Solar Industry Has Plans for Job Growth if Tax Credits Are Extended

[jpak]

http://www.sdbj.com/industry_article.asp?aID=58503418.9631159.1585285.5107189.3976339.585&aID2=121936

Nearly 9 million new jobs and $970 billion in revenue were generated by the national energy industry in 2006, yet industry insiders are concerned that the growth will level off if Congress does not extend renewable energy tax credits.

A report researched by the American Solar Energy Society Inc. of Boulder, Colo., and released in 2007 goes on to state the economic impact of the growing renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.

Figures, and estimates, vary — the California Solar Energy Industries Association of Rio Vista says that up to 7,000 workers statewide are employed at solar energy companies, while some national organizations estimate that one out of four jobs in 2030 in the nation will be green-related.

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This definition accounts for the obvious — installers, engineers and computer analysts — as well as accountants, administrators, truck drivers and mechanics employed by solar companies.

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[Deja Q]

1. There are times when it makes sense to extend tax cuts, et al...

I think this is one of those times.

Solar power would easily supplant coal and other forms of power for those bright and sunny days; capacitance technologies helping on the days when it's a wee bit cloudy out...

And for those installing the units, getting paid a fair wage to do a good job installing them without damaging them -- not only allows the workers to spend, but keeps them healthy by doing the physical labor. I'd do it.

[ixion]

2. this is where the money should be going

instead of coal and nuclear and further drilling, which is where it's going now.