The growth of solar- and wind-related jobs could easily absorb coal-industry layoffs over the next 15 years and provide full-time careers, if investments are made to retrain workers. That’s according to a new study from Oregon State University and the Michigan Technological University. Dan Whitten with the Solar Energy Industries Association says the country just reached the one-millionth solar installation, and it isn’t slowing down.
Indiana is home to more than 80 solar companies employing about 16-hundred people, ranking the state 21st in the nation. The solar industry is expected to add 345-megawatts of solar power over the next five years.
Whitten says states like Indiana that have been heavily reliant on coal will have to step up their game to help keep people employed.
Steve O’Rourke, a vice-president at Microgrid Energy, says the renewable-energy sector welcomes the idea of employing former coal workers who want to make the transition.
The study also noted that a coal C-E-O’s annual salary would be more than enough to retrain every company employee for a job in renewables.