Increased Use Of Solar Power Could Bring Thousands Of Jobs By 2030

[RestoreGore]

We can have a cleaner safer world if we demand it.

http://www.solardaily.com/reports/Increased_Use_Of_Solar_Power_Could_Add_120000_New_Jobs_By_2030_999.html


IC2 Institute study finds solar energy brings technology-related and manufacturing jobs to Texas
by Staff Writers
Austin, Texas (SPX) Jul 10, 2007

Development of the solar energy industry in Texas would have a significant economic impact for consumers, the environment and workers, according to a new white paper released by the IC2 Institute at the University of Texas at Austin. Opportunity on the Horizon: Photovoltaics in Texas finds that the near-term benefits of nurturing the solar energy industry in Texas will stimulate the state's economy, reduce the cost of power for consumers and minimize green-house gas emissions.

"The white paper finds the potential for economic growth in Texas through the creation of a vibrant solar power industry," said Joel Serface, director of the Clean Energy Incubator at The University of Texas at Austin and a contributor to the report. "Worldwide, the cost of converting sunlight to electricity is rapidly decreasing. The right public policies, combined with emerging and increasingly efficient technologies in solar power, would create a solid opportunity for Texas to build an economic engine on this non-polluting resource."

The paper cites a recent University of California-Berkeley study that finds the solar industry produces seven to 11 times as many jobs on a megawatt capacity basis as coal-fired power plants and has a larger positive trickle-down effect than wind energy.

"Solar-produced power appears to have the greatest potential of all the alternative energy technologies," said Pearce W. Hammond, vice president, Simmons and Company International, an investment bank specializing in the energy industry. "Given its solar assets, Texas should excel in this field and potentially become a world-leader in solar technology, implementation, related jobs and production."

Estimates suggest Texas could generate 123,000 new high-wage, technology-related, advanced manufacturing and electrical services jobs by 2020 by actively moving toward solar power. It is predicted these jobs would be created across the entire state as large solar farms grow in West Texas, silicon plants develop along the Gulf Coast and manufacturing centers appear in Central Texas.

snip

In a recent survey, 84 percent of Texas power consumers responded favorably to the question, "Do you think the Texas Legislature should encourage investment in solar power in Texas?" Worldwide, investors are confident in the future of solar power. The solar industry grew to $10.6 billion in revenues in 2006 and is estimated to be greater than $30 billion, with some analyst estimates as high as $72 billion for the entire solar value chain by 2010.

~~~~~
As George Harrison wrote, "Here comes the sun and I say, it's alright."

[Dogmudgeon]

1. Can I have a pony if I demand it?

--p!

[RestoreGore]

2. Now you're mocking Al Gore?

He is correct when he states that in order for that political tipping point to be reached that people have to demand it. But if having a pony is all you aspire to considerng what we are now facing, go for it.

[4bh0r53n]

3. Well if he has a pony....

then he will be less likely to burn fossil fuels if decides to use it for transport.

On another point now, will the jobs it creates outweigh the jobs lost due to the closing down of fossil fuel plants and nuclear plants?

[greenman3610]

4. actually,

alternative energy and renewables/conservation creates
far more jobs per dollar spent than nuclear/coal.

"Investment in new renewable energy sources leads to roughly 10 times more jobs than a comparable investment in the fossil-fuel sector. This difference underscores the economic benefits of moving our economy and society from one of energy 'hunter gatherers' to one of 'energy farmers' and innovators."

http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2004/04/13_kamm.shtml


Table 1. Jobs Involved in Producing 1000 Gigawatt-hours of Electricity Per Year
Number of jobs: 100 116 248 542
Energy source: Nuclear fission Coal Solar thermal Wind
http://www.greens.org/s-r/11/11-09.html

So, the bottom line is,diverting investment into fossil fuels and nuclear actually destroys
jobs, particularly in the rural areas where they are desperately needed, and
where renewables will shine.

[4bh0r53n]

7. Thanks, i was just wondering as i didnt know the exact figures involved

n/t

[RestoreGore]

6. Sure. They can then all have jobs that will actually be doing good for the planet

Instead of just putting dirty money in dirty hands.

[kestrel91316]

9. Remember to factor in the cost to all of us if we continue burning fossil fuels.

[Dogmudgeon]

5. I don't want a pony any more. I want a Transformers Optimus Prime Action Figure!

I demand it.

It is my birthright!

MAKE IT SO!

--p!

[Zenlitened]

8. I've found that job creation is one of the main arguments...

... uniting people on both sides of the political spectrum I inhabit these days. The lefties like me still want to save the trees, the whales, the spotted owls etc.

But we also see the pursuit of new energy technology as something beneficial simply from an economic standpoint... which elicits nods of approval from the righties in the crowd. (Particularly the Born-Again Libertarians -- you know 'em: the people who can't believe they voted for Bush!)