UTAH SEES JOBS IN NEW ENERGY

Energy makeover illustrates potential of green jobs; 'Idea House' » Cooperative project brings together students, government and green-economy pros
Judy Fahys, September 6, 2009 (Salt Lake Tribune)

"Electrician Jeff Cutrer…a father of four from Draper and a student in the Salt Lake Community College Green Academy…[recently] joined his academy classmates at the presentation of the latest "Idea House," a foreclosed home that has been updated, fitted with energy-efficient appliances, swathed in extra insulation and topped off with solar panels that can provide 3 kilowatts of clean electricity. With graduation two weeks away for their advanced photovoltaic class, they're at the front end of a booming industry.

"Utah Gov. Gary Herbert stopped in for a tour and declared the project "impressive." Also on hand were Sen. Karen Mayne, D-West Valley City, and Rep. Eric Hutchings, R-Kearns…"

Utah is getting in on the trend. (click to enlarge)

"Orrin Farnsworth, president of [the Utah Solar Association (USA)], said these training programs fill an acute need in the market. He has twice as many customers this year as last…[and can't get enough people trained fast enough]…

"Green technology jobs are expected to grow by up to 40,000 a year nationwide, Farnsworth added…[T]he future looks bright for solar on a number of fronts."

click to enlarge

"For one, the cost is coming down. Last year alone, prices dropped 25 to 30 percent, according to the USA. A [typical] system…would cost about $25,000, not counting incentives that cut the bill by thousands…That, coupled with new batteries and solar cells coming online, means that solar is no longer a rich's man's solution to rising energy costs -- especially since rates are likely to increase under climate legislation.

"Solar also is benefiting from tax credits and rebates, primarily a generous 30 percent federal energy credit. And, between the interest expressed…[by political] leaders and the federal stimulus program, there could be more incentives for Utah in the near future…[adding to the appeal of allowing homeowners to cut their utility bills significantly and the solar industry’s ability to generate new jobs]…"