Mass. solar jobs up 37 percent; skewed east

Photo Courtesy Solect Energy Solar panel systems, such as this one from Solect Energy that will be installed on the roof of a Brockton business, create a lot of jobs in the state.

Write a Comment

By Sam Bonacci

The Massachusetts solar industry saw huge growth in 2015, with solar jobs up over 35 percent throughout the state. However, those jobs are still largely concentrated in the eastern portion of the state, according to a survey from the Solar Foundation.

The 15,095 solar jobs in the state at the end of 2015 represent 37.7 year-over-year growth for the industry, according to the organization. Of those jobs, 8,741 handled installation, 2,811 were project development, 2,098 were manufacturing, 901 were sales and distribution with the remainder being made up of miscellaneous positions.

Massachusetts’ solar industry has grown by over 200 percent since 2012, according to the organization and sits only behind California, which employs 75,598 in the industry.

However, this rapid job growth has not been spread throughout the state, according to the findings. The highest concentration of solar jobs was found in Middlesex County, which recorded 4,212 of the state’s solar employees, being followed by Suffolk and Essex counties with 1,937 and 1,455 jobs respectively.

The further from Boston, the fewer solar jobs exist, according to the survey. Worcester County had just 1,095 employed in the solar industry.

This report comes as the state debates raising the caps on solar installation incentives. National Grid recently reported that solar in their territory is growing even after hitting its cap, but solar installers and advocates say the uncertainty has led to an industry-wide standstill and the Commonwealth's status as a top solar employer is at risk.