Photovoltaic news and pv jobs

NY Solar Jobs Act could create 22,000 jobs

A landmark solar power bill pending in the New York State legislature has the potential to create thousands of green jobs and billions of dollars in economic output for the state, according to a recent report published by Vote Solar, a U.S. national grassroots solar advocacy group.

New York. Image: Wikipedia/Diliff.

The New York Solar Jobs and Development Act of 2010, a landmark solar power bill that would create more than 22,000 green jobs and USD$20 billion in economic output over the next 15 years. The legislation would require New York to install 5,000 megawatts of solar power by 2025 -- enough sun energy to power approximately one million homes – at a cost of USD39 cents on resident’s monthly electric bills.

A coalition of organizations – including Vote Solar, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Solar Alliance, the Apollo Alliance, and the Alliance for Clean Energy New York – urged state legislators to pass the Solar Industry Development and Jobs Act and make New York a leader in the nation’s growing solar economy.

By supporting the development of enough solar to power about one million homes by 2025, this legislation would drive significant economic opportunity in the state while adding less than the price of one postage stamp to New Yorkers’ monthly energy bills, says Vote Solar.
 Specifically, it says 22,198 direct and induced jobs would be created and economic output would reach USD$20 million.

“There’s nothing more important right now for New York than new jobs — and expanded use of solar power is an important way to create the new jobs and the clean energy we need,” commented State Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson.

“This legislation represents a strong investment in New York’s energy future, one that would deliver economic returns immediately and for generations to come,” added State Senator Andrew Lanza.

The New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) has also voiced its support for the bill, which is due to be voted on next week. “The New York Solar Jobs and Development Act will jump start the state’s solar economy and create good-paying jobs with lasting security,” said NYSEIA president Ron Kamen, senior vice president of EarthKind Solar. “This small investment now will spur continuous investment and save costly needed future payments for foreign fuel sources.”

The association is pushing lawmakers to pass the bill to make solar a larger part of New York’s electricity generation that today represents less than 0.01 percent of the mix - and keep pace with neighboring states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.