Report: Minnesota solar jobs double in 2014

Solar energy has caused a surge in careers for Minnesotans, according to a report by The Solar Foundation.

The foundation found that nearly 940 jobs were added to Minnesota's solar industry last year, bringing the total to about 1,800 workers. The foundation also reported about 120 solar-related businesses operate in the state.

St. Cloud Technical & Community College student Ryan Meyer has recently reached out to several of them.

"I've applied to 10 different solar installation companies in the (Twin Cities) metropolitan area. They're always looking for people," he said. "Their customer base is growing. It's just a matter of them going out and finding the people interested."

Meyer is scheduled to graduate this spring with an associate degree as an energy technical specialist with an emphasis on solar power. He says he wants to design and install solar systems.

"I feel that we need to get out there and get our hands dirty to do something to better the environment. I'm under no illusions solar will replace coal, but what it does is mitigate the peak loads," he said. "It tends to curb the periods of high energy use."

One of Meyer's instructors is Andy Zieglmeier, who teaches energy and electronic technologies. Zieglmeier says his green energy students believe in the potential of the technology. He says many also have an entrepreneurial spirit.

"They're likely going to own their own business," he said. "There aren't many companies that employ to do that kind of work. Generally, you'll find a contractor that's going to be doing installations in a region."

It's similar to being a self-employed plumber or carpenter. While installation jobs occupy more than 55 percent of the nation's solar workforce, according to The Solar Foundation, it's not the only option. Solar manufacturing — the fabrication of panels and components — takes up about 19 percent. The rest of the solar pie is filled with sales, distribution and project development.

In its fifth annual report issued earlier this month, The Solar Foundation, a nonprofit, reported a national job growth rate of nearly 22 percent. The foundation estimates the industry employs around 173,800 people nationwide. This dwarfs Minnesota's 1,800-person solar workforce, but Zieglmeier says the state's long and cloudy winters are no excuse. The north's cooler climate puts the Midwest on equal footing with areas boasting sun year-round.

"Everyone thinks you need a ton of sun, but what these (solar) cells do is create a lot of heat," Zieglmeier said. "If they're hot (because of climate), they're dissipating their electricity via the heat rather than sending it to the inverter."

Several Minnesota programs provide a variety of incentives to help residents install their own arrays. Programs like the Made in Minnesota Solar Energy Production Incentive, the Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency's Fix-up Loan help make installing a home system more affordable. Meyer hopes people will continue to take advantage of incentives as he begins his career.

"What it comes down to is people wanting to save money," he said. "That's never going to change."

Follow David Brakke on Twitter @DBrakke_SCT or reach him by phone at 428-1404.

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The Solar Foundation data is based on a national survey collected from more than 7,600 solar businesses encompassing manufacturing, construction and sales. Learn more on its website at www.thesolarfoundation.org