Last year, the national economy grew a sluggish 0.7% while the solar industry grew a whopping 7% over the same period.

In a time of high unemployment, 7,000 new solar jobs emerged across the country, many of them, not surprisingly in Florida – the Sunshine State.

What is exactly behind this sudden burst of solar jobs?

Obviously, as the entire industry expands, new positions emerge.  But why is the solar industry expanding so quickly – especially when green energy jobs in wind, biogas, and even nuclear don’t appear to exhibit the same growth?

Experts continue to debate the issue, citing numerous reasons.  They’re probably all correct to varying degrees.  But we’ve come up with our own list of reasons behind this boom in solar projects, solar investments, and solar jobs in Florida and beyond.

Reason 1: The Great Silicon Dump

Silicon – one of the most abundant materials on the planet – has never been cheaper.  A few years ago, solar PV manufacturers all over the world geared up for what they believed would be an incredible explosion of solar activity.

They weren’t wrong – but because they were all doing it at once, we now have a global oversupply of refined silicon and many of the parts used to manufacturer solar photovoltaic systems.

In just two years, the price of solar modules has dropped 50%.  While these price drops have hurt many manufacturers around the globe, the technology has become cheaper for everyone else.

Many businesses and homeowners who were on the fence about solar energy two years ago now feel that the investment is more than justified.  Hence, more solar orders, more solar contracts, and more solar jobs.

Reason 2: Solar Energy is Scalable

When times are good, businesses invest in mega projects.  New coal plants, nuclear power stations, and colossal solar farms are totally in vogue when the economy is booming.  But during leaner days, we’re all a little more prudent.

This is the beauty of solar energy.

You don’t need to devote huge tracts of land or invest gazillions in order to use the technology.  Simply install panels when and where you need them – and scale up as necessary.

Whereas nuclear power plants and solar farms can take years to build (during which time you generate zero energy and spend tons of money), solar panels on a rooftop or backyard are operational on Day 1.

This type of scalability lends itself well to hard times.  Homeowners and businesses can install the technology in small chunks – if and when they have the money.  This means that even during a down economy, solar jobs continue to grow.

Contrast this with renewable energy jobs in other technologies.  You typically need substantial investments and huge plots of land to get a wind farm or geothermal plant up and running.

No money – no projects.  No projects – no renewable energy jobs.

Tune in tomorrow to read Part 2 of “Why Are There So Many Solar Jobs in Florida and the Rest of the Country?”