Last week, Governor Pat McCrory proclaimed June 2013 as Solar Energy Month in North Carolina. During the announcement, held in front of Strata Solar’s 6.4 megawatt (MW) Fuquay Solar Farm, McCrory stressed the role the growing industry is playing in creating jobs and helping make the state and nation energy independent.
“North Carolina is home to one of the fastest growing solar industries in our nation,” said Governor McCrory. “It is important that we recognize the impact the solar industry is making in our state, not only in terms of being another valuable piece to an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy plan, but also the high-quality jobs the industry creates for hardworking North Carolinians.”
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, North Carolina ranked 5th in the U.S. for annual installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in 2012. This is even more impressive considering the state ranked 8th in 2011. North Carolina currently has more than 500 companies working in the solar industry, which they employ about 2,000 workers.
And it only gets brighter from here. SEIA expects North Carolina to rank 4th in the country for annual capacity to be added in 2013.
Cheers to North Carolina’s Solar Energy Month and to the industry that made it possible! We hope that this pronouncement is a sign that Governor McCrory recognizes the importance of protecting the state’s RPS, and that the North Carolina legislature will continue to invest in good tax policies that support the growth of this “sunny” and successful industry.