Governor Jan Brewer Announces Arizona Among Nation's Leaders in Solar Jobs

Press Release

Governor Jan Brewer today announced Arizona ranks third in the country in terms of its number of solar jobs, according to The Solar Foundation's National Solar Jobs Census 2011. Arizona's 4,786 solar jobs rank behind only California and Colorado. Arizona climbed five spots in the national rankings -- from 8th to 3rd -- between 2010 and this latest report.

"Arizona continues its ascension as a national and global leader in the solar industry," said Governor Brewer.

"Driven by its abundant sunshine, highly-trained workforce and renewable-energy tax credits, Arizona is the place to be when it comes to solar energy location and expansion. This report is further evidence that Arizona is on the right track when it comes to fostering job growth in the solar industry."

Since 2010, when Arizona's Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Program became effective, nine renewable-energy companies have located or expanded operations in the state. Those companies have created more than 2,100 quality jobs and invested over $1 billion in capital.

There are three large-scale, renewable-energy utility projects currently being constructed in Arizona,
with total investments exceeding $2.7 billion. These projects include:

 Abengoa Solar, Inc. (Solana) -- (280MW) The $1.4 billion project near Gila Bend is the largest CSP system on private land, and is in the construction phase. It will employ an estimated 1,500 to 1,700 workers during construction, and include 85 to100 jobs for operation.
 Agua Caliente -- (290MW) The $967 million project in Yuma County is Arizona's largest photovoltaic project under construction. Approximately 400 jobs will be created during construction, which is expected to be complete in 2014.
 Mesquite Solar 1, LLC (Sempra Mesquite) -- (150MW) The $398 million project in Maricopa County is expected to employ up to 300 workers during construction, which begins later this year.

"Arizona is the most exciting place in the world when it comes to attracting solar companies," said Arizona Commerce Authority president and CEO Don Cardon. "Our strategy is to bring industries of the future to Arizona - and the renewable-energy industry is just that. The solar industry provides high quality, high-
paying, stable jobs, and we will continue our push to bring more solar leaders to the state."

The National Solar Jobs Census 2011 found that, over the past year, solar jobs nationally increased at nearly ten times the job growth rate of the rest of the economy. As of August 2011, the U.S. solar industry employed an estimated 100,237 workers -- up nearly 7 percent from a year earlier. Firms are hiring workers in solar manufacturing, installation, sales, distribution and other areas. Strong industry growth is forecast again in 2012, with solar jobs increasing by nearly one-quarter nationally, to almost 124,000 jobs.

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