Illinois solar is off to a strong start as industry jobs jumped nearly 6%, according to a new report. According to the latest National Solar Jobs Census, nearly 6,000 solar jobs were added between 2022 and 2023. That tracks with industry growth nationwide, as the United States added over 15,000 solar jobs to the national market in 2023, totaling over 279,000 solar workers, the highest ever recorded.
This latest census report, conducted by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), is a clear indicator of historic growth in both the national and statewide solar industries. Illinois has seen an unprecedented surge in the clean energy job market, joining 46 other states who also saw solar job growth last year. In fact, since 2018, solar job growth in Illinois has increased by 22.5%, making it one of the fastest-growing states in the industry.
The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act has been key in pushing workforce programs and nation-leading equity standards and requirements, creating a more accessible and equitable workforce across the state over the last three years. As part of its work, and similar national workforce development programs, the the percentages of women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and other diverse groups in the solar industry have improved over the last several years. With organizations like the 548 Foundation providing clean energy training to under-resourced Illinois residents, solar companies in the state will have further access to a diverse pool of certified employees, allowing for continued workforce growth.
“This year’s Solar Jobs Census found a record number of Americans working in solar energy and battery storage,” said Larry Sherwood, IREC President and CEO. “Federal policies like the Inflation Reduction Act are helping drive a historic level of clean energy deployment and job creation. We can help ensure future job growth with supportive policies at the federal and state level, along with an industry-wide commitment to a skilled and diverse workforce.”
With the rapid expansion of the solar industry over the last several years, it is crucial to continue this upward trend. The Illinois solar industry is projected to grow by 1700% in the next five years, making it vital for new clean energy legislation to be passed in order to pave the way in developing a more robust workforce to keep up with this projection. The newly proposed storage bill in Illinois will provide at least 8,500 GW of energy storage ensuring that capacity shortfall does not stunt the growth of clean energy development.
“Our ability to grow the U.S. solar and storage industry depends entirely on our ability to grow our workforce,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “The solar industry continues to outpace the rest of the economy when it comes to employing Gen Z, veteran, and union workers... as demand for clean energy continues to grow, the industry must invest in workforce development strategies that support equitable growth and create new economic pathways for all Americans.”
Cover Photo Credits | 548 Foundation
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