The pandemic will cause significant economic damage to U.S solar companies, says SEIA analysis of job numbers

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the outlook for solar has changed dramatically, concludes a recent analysis by the SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association).

Through June of 2020, the industry will employ 188,000 workers, rather than the 302,000 that was originally forecasted – a 38% decline.

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These losses would negate 5 years of solar industry growth, pushing the workforce back to a level not seen since 2014.

The U.S will install just 3 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in Q2 2020 – a 35% decline from pre-COVID forecasts. The Q2 solar deployment losses are equivalent to powering 288,000 homes and $3.2 billion in economic investment.

Like many American industries, the solar industry has been hit hard by COVID-19.

Compounding issues, including supply chain delays, tightening of tax equity markets, homeowners’ financial concerns, shelter-in-place orders, and permitting challenges are all placing tremendous pressure on the industry.

Without strategic government action, U.S jobs and economic investment will suffer. But the SEIA recommends that with the right policies in place, the solar industry is poised to lead the U.S out of this economic recession and create jobs for thousands of Americans.