Solar power far and away the largest employer in electricity sector

Some interesting, and perhaps surprising, statistics have come to light as part of the latest US Energy and Employment Report, an annual report produced by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The report analyzes employment in the American electricity production sector, and what it shows is surprising. In 2016, the solar power industry (both photovoltaic and concentrated) made up 43% of the electrical power workforce, a 25% increase over 2015. This is almost double the second place contributor, fossil fuels (combining coal, gas and oil), which stood at 22%. In third place is wind power, with about 12%. Maybe not what you expected?

The largest share of the solar jobs was in construction and installation, followed by wholesale trade, manufacturing and professional jobs. In recent years, solar has become one of the cheapest forms of electricity generation in the world, and the industry is enjoying an unprecedented boom.

So, put that in your coal-loving pipe and let it smoke, Mr. Trump.