ATHENS, OHIO: The solar industry is alive and thriving in the state of Ohio, with 90 companies manufacturing, installing and distributing solar energy products in our state. These solar energy companies have created 1,000 jobs in the Buckeye State, helping families regain economic stability and helping our state claim its share of a bright, vibrant market.
The industry’s growth in our state is part of significant growth across the nation. More than 100,000 Americans are currently working the U.S. solar industry, representing a two-fold increase from 2009, according to The Solar Foundation’s annual jobs census. In fact, solar is one of the fastest growing industries in the entire economy, experiencing growth over the last year of 69 percent.
More than 5,000 companies are in the U.S. solar energy value chain. The vast majority of these companies are small businesses, the engine of growth slowed by the economic downturn. My firm, Third Sun Solar, began as a mom-and-pop solar installation company in 2000, completing mostly small residential installations.
Third Sun Solar now has grown to 28 employees designing and installing megawatt-scale solar arrays for such clients as the Cincinnati Parks Department, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and the Akron Metro Regional Transit Authority. That’s the kind of growth this country needs.
And, defying the story line that America doesn’t make or export anything anymore, the American solar manufacturing sector is now a net exporter of solar materials and equipment on the order of $2 billion. We’re even a net exporter to China.
The solar industry is diversifying the nation’s energy portfolio. Growth in the industry has resulted in a total solar electric capacity of more than 3,100 megawatts (MW) — the energy it takes to power 630,000 homes, just 10,000 shy of the number of households in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus combined.
And as more solar energy has been produced, prices for consumers have come down dramatically. In less than two years, the price of solar panels alone has dropped 30 percent making solar an increasingly cost-effective option for American families and businesses.
And the public supports solar, according to the fourth annual 2011 SCHOTT Solar Barometer, a nationally representative poll conducted annually by the independent firm Kelton Research. The survey found that about nine out of 10 Americans — 89 percent — think it is important for the United States to develop and use solar energy.
Unfortunately, future jobs, economic growth and greater energy security through solar could be derailed if the federal government decides this energy source is no longer worth its support, as some in Congress have been suggesting. Rescinding support for solar would be the wrong move at the wrong time since hard-hit states like Ohio need the kinds of jobs solar creates in manufacturing, construction and installation. As our national economy continues to struggle, the U.S. solar industry is one of the few industries adding jobs today.
With the solar industry creating more U.S. and Ohio jobs, while giving our economy a more competitive global edge, why would Congress put an end to programs supporting solar? For the simple reason that one solar company that benefited from these programs in the past is now declaring bankruptcy?
To be sure, Congress should be selective about which companies benefit from government programs, but judging the health of an entire industry based on the troubles of one company is illogical at best, and could do great harm if it slowed an industry that is helping so many Americans.
The United States is projected to become the world’s largest solar market in just three years and the solar industry is on track to add tens of thousands of new jobs over the coming years, many right here in Ohio.
For that vision to become a reality, however, we need government to encourage continued investment in the sector. Just as it has supported the production of oil and gas and coal and nuclear energy, Congress needs to reaffirm its commitment to solar — giving our country and our economy the energy and jobs it needs.
Greenfield is the chief executive officer of Third Sun Solar, which can be found at www.thirdsunsolar.com.
