Illinois has emerged as a national leader in the clean energy movement with its ambitious renewable energy portfolio goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2050. Solar is helping fuel the state’s clean energy leadership and boosting overall clean energy jobs growth throughout the Midwest, data from the latest Clean Jobs Midwest annual report shows.
The annual report utilized federal employment data from 12 Midwestern states. Clean Jobs Midwest latest report demonstrates the strong progress already made in the industry and presents a healthy future solar industry outlook for Illinois. Below are highlights from the report demonstrating the strong growth in the Illinois solar industry. You can view the full report here.
Illinois solar jobs grew 8% in 2022, and these numbers are expected to grow in coming years due to federal investments and the landmark legislation, the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).
Smaller subsectors, such as battery storage and grid modernization also enjoyed growth of 7% and 12%, respectively.
There are more than 123,000 clean energy jobs in Illinois with Chicago serving as the largest hub for clean energy jobs at more than 85,000 clean energy jobs. However, there are more than 17,000 clean energy jobs spread across the State of Illinois.
Small businesses are leading the clean energy revolution. 73% of the state’s clean energy businesses employed fewer than 20 individuals, showing that local businesses are benefiting from the clean energy transition in Illinois.
The amount of solar capacity installed in Illinois is expected to grow by more than 1,700% in the next five years, and the clean energy industry as a whole is expected to experience continued growth as the State of Illinois sets out to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050. For more information about solar and clean energy jobs, please visit the below resources:
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