Green Jobs in Denver

If you're looking for a more sustainable career, you might want to check out the green jobs Denver has to offer.

These days many people who are just entering the workforce, as well as those looking to change careers, are turning to the green-collar industry for job opportunities.

Most recently, SMA Solar Technology AG announced its plan to build a production facility in Denver, a move that will create at least 300 new jobs and invest $20 million in the local economy.

"We're diversifying our energy portfolio here," Gov. Bill Ritter said. "We're addressing climate change and we're improving our energy security but at the same time, we're creating economic opportunities."

The German-based company produces solar inverters that take energy from solar panels and convert it for home use. The new facility will be located in an existing building and the company hopes to begin production within the first six months of 2010.

"(Their inverter technology) can be compared in the solar industry to what disc operating systems did to revolutionize the desktop computer," Tom Clark, with the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, told 9News.com.

The plant in Denver is the company's first plant outside of Germany. At its highest capacity, the plant will be able to expand to 700 workers. The average salary for workers with the company will be about $33,000.

"As a global company, we have made the decision to expand our product in Denver because the city offers optimal flexibility for our future growth," Pierre Urbon, chief financial officer with SMA, said. "In Europe, SMA has consistently ranked as one of the most attractive workplaces particularly because of our focus on the quality of life for our employees. We believe that Denver and Colorado and its people offer us the infrastructure and conditions to compliment this."

SMA Solar Technology AG will receive a state tax credit of $500 for every job it creates. In addition, the company was given $2 million in state economic development credits and $1 million from the city and county of Denver.