By Hayley Ringle | Phoenix Business Journal
U.S. solar jobs grew 20 percent in 2013 from the previous year, with more than 142,000 Americans working in the solar industry, according to the Solar Foundation’s 4th annual “National Solar Jobs Census 2013” report.
However, without any Arizona-specific numbers, which are expected to come out in mid-February, it’s unknown exactly how the state is doing after a tumultuous year of solar issues.
Solar incentives are gone, and in November, the Arizona Corporation Commission added an extra charge to residential customers with solar power systems.
In addition, utility companies in the state are struggling to stay ahead of the massive shift in how electricity is generated.
Mark Holohan, board president with the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association, said he’s “virtually certain” to see a decrease in Arizona solar jobs in the past year. He’s hearing from their 30-member group that local solar companies are laying off workers.
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