From the News Desk at SEIA: The Facts About Solar Energy

We need your help to spread the facts – not spin – about solar energy. Take a moment to review the facts below and keep these in mind the next time you hear GOP or Democratic politicians discussing solar energy or ‘green jobs’.

Here are the facts about solar: 

•    The solar industry employs more than 100,000 Americans, more than twice as many as in 2009. They work at more than 5,000 companies, the vast majority being small businesses, in all 50 states.

•    The U.S. solar industry grew by 69% in the past year, making it one of the fastest growing sectors in the U.S. economy.

•    Since the beginning of 2010, the price of solar panels has dropped by 30%, and costs continue to fall making solar an even more viable choice for residential and business customers.

•    The U.S. was a net exporter of solar products in 2010 by $2 billion. We were even a net exporter to China.

•    Solar power in the U.S. now exceeds 3,100 megawatts (MW), enough to power more than 630,000 homes.

•    Continued industry growth enhances our energy security and diversifies our domestic energy portfolio.