Solar Energy Key to Environment and Economy
In 2014, Massachusetts added the fourth most new capacity in solar power nationally, positioning the Commonwealth on the front lines of the solar industry’s explosive growth. While the countless benefits of solar as a renewable energy source are universally recognized, the importance of this emerging technology to our local economy cannot be overstated.
To date, Massachusetts’ strong performance in solar has created 15,000 new jobs – 3,000 in just the last year. In general, twenty electricians are hired for every megawatt of solar installed. The industry has proven its significance as a strong economic driver in Massachusetts.
“I don’t think anyone would argue the obvious societal benefits of renewable energy and solar in particular,” said John Dumas, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 103. “We have a real opportunity in Massachusetts to continue to be a leader in solar energy while benefitting from the tens of thousands of jobs it adds to our economy.”
IBEW Local 103 has led the solar industry in Massachusetts from the outset. Implementing training programs for its 7,500 members in the very early stages of renewable technologies, Local 103 and over 200 employers from the National Electrical Contractors Association of Greater Boston (NECA) have paved the way for growing success in solar.
From major solar farms in Needham and Groveland, as well as Shrewsbury, Dartmouth, and Douglas, to hundreds of commercial buildings and residential home installations, IBEW Local 103 and NECA contractors have demonstrated the knowledge, craftsmanship, and professionalism needed to bring solar projects to the mainstream in Massachusetts.
The rapid growth of solar technologies and installations has spurred further examination of how the industry can meet the growing demand. In Massachusetts, while future growth is determined, the men and women of IBEW Local 103 remain ready at the switch as the best-trained and most experienced solar contractors in the business.