The U.S. solar industry saw a 6 percent rise in employment last year, reaching a record 280,000 jobs, according to the National Solar Jobs Census released on Monday by the nonprofit Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
This growth underscores the rapid expansion of solar-generated electricity, driven by increasing demand from corporations and governments seeking cleaner energy sources to combat climate change.
Solar energy plays a critical role in President Joe Biden’s commitment to creating millions of jobs through a transition to carbon-free energy. The sector’s job growth in 2023 was bolstered by a rebound in utility-scale projects, helped by easing supply chain disruptions and incentives from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
By the end of 2023, U.S. solar jobs reached 279,447, with the utility-scale segment adding 1,888 positions, bringing the total to 29,708 jobs. The residential installation sector saw a 6.3 percent increase, adding 5,945 jobs, although growth slowed compared to 2022 due to high interest rates and reduced incentives in California. Meanwhile, manufacturing jobs remained stable at around 33,273 as companies became more efficient in producing solar components.
The report cautioned that solar job growth in 2024 may flatten, with residential installations declining and utility-scale projects facing grid connection delays and a shortage of skilled labor. Despite these challenges, the U.S. solar industry remains a key part of the nation’s energy transition.