Georgia is finding its place in the sun, leading all states last year in the growth rate of solar jobs, according to the National Solar Jobs Census prepared by the Solar Foundation.
Georgia added a net 1,102 solar jobs during 2019, boosting the state’s solar-related employment to 4,798 jobs.
The major additions in Georgia last year included the $150 million solar panel plant built in Dalton by the Koran-based Hanwha Q Cells. The new plant, which will employ 500 workers, is the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere with an annual module production capacity of 1.7 gigawatts – or as much peak power as the Hoover Dam every year.
“The 2020s are beginning with record installations, stellar job totals, and strong workforce diversification,” said Scott Moskowitz, the director of market intelligence and public affairs for the Korean venture that built the new Dalton facility.. “Q Cells could not be prouder to be a leading U.S. solar manufacturer during these exciting times.”
Staff photo by Tim Barber/ Charles Kim, center, CEO of Q Cells, raises his portion of the blue ribbon cut with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, left, and Jeffrey Kessler, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Enforcement and Compliance for the Trump Administration, Friday at the Q Cells Grand Opening in Dalton.But while solar jobs grew nearly 30% last year in Georgia – and 2.3% nationwide – employment in the solar industry declined in 16 states, including Tennessee, the study shows.