The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA; Washington, D.C.) on May 19th, 2010 released a study projecting the positive economic impact of the U.S. Department of Treasury's Grant Program (TGP) and the solar Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit (MITC). The study was conducted by independent consulting firm EuPD Research, and it found that extending the TGP by two years and including solar manufacturing in the industries' existing tax credit would add 200,000 new domestic jobs to the solar workforce and supporting industries in the United States.

"Unemployment across the country remains near 10 percent, while the construction industry is suffering at nearly 22 percent unemployment", said Rhone Resch, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SEIA. "But during the last year, the solar industry has been one of the bright spots in our economy with the creation of 17,000 new jobs." Resch pointed out that these jobs were created thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). "It's time for Congress to extend the programs that have given new opportunity for Americans in the solar industry", he said.

Treasury Grant and Solar Manufacturing Tax Credit cited as key drivers for jobs

"The Treasury Grant Program is essential to keeping project financing, the lifeblood of the solar industry, moving forward", said John Stanton, Vice President of Government Affairs for SolarCity (Foster City, California). "SolarCity has hired more than 300 people in the last 12 months and believes we and others in the industry can continue replacing jobs lost in the recession as long as this critical program is extended." According to the study, the California jobs market would benefit the most from solar-friendly policies, with a projected creation of 60,000 news jobs in this state. Michigan is projected to create 24,000 new green jobs while Ohio, Oregon and Texas could gain over 13,000 new jobs each. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), said: "Extension of the Treasury Grant program is essential to continuing our nascent economic recovery and moving to a cleaner, more distributed 21st century energy system. Tens of thousands of jobs hinge on continuing this successful program."

Key policies could result in 10 GW new solar capacity by 2016

According to SEIA, the extension of the TGP would also result in 10 gigawatts (GW) of new solar installations by 2016, enough to power approximately 2 million homes. Dozens of states could see substantial capacity increases in new solar installations. California is projected to add over 4,400 megawatts (MW) of capacity, while Arizona would gain over 1,400 MW and Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Nevada, and New Jersey adding 300 MW each. SEIA explains that each 100 MW in solar capacity is enough to power about 25,000 American homes. The new study complements research released in April by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL) that found the TGP "has provided significant economic value" and showed strong employment levels in renewable energy industries during 2009. "From coast to coast, the solar industry is putting Americans back to work with safe, stable careers that offer hope for their families and for the country," Resch said. "We need to support these workers with stable, common-sense policies like an extension of the Treasury Grant Program that provides opportunity while saving the tax-payer money."

2010-05-27 | Courtesy: SEIA | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH