Georgia 2nd in the country for solar job growth in 2019

by Cindy Morley | April 1, 2020

Georgia is quickly becoming one of the bright spots in solar job growth in the country. According to information released Tuesday, Georgia ranked second in the U.S. for solar job growth in 2019 and led in percentage growth at 29 percent more jobs than 2018 — trailing only Florida in total job increase.

“We are very encouraged by the growth of solar in Georgia. The Georgia PSC is leading with a conservative approach and the solar industry is beginning to thrive,” said Theresa Garcia Robertson, Executive Director for Conservatives for Clean Energy Georgia. “All over the state we are seeing the innovative ways that solar is increasing jobs and improving our quality of life. Georgia is a model for showing the rest of the country what a conservative approach to clean energy can do for growing jobs and improving the economy.”

The report, the National Solar Job Census released by The Solar Foundation, states, “In 2019, solar jobs grew in 31 states, led by Florida, Georgia, Utah, and New York.”

“I’m proud of our work to increase solar in Georgia last year,” said Georgia Public Service (PSC) Commissioner Jason Shaw. “We included a significant amount in the IRP and all of it was below avoided cost. Rural Georgia has benefitted in particular with the growth of solar farms. Diversifying our energy portfolio with solar and increasing the amount of homegrown energy can only benefit our ratepayers.”

Georgia has the largest solar profile of any state with no tax subsidies and no federal mandates. The Georgia PSC approved 30 percent more solar than ever before in the latest Georgia Integrated Resource Plan in July of 2019, according to Garcia. And the Georgia PSC approved 5,000 net metering solar contracts in December of 2019.

The report went on to say, “The Southeastern United States is one of the bright spots in this year’s Census, with strong job growth driven by utility-scale expansion as well as new manufacturing jobs. A net total of more than 3,700 jobs was added across the region, with eight of 13 Southeastern states experiencing job growth.”

“This further demonstrates the need for the continued growth of solar for our economy,” said Garcia Robertson. “The solar industry is creating jobs, more energy choices and lower prices for consumers. Many thanks to the leadership of our great state and the commissioners of the Georgia Public Service Commission. We have done it the conservative way; no tax subsidies and no federal mandates.”

Click here for the full 2020 National Solar Jobs Census Report.