Colorado Leads Nation in Solar Jobs

Coloradoans are known for their 'green streak'. It seems that we're always looking for ways to be more eco friendly.

Now a new report shows that Colorado leads the nation in jobs in the solar industry and that number has increased dramatically since last year.

Colorado currently employs over 6,000 people in solar jobs, up 12% since last year.

Maybe this is one avenue to help Colorado stay ahead of the nation's economic malaise.

Colorado leads the nation in solar jobs per capita, with more than 6,100 people employed in the solar industry, an increase of 16 percent from 2010, according to a report by The Solar Foundation.

The foundation's report - "National Solar Jobs Census 2011: A Review of the U.S. Solar Workforce" - said hiring in the solar workforce is on the rise, with more than 100,000 Americans now employed in the industry.

"Colorado is a national leader in solar innovation and job creation," said Neal Lurie, executive director of the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association. "From GE's new solar manufacturing plant to Dow Solar's innovative new solar shingles, the technology of tomorrow is generating jobs today.

Read more at The Northern Colorado Business Report.