The U.S Has More Solar Workers Than Coal Miners

[ScienceRocks]

The U.S Has More Solar Workers Than Coal Miners

Though solar power is still far from surpassing coal as America’s primary energy source, the number of people employed by the solar industry has surpassed the number of coal miners. The non-profit Solar Foundation estimates that there are about 142,000 people in the U.S. workforce who spend “at least 50% of their time supporting solar-related activities,” according to Business Insider.

So what does this mean for the future of energy in America? Quite simply put, it highlights how solar power is growing at a rapid pace, with record-breaking 43 GWH estimated to be installed around the world this year, and the U.S. is estimated to make up about 6.6 GWH of those new installations. Other nations, including China and India, are investing even more heavily into solar though, and the race is on to make clean energy a cornerstone of every economy.

Meanwhile, the EPA is putting pressure on coal power plants to either clean up their act, or convert to natural gas power. This has sent coal mining employment plummeting in the past few decades, though the industry maintains a ruthless grip on many politicians on both the local and national level. Also, when you factor in every aspect of coal production and transportation, the fossil fuel industry still dwarfs solar power.

The tide is slowly changing in favor of solar power though, and as more Americans become employed by the solar industry, opposition is likely to decrease while interest is only going to increase. It might be a good time to make some choice investments in the solar industry, as it looks set to only continue to grow.

The U.S Has More Solar Workers Than Coal Miners | CleanTechnica

 

[Warrior102]

What horse shit

 

[ScienceRocks]

What horse shit

Why? Solar employs more workers than coal! That isn't a bad thing.

 

[RGR]

The U.S Has More Solar Workers Than Coal Miners

Cool! Let us know when they achieve more results. Nice to know its a highly inefficient work program so far, better luck before the end of the century perhaps?

 

[Rotagilla]

What horse shit

Why? Solar employs more workers than coal! That isn't a bad thing.

How long have you been paying your own electric bill?..or do you?

 

[Politico]

Where's Old Rocks when we need him?

 

[Old Rocks]

Nearly 143,000 and Counting: Updated State Solar Jobs Numbers for 2013 | The Solar Foundation

Over 18,000 Solar establishments employ over 142,000 workers across all 50 states, with employment growing roughly 20% in the last year alone, bringing the growth since 2010 to a whopping 53%.
Solar employment grew in 44 out of 50 states and the District of Columbia. Two states showed neither growth nor loss (Nevada and Colorado), and five states (Arizona, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Oregon, and Alaska) shed workers.
Job growth is occurring across the nation, regardless of market maturity. In 2013, jobs were added in:
Leading solar markets, such as California, Hawaii, and even New Jersey saw significant job growth;
Fast-growing markets in Massachusetts, Georgia, and North Carolina, and;
Emerging markets in Minnesota, Louisiana, and Missouri.
Employment growth has been concentrated in the Central and Eastern states. Though nearly half of U.S. solar workers are west of the Rockies, employment in this region is growing at a slower rate (7.3%) than in either the central states (65% growth) or in those east of the Mississippi (41%).

 

[Old Rocks]

Energy-Related Jobs: Solar Energy And The Keystone Pipeline - Forbes

As the solar installation numbers go up, so too do the jobs. The Solar Foundation recently released its 2013 National Solar Jobs Census (SJC) showing an estimated 142,000 workers active in the solar industry. This number is up almost 20% since 2012, with the addition of 24,000 new workers, and 50% since 2010. Over the coming year, 45% of the businesses surveyed expect to add more jobs while fewer than 2% expect to lay people off. At present, the solar industry is a critical employment generator in the U.S, generating one of every 142 new jobs created. Not surprisingly, two-thirds of the employment generated is in the relatively labor-intensive installation side of the business, earning an average $23.63 hourly wage.

 

[Old Rocks]

Energy-Related Jobs: Solar Energy And The Keystone Pipeline - Forbes

By way of context, let’s compare that with the infamous proposed Keystone Pipeline, often cited as a jobs engine.

The Keystone Pipeline project is estimated by the U.S. State Department to “support approximately 42,100 jobs (direct, indirect, and induced), of which 3,900 job-years would be direct construction jobs on the pipeline site. So, for example, that would equal 1,950 jobs if the project takes two full years. Post-construction, the project would generate 50 operations-related jobs.

 

[Two Thumbs]

yea!!!!!!!

fyi; The unemployment rolls are full of unemployed coal miners.

go fuck yourselves, slowly and painfully.

 

[Mr. H.]

Solar power is a government-instituted industry.

Hydrocarbons are a privately instituted industry.

Take you pick.

 

[Mr. H.]

The U.S Has More Solar Workers Than Coal Miners

Cool! Let us know when they achieve more results. Nice to know its a highly inefficient work program so far, better luck before the end of the century perhaps?

Nice try, but Liberals shot down the EIA long ago.

Do as Liberals say, don't do as they do.

The Dew.

 

[RGR]

yea!!!!!!!

fyi; The unemployment rolls are full of unemployed coal miners.

go fuck yourselves, slowly and painfully.

says someone who...yet again...is probably using a coal derived product and can't be bothered with the courage of their convictions, or taking responsibility for the demand they help create for the product being besmirched.

 

[westwall]

The U.S Has More Solar Workers Than Coal Miners

Though solar power is still far from surpassing coal as America’s primary energy source, the number of people employed by the solar industry has surpassed the number of coal miners. The non-profit Solar Foundation estimates that there are about 142,000 people in the U.S. workforce who spend “at least 50% of their time supporting solar-related activities,” according to Business Insider.

So what does this mean for the future of energy in America? Quite simply put, it highlights how solar power is growing at a rapid pace, with record-breaking 43 GWH estimated to be installed around the world this year, and the U.S. is estimated to make up about 6.6 GWH of those new installations. Other nations, including China and India, are investing even more heavily into solar though, and the race is on to make clean energy a cornerstone of every economy.

Meanwhile, the EPA is putting pressure on coal power plants to either clean up their act, or convert to natural gas power. This has sent coal mining employment plummeting in the past few decades, though the industry maintains a ruthless grip on many politicians on both the local and national level. Also, when you factor in every aspect of coal production and transportation, the fossil fuel industry still dwarfs solar power.

The tide is slowly changing in favor of solar power though, and as more Americans become employed by the solar industry, opposition is likely to decrease while interest is only going to increase. It might be a good time to make some choice investments in the solar industry, as it looks set to only continue to grow.

The U.S Has More Solar Workers Than Coal Miners | CleanTechnica

What's sad Mathew, is you don't understand why this is a disturbing fact.

 

[Mr. H.]

My grandfather (legally) immigrated to this nation of ours as a coal miner from Austria.
He settled in Ely, Minnesota where he plied his trade. Then on to Arkansas and then to Oklahoma.

Hydrocarbons will rule our world and our lives for generations to come. For without hydrocarbons, modern life would be impossible.

And you can take that to the bank, bitch.

 

[westwall]

yea!!!!!!!

fyi; The unemployment rolls are full of unemployed coal miners.

go fuck yourselves, slowly and painfully.

says someone who...yet again...is probably using a coal derived product and can't be bothered with the courage of their convictions, or taking responsibility for the demand they help create for the product being besmirched.

Ummmm, I hate to point out the obvious...but TT supports the coal miners...

 

[Mr. H.]

Energy-Related Jobs: Solar Energy And The Keystone Pipeline - Forbes

By way of context, let’s compare that with the infamous proposed Keystone Pipeline, often cited as a jobs engine.

The Keystone Pipeline project is estimated by the U.S. State Department to “support approximately 42,100 jobs (direct, indirect, and induced), of which 3,900 job-years would be direct construction jobs on the pipeline site. So, for example, that would equal 1,950 jobs if the project takes two full years. Post-construction, the project would generate 50 operations-related jobs.

You Liberals speak of infrastructure yet you have no clue, do you?

Don't go where you don't know jack shit.

 

[Warrior102]

Solar Power - what a fucking disaster.
Seriously. It's wrong in so many ways.

 

[ScienceRocks]

Solar Power - what a fucking disaster.
Seriously. It's wrong in so many ways.

Prove it!

 

[Warrior102]

Solar Power - what a fucking disaster.
Seriously. It's wrong in so many ways.

Prove it!

Prove what? It takes six-figures to "get in" and even with all the government subsidies, it's a 17-year loan. After 17 years of debt - you have what to show? 17 year old "junk" on your roof? If you're not capable of remaining on the grid - you'll need a propane powered generator (20K at least). Have you priced a marine battery? There are at least 20 of these in the basement in which the power is stored to light/run a home - which all need maintenance/upkeep/replacement. Hot water is not immediate, system needs regular maintenance ($200/a service visit) + parts, etc.

Since you've made this investment - how's it working out in your home?