solar policy 2014-2021 released by the Government of Karnataka.
This document is not a work of Headway Solar (http://headwaysolar.com/) and it has been released here for the benefit of the general public.
The photovoltaic effect was first recognized in 1839, but the first photovoltaic cell was not constructed until 1883. In 1888, the first photoelectric cell based on the photoelectric effect was built, and in 1954 Bell Labs developed the first modern solar cell. Spatial solar power involves converting solar power acquired in space into other usable forms of energy that can be used in space or transmitted to Earth, utilizing photovoltaic panels on satellites since the 20th century. Photovoltaic modules can produce electricity from a range of light frequencies but not the entire solar spectrum, so another design concept splits light into wavelength ranges and directs each to a tuned cell to potentially raise efficiency by 50%.
India's National Solar Mission - Phase 1 GuidelinesHeadway Solar
India launched the National Solar Mission (NSM) in 2009, aiming 20GW grid-connected solar capacity by 2022. This document was released by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, India, and contains the guidelines for project allotment under Phase 1 of the NSM, through public-private partnership.
This document is not a work of Headway Solar (http://headwaysolar.com/) and it has been released here for the benefit of the general public.
The document discusses solar power and its advantages as a green energy solution. It describes how solar power works through direct conversion using photovoltaic cells or indirect conversion using solar thermal technology. Large solar power plants currently operating around the world are discussed, with the Longyangxia Solar Park in China being the largest at 850 MW capacity. Emerging solar technologies like concentrator photovoltaics and floatovoltaics are also covered. Recent large solar projects in India like the Kamuthi Solar Power Plant and Charanka Solar Park are highlighted.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (“RFP”) FOR CRM MODERNIZATION SOFTWARE AND IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES.
The City of Chicago ("City"), acting through its Department of Innovation and Technology ("DoIT"), is pleased to invite the submission of proposals for the modernization of the City's Constituent Relationship Management ("CRM") system and processes to not only replace the City's current technology, but to provide a holistic, transformative solution to help the City of Chicago provide world-class resident relationship management services. The City sees the new CRM solution as the platform for this vision. However, this is strictly a tool. The Selected Respondent must deliver a comprehensive solution that empowers the City to provide convenient, user-friendly access for residents to connect, communicate, and collaborate with the City and with each other.
Captain Green Solar is a company that provides affordable solar panels and energy systems through special offers and packages for homes and businesses. They guarantee the lowest prices and offer rebates on solar power systems through state and federal programs. Customers can call 1300 361 682 to take advantage of their complete range of solar options and services.
Quantifying WOM Diffusion – Who gains, Who loses, from Viral-VideosBSI
Brand knowledge and associations can facilitate positive or negative spill-over effects from viral videos for featured brands. A recent viral video gained over 450 million total views from word-of-mouth after an initial 15 million hits in the first 5 days, despite a small $25,000 budget. While it provided branding exposure for many featured brands, the situational context reduced the effect for Burger King and instead boosted attention for McDonald's due to consumer misperceptions.
Official Document of the Tamilnadu Solar Energy Policy 2012.
This document is not a work of Headway Solar (http://headwaysolar.com/) and it has been released here for the benefit of the general public.
If you are looking for different dance classes to look fit and fine, Crunch Fitness studio has a variety of dance forms to keep you healthy. This infography reveals the different dance types of rhythms taught in the Crunch Fitness. So choose your favorite form and get ready to turn fit.
The solar industry currently employs over 142,000 workers in the United States, a nearly 20% growth over the previous year. California leads the country with over 47,000 solar jobs, though jobs are growing rapidly in many other states as well. While California, Arizona, New Jersey, and Massachusetts make up around half of total solar employment, jobs exist in all 50 states and 18 states more than doubled their solar jobs in 2013.
Knowing the need of utilising the energy sources efficiently, people are utilising the solar power resources. The inforgraphy states four different types of solar power. Reading them thoroughly will give you an idea which will suit best to your requirement.
This research poster was created as a part of the 2014 Solar Symposium and is by James Mueller and Amit Ronen.
Fitting Clean Energy into a Reformed Tax Code” Given the looming expiration of clean energy tax incentives and the likelihood of comprehensive tax reform, the clean energy sector need to be developing pragmatic and politically attuned alternatives that fit within the context of tax reform principles. The GW Solar Institute is launching a research series, Fitting Clean Energy into a Reformed Tax Code, which seeks to develop innovative policy solutions and inform policymakers on the full range of impacts that these potential options could have.
Official Document of the Kerala solar energy policy 2013.
This document is not a work of Headway Solar (http://headwaysolar.com/) and it has been released here for the benefit of the general public.
This research poster was created as a part of the 2014 Solar Symposium and is by The Solar Foundation.
The National Solar Jobs Census series is a product of The Solar Foundation®, conducted annually since 2010. The inaugural Census established the first credible employment baseline for the domestic solar industry.The Census surveys solar employers and quantifies jobs across all solar technologies and industry subsectors. Since 2010, employment has grown by 53%, representing nearly 50,000 new U.S. solar jobs.
The National Solar Jobs Census 2013 found that the U.S. solar industry employed 142,698 workers as of November 2013, an increase of nearly 20% from 2012. Solar jobs are growing ten times faster than the overall economy. The solar industry expects to add over 22,000 new jobs in the next year, a 15.6% growth rate. Installers, which make up over two-thirds of new solar hires, added 12,500 workers in the past year and are expected to increase by nearly 15,000 next year.
The National Solar Jobs Census 2013 found that:
- Solar industry employment grew by nearly 20% since 2012 to 142,698 workers in 2013, a rate 10 times faster than overall US job growth.
- Three-quarters of the 24,000 new solar workers since 2012 were new jobs, representing 18,211 new jobs created.
- The solar industry expects to add approximately 22,240 new solar workers over the next year, a projected growth rate of 15.6%.
- Installation jobs, which grew by 12,500 workers since 2012, are expected to increase by nearly 15,000 next year.
The National Solar Jobs Census 2011 found that the U.S. solar industry employed over 100,000 workers, growing at nearly 10 times the rate of overall U.S. economy job growth. Solar jobs increased by 6,735 over the previous year with expectations of continued growth across sectors like manufacturing, installation, and sales. California led the nation with over 25,000 solar jobs while the top 20 states for solar employment accounted for over 85,000 jobs.
The National Solar Jobs Census 2012 report found that as of September 2012, the U.S. solar industry employed 119,016 workers, a 13.2% increase from the previous year. Solar employment is projected to grow an additional 17.2% over the next 12 months. Installation firms have added the most jobs over the past year and expect to add nearly 12,000 new jobs in the coming year. Nearly half of solar firms expect to add jobs in the next year, while less than 4% expect cuts. The solar industry continues to outpace overall U.S. employment growth and remains optimistic about future expansion despite economic and policy uncertainties.
Solar jobs exist in all 50 U.S. states and grew nearly 20% in 2013, adding over 24,000 new jobs. California continues to lead the nation with over 47,000 solar jobs, followed by Arizona with 8,558 jobs. While the top four states for solar employment remained the same as 2012, some states experienced significant shifts, with Florida, New York, North Carolina, and Texas all moving up in the rankings. The report provides state-level data on total solar jobs and rankings for 2013 and 2012 for the top 20 states.
Fact Sheet: Solar Myths & Misconceptions - The Costs of Going SolarThe Solar Foundation
This document from The Solar Foundation dispels common myths about the costs of solar energy. It summarizes that the upfront costs of solar installations can be challenging but financing options like power purchase agreements or solar leases allow homeowners to adopt solar without large upfront costs. Solar panels have low maintenance needs and typically pay for themselves within 7-15 years, with some areas seeing payback in as little as 5 years. Installing solar can also increase property values and help homes sell faster.
Andrea Luecke | Tracking Solar Jobs, Solar Jobs Census BriefingGW Solar Institute
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-
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1. s
F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 4
Analysis of the Arizona Solar Workforce
Arizona Solar Jobs Census 2013
2. Acknowledgements:
The Solar Foundation® (TSF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to
increase understanding of solar energy through strategic research that educates the public and
transforms markets. In 2010, The Solar Foundation® released its first National Solar Jobs Census
report. Census 2010 established the first credible national solar jobs baseline and verified the
positive impact the solar industry is having on the U.S. economy. Using the same rigorous, peer-
reviewed methodology, TSF has conducted an annual Census in each of the last four years to track
changes and analyze trends in the solar industry labor market.
!
This year s National Solar Jobs Census report series was produced by TSF and BW Research
Partnership with the support of the following research partners:
• The George Washington University’s Solar Institute (GW Solar Institute);
• The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA); and
• The Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. (IREC).
!
TSF would like to acknowledge and thank its Census sponsors. Without their foresight and
leadership, this report would not have been possible:
• Energy Foundation;
• SolarCity;
• Sierra Club;
• Recurrent Energy;
• GTM Research and SEIA for providing complimentary copies of the U.S. Solar Market
Insight: 2012 Year in Review report to survey respondents; and
• Cornell University’s School of Industrial Labor Relations for helping to validate the
methodological framework for Census 2010-2012.
!
TSF and BW Research also want to thank all of the Arizona solar employers that participated in the
survey. Your responses were critical in providing us with the high level of accurate and timely data
needed to produce this report.
!
For questions or comments about this report, please contact either:
!
Andrea Luecke, President and Executive Director
The Solar Foundation®
505 9th Street, NW - Suite 800 Washington, DC 20004
202-469-3750; info@solarfound.org
TheSolarFoundation.org
!
Philip Jordan, Principal and Vice-President
BW Research Partnership
50 Mill Pond Dr. Wrentham, MA 02093
(508) 384-2471; pjordan@bwresearch.com
!
Please cite this publication when referencing this material as “Arizona Solar Jobs Census 2013,
The Solar Foundation, available at: www.TSFcensus.org.”
! Cover Photo Courtesy of First Solar
2
3. About The Solar Foundation®
The Solar Foundation® (TSF) is an independent national 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose
mission is to increase understanding of solar energy through strategic research that
educates the public and transforms markets. TSF is considered the premier research
organization on the solar labor force, employer trends, and economic impacts of solar. It
has provided leading-edge industry insight to the National Academies, the Inter-American
Development Bank, the U.S. Department of Energy, and other organizations during a time
of dynamic industry growth and policy and economic uncertainty.
While TSF recognizes that solar energy is a key part of our energy future, it is
committed to excellence in its aim to help people fairly and objectively gauge the value of
the solar industry worldwide.
About BW Research Partnership
BW Research is widely regarded as the national leader in labor market analysis for
emerging industries and clean energy technologies. In addition to the Census series, BW
Research has conducted rigorous solar installation and wind industry labor market
analysis for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, wind energy and energy retrofit
studies for the Natural Resources Defense Council, a series of comprehensive clean
energy workforce studies for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Illinois, and Vermont,
and numerous skills and gap analyses for community colleges, workforce investment
boards, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
BW Research provides high quality data and keen insight into economic and
workforce issues related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, transportation, recycling,
water, waste, and wastewater management, and other environmental fields. The principals
of the firm are committed to providing research and analysis for data-driven decision-
making.
About The George Washington University Solar Institute
The George Washington University Solar Institute (GW Solar Institute) is a unique
research and information center focused on identifying, developing, and sharing
pragmatic and politically attuned solutions to the policy barriers preventing the adoption
and scale of solar energy. Toward these ends, the GW Solar Institute pursues research
projects in a wide range of disciplines, typically in partnership with other university
faculty, industry experts, and GW students. In addition, the GW Solar Institute also
leverages its intricate knowledge of the policymaking process and location in Washington,
DC to convene stakeholders and provide decision-makers with unbiased new ideas on
solar related policies, regulatory approaches, and government investments.
3
4. 1. Introduction
Solar installations nationwide expanded at a record pace in 2013, as companies
became more efficient and workers more productive, with jobs growing at their fastest
rate since The Solar Foundation® began tracking them in 2010. Due to this growth, as of
November 2013, the U.S. solar industry employs 142,698 solar workers
in every state1
and across a wide range of activities. Current forecasts suggest no sign of a slowdown.
The national solar industry is poised to continue to both become more efficient—
worker productivity increased by 21.5 % between 2012-2013—and add jobs, particularly
in the installation sector. After a record 19.9% employment growth, national solar
employers expect to grow their payrolls by adding workers at a 15.6% rate through
November 2014. These projections, if realized, would result in an additional 22,240 new
solar jobs across the United States.
Growth has not been even, however, and despite the national success of the industry
in the U.S., Arizona data reflect a much more challenging environment for solar over the
previous year. After a banner year in 2012, in which nearly 720 megawatts (MW) of
photovoltaic (PV) solar capacity were installed across the state (producing enough
electricity to meet the needs of over 90,000 average Arizona homes), new PV installations
in 2013 are expected to have taken a significant hit by the end of 2013, dropping to only
444 MW – a nearly 40% decrease in new installed PV capacity year over year.
This2
decrease is largely due to less utility-scale PV capacity coming online in 2013 (300 MW
versus almost 600 MW in 2012), which is almost entirely made up for by the completion
of a large concentrating solar power (CSP) facility in October 2013 (Figure 1).
In this sense then, total annual installed capacity in 2013 is expected to be very
close to what was observed in the previous year. This research effort, however, finds that
solar employment was not similarly flat, but instead decreased substantially year over
year, from 9,800 solar workers in 2012 to 8,558 in November 2013, a reduction in
workforce of 12.7%
This loss of over 1,200 jobs cannot be attributed to a single cause. Rather, this
decrease is more likely influenced by a number of factors both within the state and
beyond. One readily identifiable contributing factor is the completion of the 280 MW
4
Solar workers are defined as those employees that spend at least 50% of their time conducting solar activities.1
Nationally, and in Arizona, about 91% of all solar workers spend 100% of their time conducting solar activities.
Kann/ GTM Research, S., Mehta/ GTM Research, S., Shiao/ GTM Research, M., Honeyman/ GTM2
Research, C., Litvak/ GTM Research, N., Jones/ GTM Research, J., . . . Baca/ SEIA, J. (2013). Solar Market
Insight 2013 Q3 | SEIA. Retrieved from http://www.seia.org/research-resources/solar-market-insight-2013-q3.
5. Solana CSP facility in October. Currently Arizona’s largest operating solar electric project,
the Solana plant is estimated to have created more than 2,000 new jobs, and to have
supported a large number of indirect jobs, since construction began in late 2010.
Given3
this construction timeline, the employment impacts of the project were likely included in
our 2012 employment estimates, but absent from the 2013 figure, as the project was
completed and already in operation by the time data collection for Census 2013 began.
The observed employment decline may also stem in part from issues associated with
a maturing state market. Much of the solar hiring in Arizona may have occurred in the
early stages of market development and growth, when companies competed fiercely for
market share. Perhaps in an attempt to gain a first mover’s advantage, some companies
may have staffed up quickly until their market position was secured. Once established in
the market, company hiring trends may have slowed or declined. Another potential cause
of the job losses in Arizona, as well as in other states showing employment slumps in
2013, may be the decline or shuttering of some major international solar businesses. Such
struggles or closures must have had a ripple effect throughout the solar supply chain and
the “unknown universe” (those companies who may not identify as solar businesses, but
do perform some solar-related activities) both domestically and abroad.
Finally, the policy uncertainty that has pervaded the state until very recently may
have contributed to Arizona’s poor showing in the 2013 employment figures. For much of
2013, it was evident that the state’s largest utility wished to reform its net metering policy,
but it was unclear just what form the revised policy would take. Such uncertainty may
have had a chilling effect on installations in some sectors, while consumers waited to
learn what policy changes would ultimately occur.
In addition, upfront incentives offered by the state’s investor-owned utilities for
residential solar were significantly scaled back early in the year, as were performance-
based incentives for commercial projects.
Slowed capacity growth in the state’s4
residential market segment is possibly a sign of these uncertainties. Even if the state met its
projected 70 MW of new residential capacity by the end of 2013,
Arizona would still5
only have seen this market segment grow by 13% over the previous year. By comparison,
5
Abengoa Solar (2011). United States. Retrieved February 7, 2014, from www.abengoasolar.com/web/en/3
nuestras_plantas/plantas_en_operacion/estados_unidos/.
Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (2013, February 5). Arizona APS - Renewable4
Energy Incentive Program. Retrieved February 8, 2014, from http://dsireusa.org/solar/incentives/incentive.cfm?
Incentive_Code=AZ04F&re=1&ee=1.
Kann/ GTM Research, S., Mehta/ GTM Research, S., Shiao/ GTM Research, M., Honeyman/ GTM5
Research, C., Litvak/ GTM Research, N., Jones/ GTM Research, J., . . . Baca/ SEIA, J. (2013). Solar Market
Insight 2013 Q3 | SEIA. Retrieved from http://www.seia.org/research-resources/solar-market-insight-2013-q3
6. residential capacity in the state grew by nearly 94% from 2011-2012. Furthermore, this
projected residential growth rate is much lower than those expected for other leading
solar markets, including California (89% projected growth), Colorado (67%), Hawaii
(30%), Massachusetts (87%), and New York (50%).
Though the stunted growth in some6
Arizona market segments may be the result of policy uncertainty, it is not clear whether
these markets were a source of job losses. Such uncertainty, however, appears to have
prevented these market segments from more fully offsetting the declines in other areas.
Whatever the causes of the observed employment decline, over a third of Arizona
companies plan to add workers and about half expect to retain the same number of solar
workers, with only 5% anticipating further losses through November 2014.
!
Figure 1: Installed Solar Capacity—Arizona
!
6
Id.6
7. Methodology
The data in this report were collected from a census of the solar industry and a
representative sample of employers throughout the value chain of activities that contribute to the
industry. As with the National Solar Jobs Census, this report includes information about all types
of companies, from component manufacturers to installation subcontactors, engaged in the
production, sale, installation, and use of all solar technologies, ranging from PV to CSP to solar
water heating systems across the residential, commercial, and utility market segments.
Unlike economic impact models that generate employment estimates based on economic
data (such as company revenue) or jobs-per-megawatt (or jobs-per-dollar) assumptions, the
National Solar Jobs Census series provides statistically valid and current data gathered from
actual employers. The primary data contained in this report are drawn from a mixed-method
survey administered directly to employers. Data collection occurred during October and
November 2013 in two stages: (1) through a survey of so-called “known universe”
establishments, and; (2) via a random sampling of businesses within various construction, sales
and distribution, and manufacturing industries.
For this Arizona report, 14,867 telephone calls were attempted and over 75 emails were
sent to potential solar establishments across the state. This mixed approach, which the Bureau of
Labor Statistics recognizes as the emerging standard given its own limitations in calculating solar
employment, allows us to draw broad conclusions about the solar industry with a high degree of
confidence, as well as generate accurate, local level employment estimates. More than 1,300
Arizona employers participated in the survey, resulting in 138 full survey completions. See the
methodology section (5.2) for additional details.
The figures included in this report are conservative estimates, meaning that there may well
be more solar workers than reported herein. It is also important to mention that there are limits to
the survey approach. Because the research findings are based on survey responses, the
employment growth figures cited in the following sections represent employers’ best estimates of
how many jobs they will add over the coming year. As seen in the National Solar Jobs Census
reports, actual growth may vary.
In addition, this report includes employment and demographic information at both the state
legislative district level and by federal congressional district. Conducting small-sample estimation
is a very challenging and labor-intensive exercise. For this study, a significant oversample of
Arizona firms was required to gather enough responses to make estimates for 30 legislative
districts and nine congressional districts. Analysis of these data includes constructing zip-code
distribution allocations for each district in the known and unknown databases, small-area means
derivation, and comparisons to labor market statistics and demographic data. The results of this
rigorous work are included in the tables in Section 3.
7
!
8. 2. Labor Market Analysis: Overview of the Industry
The solar industry in Arizona accounts for 8,558 solar workers, approximately 6% of the
entire national industry. This figure represents a decline in total employment of 1,242 workers (a
contraction of 12.7%) from September 2012 - November 2014.
Growth projections look slightly more promising through 2014, with over one-third of
Arizona solar firms expecting to add employees by November 2014 (34.1%) and 5.3% expecting
to shed workers statewide. Over half of all Arizona solar employers (51.5%) predict that
employment will remain at 2013 levels (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Employer Expectations, 12 Months—Arizona
When asked about their prospects for the 12 month period through November 2014,
employers reported an anticipated growth in employment of 5.6%. This represents the addition of
475 solar jobs, or 2.1% of the growth projected for solar employment in the U.S. over the same
time period (by comparison, the national average projected growth rate is 15.6%).
Participants were asked preliminary screener questions to determine whether they qualify
for the study and to understand the various solar activities taking place across the state. Arizona
solar establishments were asked to select the appropriate sector to which their firm belongs,
choosing from installation, manufacturing, sales and distribution, project development,
academic, nonprofit, government, or - for those that did not fit into a category—“other,” such as
establishments that provide ancillary support to the solar industry (e.g., research and
development, financial or legal services) (Figure 3).
8
9. Figure 3: Percentage of Respondents by Sector
Table 1: Data by Sector—Number of Solar Workers in Arizona
*2013 employment in “Other” includes 13 Arizona solar workers at nonprofits, 11 in government, and 8 in academia.
The majority of Arizona establishments work with photovoltaics (67.9%), which is similar to
the rest of the country. While fewer firms identified water heating as a technology area that they
9
Sector 2013 Jobs 2014 Projected
Employment
2013 - 2014 Expected
Growth Rate
Installation 3,311 3,465 4.6%
Manufacturing 1,465 1,172 -20.0%
Sales and Distribution 1,472 1,705 15.8%
Project Development 1,874 2,152 14.8%
Other* 436 540 23.7%
Total 8,558 9,033 5.6%
54.5%
18.9%
9.1%
3.0% 1.5%
0.8%
0.0%
9.8%
2.3%
Installation
Sales / Trade
Manufacturing / Assembling
Project Development
Nonprofit
Academic
Government
Other (Including R&D)
Don't know
10. are actively involved in, the proportion is higher than in the U.S. as a whole (37.4% versus
32.7% nationally, Figure 4).
Figure 4: Solar Establishments by Technology Area
As part of the Census, survey respondents were asked what percent of their overall revenues
are attributable to solar, in order to determine how integral the technology is to their business
and whether they are diversified in other sectors. Over half of Arizona establishments rely on
solar goods and services for the majority of their revenue (54.2%), which is markedly lower than
the 65.2% reported nationally (Figure 5).
Figure 5: Company Revenues Attributed to Solar
10
3.8%
19.1%
13.0%
37.4%
67.9%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
DK/NA
Other
Concentrating solar power
Water heating, which includes pool heating
Photovoltaic
!
11. As in the National Census, Arizona employers were queried on specific questions to
determine whether the new solar workers added from 2012 to 2013 were newly created
positions or represented existing employees given new solar tasks. In Arizona, 53.2% of the new
solar jobs over the past year were newly created positions, considerably lower than the 76.9%
reported nationally (Figure 6). When reviewing information about new positions, it is important
to remember that more than 1,000 recently laid off, experienced solar workers in Arizona will
fiercely compete for any new positions created by the industry in 2014.
Figure 6: New Positions at Solar Establishments
For Arizona establishments that reported new solar employment over the previous year,
over half indicated that those hired were required to have previous work experience related to
the position (52.6%). Employers were also asked about the wages paid to a subset of their
workers. Arizona solar firms pay their installers approximately $18 per hour, though less than the
national average among solar firms ($2 per hour less than the median wage paid nationally and
$6.29 per hour less than the mean wage).
Figure 7: Background of Newly Hired Solar Worker - Percent of Workers
11
12. Arizona solar firms were also asked to provide a demographic profile of their workforce,
with a particular focus on women, racial and ethnic minorities, and U.S veterans. Because of the
sensitive nature of these questions, the survey was careful to avoid social obligation bias;
however, as documented by survey experts, some bias in such questions is inevitable. As a result,
it is likely that the figures reported below are inflated by some 10 to 15%. Despite this, the
demographic data do provide a general understanding of the demographic makeup of the
industry and a baseline from which to track progress in future Census reports and comparison to
national industry data.
Overall, the solar industry in Arizona is quite diverse as seen in Figure 8 below.
Figure 8: Demographic Breakdown - Overall
Additionally, 1,391 (16.3%) solar workers in Arizona are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces,
which is a much higher rate than the national solar industry (in which veterans represent 9.2% of
all solar workers).
!
12
13. 2.1 Detailed Labor Market Analysis: Installation
As of November 2013, there are 318 establishments in Arizona’s installation sector,
employing 3,311 solar workers (38.7% of overall Arizona solar employment and 4.8% of
national solar installation employment).
One-third of installation firms expect to add more workers by November 2014 (33.3%),
compared to 44.4% nationally (Figure 9). This represents the addition of 154 solar installation
workers, or a 4.6% growth rate over 12 months. This growth rate is considerably lower than the
figure reported nationally among installation firms (21.1%).
Figure 9: 12-Month Hiring Expectations—Installation Establishments
As illustrated by Figure 10 below, photovoltaics dominate the Arizona installation
landscape (66.7%), although water heating is also prominent in the sector (43.1%), much more
so than at the national level, where only 38.5% of installation firms report working with the
technology.
13
14. Figure 10: Percentage of Firms by Technology—Installation
Of solar installation firms that work with photovoltaic products, the majority of
establishments are engaged in small commercial installations (79.2%), residential systems
(72.9%), and medium to large commercial or industrial projects (54.2%).
Figure 11: Percentage of Photovoltaic Installers, by Size of Project
14
15. The vast majority of respondents in this sector attribute consumer demand to solar’s
potential to save money (72.2%), as seen in Figure 12 below.
Figure 12: Consumer Demand Drivers—Installers
15
Photo Courtesy NREL
16. 2.2 Detailed Labor Market Analysis: Sales and Distribution
There are 142 sales and distribution establishments in Arizona that employ approximately
1,472 solar workers, according to Census estimates. The employers in the solar sales and
distribution sector sell all types of solar products and play a pivotal role in the solar supply chain.
These establishments work in wholesale and retail trade of components and finished products.
A majority of sales and distribution companies work with photovoltaic systems (84.0%),
while 40.0% provide solar water heating equipment (Figure 13).
Figure 13: Percentage of Establishments by Product Sales—Sales and Distribution
Fewer sales and distribution firms in Arizona attribute all of their revenue to solar products
when compared to the national average (48.0% in Arizona compared to 52.8% nationally).
16
17. Figure 14: Percentage of Revenue Related to Solar Products—Sales and Distribution
Solar sales and distribution firms are less optimistic about future growth than the national
average, with 36.0% expecting to add employment over the coming 12 months (55.3%
nationally). Despite limited expectations of growth, employment in the sector is projected to
increase by 15.8% in Arizona over the next year, representing the addition of 233 solar
employees.
Figure 15: 12 Month Hiring Expectations—Sales and Distribution
Due to the limited survey response of solar firms in manufacturing, project development,
and "other" (including nonprofit, academia, and government) in Arizona, statistically significant
data and analyses are unavailable for these sectors.
17
18. 3. Geographic Data
In addition to the statewide results, this report includes information about the distribution of
solar workers across state legislative and congressional districts in Arizona, included in the maps
and tables below.
State Legislative Districts
!
18
20. Legislative
District
Representative Representative Senator Total
Empl.
23 Kavanagh, John Ugenti, Micelle Reagan, Michele 843
26 Sherwood, Andrew Mendez, Juan Ableser, Ed 675
28 Brophy McGee, Kate Meyer, Eric Driggs, Adam 668
15 Carter, Heather Allen, John Barto, Nancy 529
18 Dial, Jeff Robson, Bob McComish, John 517
27 Gallego, Ruben Miranda, Catherine H. Landrum Taylor, Leah 452
25 Olson, Justin Pierce, Justin Worsley, Bob 373
1 Fann, Karen Tobin, Andy Pierce, Steve 362
6 Barton, Brenda Thorpe, bob Crandell, Chester 346
24 Campbell, Chad Alston, Lela Hobbs, Katie 343
12 Petersen, Warren Farnsworth, Eddie Biggs, Andy 333
5 Borrelli, Sonny Goodales, Doris Ward, Kelli 321
19 Contreras, Lupe Chavira Cardenas, Mark A. Tovar, Anna 280
13 Montenegro, Steve Michell, Darin Shooter, Don 279
20 Boyer, Paul Seel, Carl Yee, Kimberly 278
9 Orr, Ethan Steele, Victoria Farley, Steve 248
17 Forese, Thomas Mesnard, Javan "J.D." Yarbrough, Steve 246
14 Gowan Sr., David M. Stevens, David M. Griffin, Gail 229
21 Gray, Rick Lesko, Debbie Murphy, Rick 173
2 Gabaldón, Rosanna Dalessandro, Andrea 163
22 Lovas, Phil Livingston, David Burges, Judy 148
16 Townsend, Kelly Coleman, Doug Farnsworth, David 132
11 Kwasman, Adam Smith, Steve Melvin, Al 113
3 Gonzales, Sally Ann Saldate IV, Macario Cajero Bedford, Olivia 110
30 Larkin, Jonathan McCune Davis, Debbie Meza, Robert 107
29 Quezada, Martin J. Hernández, Lydia Gallardo, Steve 106
10 Mach, Stefanie Wheeler, Bruce Bradley, David 80
7 Peshlakai, Jamescita Hale, Albert Begay, Carlyle 52
8 Pratt, Frank Shope, T.J. McGuire, Barbara 45
4 Escamilla, Juan Carlos Otondo, Lisa Pancrazi, Lynne 9
Total 8557
20
21. Federal Congressional Districts
!
Congress.
District
Legislator Total
Empl.
Women African
American
Latino/
Hispanic
Asian/
Pacific
Islander
Veterans
1 Kirkpatrick, Ann 934 205 44 259 40 155
2 Barber, Ron 487 96 27 149 17 95
3 Grijalva, Raul 475 102 23 135 20 82
4 Gosar, Paul A. 1036 224 50 291 44 175
5 Salmon, Matt 986 212 48 278 41 168
6 Schweikert, David 2835 648 122 754 133 434
7 Pastor, Ed 1415 324 61 375 67 215
8 Franks, Trent 239 50 12 69 9 43
9 Sinema, Kyrsten 150 34 7 40 7 23
Total 8557 1894 394 2349 378 1391
21
22. 4.0 Conclusions
Given the employment and other struggles facing the Arizona solar industry over
the last year, many will be watching the state closely over the next several years to see
whether or not it can retain its position as the second-largest solar market and employer of
solar workers. Installation forecasts show new annual PV capacity continuing to decline
through 2015. However, much of this overall decline will be driven by a far lower amount
of new utility-scale capacity coming online than was installed in either of the last two
years. Over the same period, new residential solar capacity is expected to increase at a
significantly higher rate than that projected for 2012-2013. Because utility-scale projects
have a lower labor intensity (i.e., fewer jobs supported per MW) than residential
installations, employment growth resulting from capacity additions in the latter market
segment could help offset lower employment levels arising from a decline in new utility-
scale installations. Regardless of the factors involved, Arizona solar employers remain
optimistic about future job growth, anticipating the addition of 475 workers (5.6% growth)
over the next year. Only a thorough reinvestigation of state solar employment at the end of
2014 will reveal how companies in Arizona have ultimately fared.
!
The Arizona Census also found that the state solar industry employs a larger than
average proportion of veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces than the national solar industry.
Approximately one in six Arizona solar workers (16.3%) have served in the military,
though statewide, U.S. veterans under 65 (those most likely to be working or seeking
work) only represent 9.7% of the state’s total civilian labor force. The Arizona solar
industry’s employment of veterans also compares favorably with the national solar
industry as a whole, in which 9.2% of solar workers were found to be former service
members. Identifying the causes behind the relatively high employment rate of veterans in
the state solar industry is a subject for further research. However, The Solar Foundation®,
in partnership with the Truman National Security Project’s “Operation Free” campaign,
seeks to take on a related effort—designed to understand how skills developed in military
occupations transfer over to jobs in the solar industry—which may provide some insight
into the factors driving the high veteran employment rate observed in the Arizona solar
industry.
!
If you find this Arizona Census to be useful, please don't hesitate to make a tax-
deductible donation to The Solar Foundation®. Each donation, no matter the size, helps
us provide credible research that deepens our understanding of the industry and drives
the market. More information at www.TheSolarFoundation.org
22
23. !
5. Appendices
5.1 Data Sources
!
EMSI Data Sources and Calculations
Industry Data
!
In order to capture a complete picture of industry employment, EMSI basically combines
covered employment data from Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW)
produced by the Department of Labor with total employment data in Regional Economic
Information System (REIS) published by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA),
augmented with County Business Patterns (CBP) and Nonemployer Statistics (NES)
published by the U.S. Census Bureau. Projections are based on the latest available EMSI
industry data, 15-year past local trends in each industry, growth rates in statewide and
(where available) sub-state area industry projections published by individual state
agencies, and (in part) growth rates in national projections from the Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
!
State Data Sources
!
This report uses state data from the following agencies: Arizona Labor Market Information
Department.
!
!
!!
!
23
24. 5.2 Data Limitations and Methodology
The Arizona Solar Jobs Census methodology is most closely aligned with the
Bureau of Labor Statistics’ methodology for its Quarterly Census of Employment and
Wages (QCEW) and Current Employment Statistics (CES). Like BLS, this study uses survey
questionnaires and employer-reported data, though ours are administered by phone and
email, as opposed to mail.
!
Also like BLS, we develop a hierarchy of various categories that represent solar
value chain activities (within their broader NAICS framework), develop representative
sample frames, and use statistical analysis and extrapolation in a very similar manner to
BLS. We also constrain our universe of establishments by relying on the most recent data
from the BLS or the state departments of labor, depending on which is collected most
recently. We believe that the categories that we have developed could be readily adopted
by BLS should it choose to begin to quantify solar employment in its QCEW and CES
series.
!
The survey was administered to a known universe of solar employers that includes
approximately 535 establishments and is derived from SEIA’s National Solar Database as
well as other public and private sources. Of these establishments, 99 provided
information about their solar activities (or lack thereof), and 53 completed full or
substantially completed surveys.
!
The Arizona survey was also administered to a stratified, clustered, random
sampling from various industries that are potentially solar-related that include a total of
5,339 establishments in Arizona. After an extensive cleaning and de-duplication process,
a sampling plan was developed that gathered information on the level of solar activity
(including none) from 1,223 establishments. Of these, 85 establishments qualified for and
completed full surveys. This level of sampling rigor provides a margin of error for
establishment counts at +/-2.36% and employment at +/-7.34% at a 95% confidence
interval. For a fuller description of the methodology, please see the National Solar Jobs
Census 2013 available at www.TSFcensus.org.
!
It is of further importance to note that the figures provided in this report are estimates
based on surveys administered only to employers in installation, manufacturing, sales and
distribution, project development and “other” establishments in research and
development, legal services, finance and accounting, academia, government agencies,
nonprofit organizations, and other ancillary employers that do solar work. Data for the
“other” category do not capture all jobs or establishments in the category. Although some
“other” establishments are included in the Known Universe, accounting, legal, finance,
and other ancillary establishments spend only a very small portion of their time on solar
activities. Thus, full inclusion would lead to inflated employment counts.
!
24
25. 5.3 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are these "Direct Jobs" only?
Direct, indirect, and induced are terms intended to explain the various levels of economic
activity that result from changes to an economy. These figures, generated by economic modeling
exercises, are best applied to specific projects rather than entire industries. For example, a utility
scale solar project would have a certain number of people working on the construction of the
plant (direct), the workers who manufacture and deliver the goods (indirect), and support the
local economy by increasing the spending on goods and services, such as restaurants, gas
stations, and retail establishments (induced). Census data includes most of the direct and
indirect jobs in the solar industry, with the exception of some indirect jobs in the component and
materials supply chain.
2. How does your methodology compare with the Bureau of Labor Statistics?
The Census methodology is most closely aligned with the Bureau of Labor Statistics’
methodology for its Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) and Current
Employment Statistics (CES). Like BLS, this study uses survey questionnaires and employer-
reported data, though ours are administered by phone and email, as opposed to mail. Also like
BLS, we develop a hierarchy of various categories that represent solar value chain activities
(within their broader NAICS framework), develop representative sample frames, and use
statistical analysis and extrapolation in a very similar manner to BLS. We also constrain our
universe of establishments by relying on the most recent data from the BLS or the state
departments of labor, depending on which is collected most recently. We believe that the
categories that we have developed could be readily adopted by BLS should it choose to begin to
quantify solar employment in its QCEW and CES series.
3. How is a solar worker defined?
A "solar worker" is defined as those workers who spend at least 50% of their time supporting
solar-related activities.
This definition helps to avoid the over-counting that is inherent in7
methods that count every single job in terms of FTEs or job hours. For example, although the BLS
does not yet quantify solar jobs, they count other types of occupations by counting every single
job separately regardless of hours or fraction of time actually spent on the job. As a result,
according to the BLS, someone with three part-time jobs yields three jobs. Although the BLS and
others consider our methodology to be the emerging standard for tracking jobs they do not yet
track, critics of our methodology claim a 50% definition causes jobs to be over counted.
However, the reality is that over 90% of those who meet our definition of a solar worker in 2013
nationally actually spend 100% of their time supporting solar-related activities. Because the
Census covers sectors directly related to new installed solar capacity and the sectors that support
these efforts, jobs figures are best thought of as covering direct and indirect jobs.
!
25
In Arizona, 91.4% of all solar workers spend 100% of their time on solar activities.7
26. 4. What is the minimum education necessary to enter the solar job field?
While there exist entry-level positions for individuals interested in entering
certain solar job fields, there is not always an immediate pathway into these jobs.
Of the employers who participated in the Arizona Solar Jobs Census, 52.6%
indicated that they look for previous related experience in the solar workers they
hire. In addition, 7.2% noted they require at least an associate’s degree or
certificate from an accredited college and 4.1% seek workers with a bachelor’s
degree or beyond. Those interested in beginning a career in the solar industry can
learn more about the education, experience, and skills required for these jobs by
visiting the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Career Map at http://
www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/careermap.
!
!
More FAQs about the Census methodology and national results are available in
the National Solar Jobs Census 2013, available at www.TSFcensus.org.
!
!
26
27. !
6. Solar Employment in Other States
Due to the immense investment of time and funding required to do so accurately
with a survey-based methodology, the Census report series does not directly provide
estimates of solar employment in each of the 50 states. In early 2013, The Solar
Foundation® published its first-ever State Solar Jobs Map (www.solarstates.org), an
interactive, web-based tool presenting the most credible estimates of state-level jobs
currently known. These figures were internally generated by The Solar Foundation® with
technical assistance from the Solar Energy Industries Association’s Research Department
using thousands of data points from a combination of high-quality sources, including
survey results from National Solar Jobs Census Series and the Solar Energy Industries
Association’s “National Solar Database.”
These state employment figures were produced using a carefully developed dual
methodology—one for installation and construction jobs and another for distributed
generation and non-installation jobs. In brief, method one employed labor intensity
multipliers developed internally and cross checked with leading studies on the subject,
while method two was based not only on a direct count of solar workers, but also the
average number of jobs per solar establishment and total number of establishments in
each state. The final state totals provided are the rounded average of our high and low
estimates.
Updated state-level employment estimates were made available through The Solar
Foundation’s® State Solar Jobs Map website (www.solarstates.org) on February 11th,
2014.
27
28. !
Copyright Notice
!
Unless otherwise noted, all design, text, graphics, and the selection and arrangement
thereof are Copyright February 2014 by The Solar Foundation® and BW Research
Partnership. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Any use of materials in this report, including
reproduction, modification, distribution, or republication, without the prior written
consent of The Solar Foundation® and BW Research Partnership, is strictly prohibited.
!
!
Please cite this publication when referencing this material as “Arizona Solar Jobs Census
2013, The Solar Foundation, available at www.TSFcensus.org. ”