SOLAR PLANTS CREATE JOBS

SOLAR PLANTS CREATE JOBS

The U.S. economy has experienced a great deal of turmoil in recent years, with many Americans spending months or even years on unemployment while competing for fewer jobs in a contracting marketplace. Green energy, however, has given many individuals a second chance to make a living.

Three members of the Starr family lost their jobs at a window and door manufacturing plant in 2008, according to a recent article from Suntech Power. The mother, father and son, all qualified employees in the manufacturing business, have found work in a local solar plant.

“Solar is still in its infancy as far as the world is concerned,” Mike Starr told Suntech. “It’s a huge growth industry that’s making a tangible impact on a better future.”

The solar industry remains largely untapped in terms of an employment options. One common misconception is that the industry only provides career opportunities for those with an engineering or technical background, yet the industry has a number of positions for individuals with marketing, sales and IT backgrounds as well. However, because most solar manufacturers are still largely "under the radar," searching for job postings may take a little more effort than traditional job offerings. However, this may also mean less competition for job seekers, and so can provide a great opportunity for those willing to look.   

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DIRECT SALES MARKET OUTPACES GDP FOR GROWTH

The direct selling market continues to grow in the United States and across the globe, providing evidence of the model's success in the modern day business marketplace.

According to Direct Selling Association's "Annual Growth & Outlook Survey," direct sales increased by 4.6 percent from 2010, totalling $29.87 billion in 2011 compared to $28.56 billion in 2010. DSA's findings also show that the industry grew more than the gross domestic product did over the same time period - the GDP only experienced a 3.9 percent increase over the same time frame.

"Growing a small business when the economy is struggling is a tall order," said DSA president Joseph Mariano. "As an industry that celebrates entrepreneurship, the achievements made in 2011, particularly by small direct selling companies, are remarkable."

Of all industries surveyed - which included industries such as home durables, personal care, wellness and clothing, according to the survey participation form - nearly 50 percent experienced major growth in sales. One particular standout was Viridian Energy, which received DSA's 2012 ETHOS Rising Star Award for 2012. Past recipients of the annual award include Team Beachbody, a wellness company that tailors meal and workout plans for its clients, and Rodan + Fields, a skincare product company. 

AMERICANS EMBRACE ENERGY EFFICIENCY

According to recently released results from The Harris Poll, which surveyed 2,056 adults online about their green energy use, Americans are gradually making their homes more energy efficient.

The poll showed that Americans are knowledgeable about different energy sources and are doing basic things to conserve energy such as turning off lights, televisions and other appliances when they're not in use, and replacing incandescent bulbs with fluorescent ones.

Fifty-six percent reported that they use power strips and 54 percent stated that they are now using low-watt bulbs.

Americans around the country are being helped by utilities that are controlling energy costs with Smart Meter technology, and 20 percent of Americans reported hearing from their utility or co-op about the energy efficiency tools available to them.

Sarah Simmons, senior research executive and industry thought leader, believes that Americans are troubled by the initial costs of converting to renewable energy sources, which could compel energy providers to be more creative in how they encourage customers to make the switch.

According to research firm Clean Edge, global revenue for solar photovoltaics, wind power and biofuels increased 31 percent to reach $246 billion in 2011, which is evidence that the world realizes the need for alternate energy sources.