Report shows the growth of solar energy, hints at a bright future

The solar energy industry in the U.S. is growing, according to a report from the Solar Foundation, a non-profit education and research organization.

The report shows that the solar industry is not only becoming more popular with consumers, but that it is also creating more jobs. The federal government has been insisting that the alternative energy sector would help embolden the economy by creating jobs for several years now. This claim seems to be becoming true as the industry gains momentum.

According to the report, the solar industry created new jobs at a rate of 6.8% from the beginning of the year to August. Initial estimates held that growth at 0.7%, showing that the industry is far exceeding expectations. The report notes that the growth of solar energy has cut into the fossil-fuel industry, brining net job loss in that field up by 2%.

Workers were not displaced for long, however, as they were quickly inducted into the business of alternative energy.

To date, more than 100,000 individuals are employed at more than 17,000 solar energy sites throughout the country. California holds the top spot, in this regard, employing some 25,575 workers. The industry is growing fastest in Colorado, Arizona and Florida, where new legislations have proven attractive to solar energy companies.

The report also forecasts continued growth for the next 12 months, estimating job growth to exceed 24% in that time.