Maryland report shows distributed solar’s real power is people
An analysis submitted to Maryland regulators found that distributed solar’s economic benefits – mostly labor associated revenue – was worth six times the value of the electricity to the grid.
Solar Foundation presents solar jobs maps, local data
The Solar Foundation has launched individual state fact sheets and a map view focused on jobs per U.S. congressional district.
Flow battery maker ViZn Energy closes shop
ViZn has laid off all of its employees and ceased operations, as the latest in a series of closures and bankruptcies for makers of alternative battery technologies.
JinkoSolar downsizes plans for Jacksonville, Florida factory
The Chinese PV giant is now planning to employ only 1/4 the number of workers previously planned in one PV module factory, which will be online by the end of next year.
SunPower to lay off 150-250 workers, blames Section 201
The company’s latest restructuring will involve losing roughly 3% of its global workforce, all in “non-manufacuring” positions.
Vermont’s solar market fell 50% in 2017 (w/chart)
Solar advocates blame changes to the state’s net metering policy for the decline in installations and a loss of 232 full-time jobs.
Solar jobs fall 4% in 2017 (w/ chart)
The hangover from the ITC-driven 2016 boom is the biggest factor in the relative decline, but a rebound is expected this year.
Mission Solar Energy to hire 50 workers
The Texas-based PV maker plans to reach its full production capacity of 200 MW.
SEIA warns of 23,000 solar job losses due to tariffs
Despite winning concessions from the Trump Administration in the Section 201 case, SEIA is still fighting.
New York unveils bold solar, energy storage plans
In Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2018 State of the State address, he re-committed New York to eliminating coal from its power plants in two years, provide solar to 10,000 low-income New Yorkers and invest $200 million in energy storage research.
