Solar energy workforce in Michigan grows by 48% in 2016
Updated: Jul 13, 2020
Michigan’s solar industry workforce grew by 48 percent in 2016, the Solar Foundation’s National Solar Jobs Census found.
The improvement came mostly from strong growth in project development jobs and the declining cost of solar power, according to energy labor experts.
Companies created 1,339 solar-related jobs this past year, up to 4,118 from the previous year’s 2,779, the study said. About 161 companies employ solar workers in Michigan, which ranks 15th in the country in terms of solar job creation.
The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit drew its information from a nationwide survey and data from Solar Energy Industries Association, also based in Washington, D.C.
Michigan’s biggest segment of solar companies is contractors and installers, according to Solar Energy Industries Association. There are 75 of them operating in the state. The second biggest sector is manufacturers, at 62.
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