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DC: In this booming economy, Americans looking for work in a variety of industries have seen prospects improve and wages increase. To some pundits and lawmakers, however, certain sectors are far more important than others and should be bolstered even at the cost of other jobs. In response to research that find multiple jobs lost for every “green” job created, studies claiming economic benefits from renewable subsidies receive quite a bit of media attention. In light of competing claims, what are consumers and taxpayers to make of the government-supported renewables sector? The Solar Foundation’s 2017 Solar Jobs Census Report provides a useful benchmark for assessing the state of the industry, and keeping everybody informed about the results of government spending. After combing through data collected by 2,389 energy establishments, the foundation concludes that the number of solar-supported jobs contracted by 3.8 percent between 2016 and 2017.
After an increase in solar jobs by more than 20 percent between 2015 and 2016, a decline may seem surprising. Considering the policy climate, however, the turnaround makes perfect sense. Faced with the prospect of a lapse in a key federal renewable tax credit, companies and installers when on a project binge in 2015. This artificial boom meant that solar projects that would have been spread out over the next few years were moved up to 2015. This frenzy meant that, even after the tax credit was in fact renewed in December of that year, activity in the solar sector receded quite a bit. And, as renewable tax subsidies are slowly phased out through 2021, activity will likely slow down further. This extension also guarantees renewed market instability in a few years’ time, as the debate over whether or not to further extend the credit are renewed. Even if private investment can partially fill the gap left by the phase-out, skills mismatches are bound to hold back the solar industry. more
On one of the projects during the pile driving they ran into a lot of glacial era bolders , big as a couch, table and cars. Fun to work around. Then there was a spot with a water table much higher than expected...
That said as I understand the energy is not for local use , its sold to the grid, transported by the huge obnoxious power lines springing up everywhere in this rural area...
This reduces incentives and raises costs.
How do you think the boom happened in the Williston Basin, or the Permian for that matter?
