The U.S. solar industry will employ 114,000 fewer workers by June, compared to previous forecasts that projected the industry would employ 302,000 Americans over the same time period. With an expected workforce of 188,000 people, this job loss will take the industry back to 2014 levels as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, according to a recent analysis from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
The analysis from SEIA represents a 38% drop in solar jobs compared to previous estimates for June. The drop coincides with a 37% decrease in expected Q2 solar installations from pre-COVID forecasts, as the U.S. is only on track to install 3 GW of new capacity in Q2. Strategic government action can prevent further solar job losses, revive many of the already lost jobs and help reinfuse billions of dollars into the U.S. economy.
“Thousands of solar workers are being laid off each week, but with swift action from Congress, we know that solar can be a crucial part of our economic recovery,” says Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of SEIA.
“With a few simple changes, Congress has an opportunity to save solar jobs, rebuild our economy and advance clean energy even as policy makers address this very real public health crisis,” she adds.
All 50 states show solar job losses, with 36 states suffering job losses above 30%. Seven states and Washington, D.C. – including large solar states like New York and New Jersey – have seen solar job losses exceed 60%.
A BW Research Partnership report based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data showed 95,600 renewable energy jobs and a total of 594,300 clean energy jobs have already been lost in March and April. SEIA’s analysis shows that the vast majority of renewable energy job losses come from the solar energy industry. The 37% decrease in new installed solar capacity is equivalent to $3.2 billion in economic investment.
To read SEIA’s full press release concerning COVID-19’s effect on the solar industry and clean energy jobs, click here.
Photo: COVID-19 solar job impact map
