Increase in Solar Power Incentives and Employment

By Wallace Bohanan

The solar industry is creating more jobs in North Carolina as the cost of equipment that converts sunlight to electrical energy falls in price.

The Federal Government and North Carolina both provide tax incentives for business and homes that have solar energy systems installed. There are more than 14,000 homes powered by solar energy in the state, and the number is rising steadily. North Carolina is #2 in the nation for solar energy creation, and Western North Carolina is benefiting from the expansion. This expansion of solar energy output is also creating more jobs around the state.

This information was disseminated at a meeting of local solar installers, investors, and advocates at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Asheville. Participants included Self-Help Credit Union, FLS Energy, MB Haynes Electric, 2 Clean Energy for Us, and North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light. Discussions and presentations centered around successes and challenges.

There are employment opportunities for trained solar installers in this growing industry. Frank Marshall, of FLS Energy, explained how the company has grown from a solar hot water system installer, to a solar farm installer. Solar hot water systems were installed in homes and businesses and the power is used by the customer. Solar farm arrays use thousands of solar panels, and sell power directly to Duke Energy.

Frank is looking forward to the day when his company can sell power directly to customer, which is currently not allowed in North Carolina. He recently lobbied the state legislature, along with other businesses, homeowners, investors, and power companies, to keep the NC State tax incentives in place. Currently, the bill to end the tax incentives is languishing in the Senate and likely will not be voted on in the near future.

These tax incentives are keeping North Carolina on the leading edge of solar energy and also providing jobs. Self-Help Credit Union is the leader in North Carolina for lending funds to businesses, organizations, and homeowners who want to provide or use solar energy. Currently, Self-Help Credit Union has invested more than $76 million with solar energy developers to help launch 30 clean-energy construction sites and create more than 2,250 clean energy jobs.

Homeowners who have solar energy systems installed can sell energy back to the power company, as well as provide solar energy power for their homes.

Jane B. Hatley, Regional Director of Self-Help Credit Union, has been a tireless advocate for solar energy. When other financial institutions would not provide loans to the solar industry, Self-Help Credit Union stepped in and helped to make North Carolina a leader in this field.

Opportunities to enter the field of solar energy are beginning to open up. Check with your local community colleges for courses that can prepare you for a career in the solar industry. You can also contact employment counselors at Job Link, Goodwill, or the Employment Security Commission to see about apprenticeship programs or job opportunities.

If you are a veteran, there is a solar assembly plant being opened in Marshall, North Carolina that will provide on the job training. Veterans who have served in the past 10 years and have an honorable discharge can contact William Boyle at [email protected].