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Solar Energy Jobs Expand in Oregon by Staff Jefferson Public Radio, January 31, 2016

The solar energy sector continues to grow in Oregon, and a new census shows jobs in the industry are booming as well.

According to the National Solar Jobs Census of 2015, the industry added workers 12 times faster than the growth rate for the entire U.S. economy. Production expanded 20 percent last year, while the coal industry showed a 10 percent reduction. Craig Ernst is with the Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association. He says the State has entry level opportunities to break into.

Ernst: "There's several programs, renewable energy training programs, joint-apprenticeship programs, through the Clackamas Community College and through Columbia Gorge Community College,"

The German company SolarWorld is currently expanding its U.S. headquarters in Oregon, which is also creating jobs. There is a bill proposed to make the State coal-free by 2030, which likely will shift energy production to the solar sector.