Solar Initiative Sparks California Economic Growth

In California, the solar power industry is growing faster than ever due to legislation which created $3 billion USD in related tax credits. Indications from CSI show that the solar industry continues to grow despite poor current economic conditions. The good news is that the incentive program is accomplishing its goal to expand and improve the affordability of the solar market. Also, new jobs are being created and many new jobs are expected in the near future for increased demand of solar installations. Recently, the CSI announced a new rebate for solar power installations on affordable housing.

Solar Power Incentives Help Create Jobs

Labor department data from 2007 shows there were 1,400 plus certified solar installers and 6,500 related solar jobs serving the state’s five billion dollar solar industry. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) estimates that the number of installers required to satisfy consumer purchases must more than double by 2010 in order to keep pace with demand. The number of associated downstream or related jobs will also need to double by this time as well.

Below: An aerial view of 'Solar Two', an improved version of 'Solar One' which was built in the California Mojave desert. The system generated 10mw of solar power, but was eventually decommissioned in 1999. The hundreds of small mirrors which track the sun are called 'heliostats' focused the rays of the sun keeping the molten salt hot, which was then used on demand to generate steam to move turbines which generated electricity. Companies such as Boeing are seeking to build similar projects in Spain, where government incentives have made similar high risk projects economically viable.

It's really wonderful to see solar power has had amazing growth trends in California. In fact, the use of solar power has really doubled each year worldwide for the past several years. Hopefully, this nearly unlimited source of clean energy will continue to grow in popularity & help the entire world become less dependent on fossil fuels.