Technology Jobs Tempe Go Solar

Those looking for technology jobs Tempe may want to consider a position in the solar industry.

The "National Solar Jobs Census 2011: A Review of the U.S. Solar Workforce," a new report from The Solar foundation, found that solar industry hiring is on the rise as hundreds of thousands of Americans currently work in the industry.

The report ranked Arizona third in terms of solar industry employment, as the state currently has about 4,786 solar-related jobs. Only California and Colorado have more solar industry jobs than Arizona.

"Arizona continues its ascension as a national and global leader in the solar industry," Gov. Jan Brewer said in a statement. "Driven by its abundant sunshine, highly-trained workforce and renewable-energy tax credits, Arizona is the place to be when it comes to solar energy location and expansion. This report is further evidence that Arizona is on the right track when it comes to fostering job growth in the solar industry."

Since Arizona's Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Program became effective in 2010, nine renewable energy companies have located or expanded operations in the state, creating more than 2,100 jobs and injecting more than $1 billion into the local economy.

There are currently three large-scale renewable energy utility projects under construction in Arizona that will result in a thousands of new jobs and a total investment of more than $2.7 billion. Those projects include: Abengoa Solar, Inc.; Agua Caliente; and Mesquite Solar 1 LLC.

Nationwide, there are currently more than 17,198 solar employment sites that are responsible for 100,237 jobs throughout all 50 states. Over the next year, employers plan to increase hiring in the solar industry by 24 percent, creating 24,000 new jobs.

"The solar industry has grown into a major economic force with more than 100,000 employees in the United States," Andrea Luecke, executive director of The Solar Foundation, said. "We expect even greater growth in the foreseeable future. But policymakers, workforce training providers, and the industry must work together to continue creating good jobs for skilled workers."