New Clean Energy Jobs and Less Smog Days in North Carolina Thanks to Solar Power

North Carolina could see fewer smog-alert days, as many as 28,000 new jobs, and a 10 million ton reduction in greenhouse gas pollution by achieving an ambitious but attainable goal for solar power.
Relying on solar energy
Solar power curbs pollution while safeguarding public health and driving our economy into the future. In fact, a new report from Environment North Carolina Research & Policy Center, “Working With the Sun: How Solar Power Can Protect North Carolina’s Environment and Create New Jobs,” demonstrates the notable, quantifiable benefits that could be seen with increased reliance on solar resources.

Seeing the benefits of clean energy
The report found that if the state can draw 14 percent of our electricity from solar sources by 2030, they will: •Reduce carbon pollution by the same amount that 680,000 cars and trucks produce in an entire year. •Prevent 17 million pounds of smog-forming emissions across the state. •Save 5 billion gallons of water per year that would otherwise be consumed by power plants.

Bolstering the green economy
Expansion of solar would build upon an already-thriving green sector in the state’s economy.
Green electric power businesses in North Carolina—including solar, wind, biomass and energy efficiency—employed more than 10,000 workers as of 2009, generating more than $3.5 billion in revenue annually.
Building enough solar panels to generate 14 percent of North Carolina’s electricity would create an estimated 28,000 jobs in North Carolina by 2030.
Charlotte-based Sencera is one such enterprise. The company is now building a thin-film solar panel manufacturing plant, which will employ 65 workers by this summer.

Safeguarding public health
Further, this upswing in solar energy use would help us meet health-focused air pollution standards by preventing 17 million pounds of smog-forming emissions across the state.
Metropolitan areas like Charlotte, the Triangle, Triad, Fayetteville, Hickory, Asheville and Rocky Mount would have cleaner air and healthier citizens.

Untapped potential With nearly as much annual solar energy intensity as Florida, North Carolina’s solar potential is vast.

“Move over, Sunshine State,” said Elizabeth Ouzts. “With 250 days of sunlight each year, the forecast for solar energy in North Carolina is bright.”

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