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The majority of people immediately associate solar energy with lower electricity costs and a smaller carbon footprint. When most people think about solar energy, the first things that come to mind are lower electricity bills and a smaller carbon footprint. But there’s another important benefit that’s often overlooked solar energy is a powerful driver of local economic growth. From creating skilled jobs to keeping dollars in the community, going solar helps build stronger, more resilient local economies. Let’s take a closer look at how investing in solar power helps your communities thrive and supports your neighbors. Creating Quality Local Jobs
One of the biggest ways solar energy supports communities is through job creation. When you go solar, your system isn’t being shipped from overseas and installed by a faceless corporation. In most cases, it’s designed, installed, and maintained by people who live right in your area.
A wide range of professionals are employed in the solar industry, including:
- Solar panel installers
- Engineers and electricians
- Personnel for sales and customer service
- Project managers and operations coordinators
- Technicians in monitoring and maintenance.
These are good-paying jobs that often don’t require a four-year degree but still offer solid career paths and training opportunities. Many companies also offer apprenticeships and on-the-job education, which means more local people can enter the clean energy workforce and gain valuable skills. Helping Employee-Owned and Small Businesses Instead of huge national chains, the majority of solar installations are handled by small to medium-sized businesses. These local solar companies often prioritize community engagement, hire from within the region, and contribute directly to the local tax base.
Some are even owned by employees, indicating that the people working on your solar project have a stake in the success of the business. This leads to better customer service, more reliable work, and greater accountability.Take Wolf River Electric.
For example: Based in Minnesota and 100% employee-owned, the company has helped thousands of homeowners and businesses switch to solar. Their employee ownership model ensures that every team member is invested in doing quality work that benefits both the customer and the community.
Keeping Dollars in the Local Economy :When you choose to go solar with a local provider, your money stays close to home. Instead of sending profits to out-of-state shareholders, you’re supporting businesses that reinvest in your community, whether that’s through job creation, local purchasing, or charitable giving.
This kind of economic circulation strengthens the entire region. According to studies, locally owned businesses tend to spend a much higher percentage of their revenue within their home community compared to national chains. That means the money you spend on a solar installation continues to benefit your local schools, services, and small businesses long after the panels go up. Developing Economic Stability Global markets, fuel shortages, and extreme weather can all have a huge impact on energy prices. Communities that rely heavily on fossil fuels are more vulnerable to these shifts.
On the other hand, solar energy is reliable, local, and predictable. When more homes and businesses generate their own electricity from the sun, the community becomes less dependent on outside energy sources. That stability can make a big difference during energy price spikes or grid disruptions.
