If Governor Charlie Crist has any doubt about the efficacy of using federal funds in the private sector to spur growth in solar jobs - he might want to look towards Massaschuttes for confirmation of actual job creation. As of today, Florida has LOST over 125 solar jobs directly related to the lack of rebate funding,and this number will grow every day until a viable rebate program is implemented. The question remains whether these 125+ jobs can afford to wait out the next six months until the existing solar rebate program closes?
The Patrick-Murray Administration's emphasis on solar power has spurred the growth of a vibrant solar industry in Massachusetts - expanding the number of solar installation contractors and subcontractors from roughly 50 in January 2008 to nearly 200 today. A recent survey of 98 solar PV manufacturers, integrators and installers revealed that these companies doubled their Massachusetts employment - from 1,086 to 2,075 - from 2007 to 2008, and expected to add another 960 employees during 2009. Eighty percent of these firms added employees in 2008, and all but 11 planned to expand their workforce this year.
Maybe Florida should take a look at the job creation numbers from a state that has fully committed to deploying renewable energy.
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