A report recently released by the Australian Institute has stated that the solar power industry has now overtaken the coal-fired energy sector in job numbers. And furthermore, another 8 000 jobs will be created within the solar industry by 2018.
Solar industry tipped to create another 8000 jobs by 2018
The increase in jobs created is being credited to several factors. The fall in the price of solar panels, combined with financial assistance from the Australian government, and increasing environmental awareness, have all aided the solar industry's rapidly expansion in recent years. In 2007, Australia had just 8 000 PV systems, in 2013, that number had increased to one million.
The report went on to say that 2.6 million Australians, or 11% of the population, now get some of their electricity from solar power. The industry has grown from generating half a megawatt in 2001, to more than 3 200 megawatts in 2014.
Solar Power Australia
With solar becoming an increasingly important energy source in Australia, it's predicted that by 2050, solar power will make up almost 30% of Australia's electricity needs. Add to that, the dropping prices of solar panels and battery storage, the solar industry is tipped to become an even bigger employer in the future.