Yes, there are specific states and regions in the U.S. where solar energy jobs in rural areas are particularly prevalent, often driven by large-scale solar projects and supportive renewable energy policies.
States with Notable Rural Solar Energy Job Prevalence
- California, North Carolina, and Massachusetts: These states have concentrated solar energy development, especially utility-scale projects in rural areas, supported by strong renewable energy policies. Between 2016 and 2020, utility-scale solar capacity in rural areas more than doubled in these regions, with much of the development occurring on agricultural land.
- Illinois: Pulaski County, a rural area in Illinois, stands out with a high concentration of solar jobs. Illinois also had over 14,500 rural clean energy jobs in 2019, with significant growth in rural counties.
- Nevada: Nevada’s rural counties added nearly 1,800 clean energy jobs from 2017 to 2019, growing by 139%, led by renewable energy sectors including solar.
- Georgia and Washington: These states experienced over 20% growth in rural clean energy jobs, with solar energy contributing substantially to job creation in rural counties.
- Other growing rural markets: Louisiana and Hawaii also saw more than 20% growth in rural clean energy jobs, with solar as a key component.
Regional Trends and Examples
- The Midwest: The Midwest, including states like Minnesota and Indiana, shows strong connections between renewable energy and rural job creation. For example, Chisago County, Minnesota, is the top solar producer in the state and home to the largest solar facility in the Midwest. Additionally, rural Indiana saw economic benefits from wind and solar projects supporting local community investments.
- Rural counties where clean energy jobs are a significant share of total employment: Several rural counties have clean energy jobs representing more than 5–10% of total county jobs, highlighting the role of solar and other renewables in rural economies.
Summary Table of States with Notable Rural Solar Job Presence and Growth
| State | Rural Solar Job Highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | High utility-scale solar development in rural areas | Strong renewable energy policies |
| North Carolina | Concentrated solar development in rural zones | |
| Massachusetts | Similar to CA and NC, with rural solar growth | |
| Illinois | Pulaski County high solar job concentration | 14,514 rural clean energy jobs (2019) |
| Nevada | 139% rural clean energy job growth (2017-2019) | Nearly 1,800 rural jobs added |
| Georgia | Over 20% growth rural clean energy jobs | |
| Washington | Over 20% growth rural clean energy jobs | |
| Louisiana | Significant rural clean energy job growth | |
| Hawaii | Rapid growth in rural clean energy jobs | |
| Minnesota | Large solar facility in Chisago County | Top producer in state, strong rural presence |
| Indiana | Rural communities benefit from wind and solar projects | Local investments from renewable revenues |
In contrast, some states such as Alaska, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and South Carolina experienced net losses in rural clean energy jobs in recent years.
Conclusion
Solar energy jobs in rural areas are particularly prevalent in states with strong solar development policies and ample land for utility-scale projects, notably California, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Illinois, Nevada, and parts of the Midwest. These states demonstrate significant rural job growth in solar and renewable energy sectors, reflecting the expanding role of solar power in transforming rural economies across the U.S.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-specific-states-where-solar-energy-jobs-in-rural-areas-are-particularly-prevalent/
