The International Union of Operating Engineers (IO) leader, Jeff Soth, stated that two-thirds of jobs in the solar industry are in construction and installation, compared to 13% in manufacturing. The union’s support for a moratorium on solar panel tariffs that support domestic solar manufacturing is also a concern. Bill Parsons, American Clean Power (ACP) senior vice president and political director, echoed Soth’s commitment to reshore as much of the supply chain as possible, consistent with deployment. He suggested that cutting off foreign solar panel supply could slow construction jobs and the benefits for the grid and economy. Soth also highlighted the potential for union support of new projects, particularly utility-scale solar projects and transmission projects. He said that three unions have responded to a request from the Solar industry, leading to a tri-trades agreement among the unions representing “the three essential crafts to build solar generation” namely operating engineers, electricians and laborers.
Solar Dominates US Energy Capacity Growth
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has published data showing that solar accounted for over 75% of US electrical generating
