Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)

JUST RELEASED: The U.S. #solar energy workforce grew by 6% in 2023 as part of the accelerating transition to clean, renewable energy, according to our latest annual #NationalSolarJobs Census: https://lnkd.in/dGxD4Ufn! The new report finds there are 279,447 solar workers nationwide, an increase of 15,564 jobs since 2022. Altogether, there are nearly half a million workers who spend time on solar energy or clean energy storage. “This year’s Solar Jobs Census found a record number of Americans working in solar energy and battery storage,” said Larry Sherwood, IREC President and CEO. “Federal policies like the Inflation Reduction Act are helping drive a historic level of clean energy deployment and job creation. We can help ensure future job growth with supportive policies at the federal and state level, along with an industry-wide commitment to a skilled and diverse workforce.” Explore the new digital report for a comprehensive analysis of solar job growth and in-depth information on workforce development and diversity, equity, and inclusion in the solar and storage industry!

Join us for the next National Clean Energy Workforce Alliance webinar on Oct. 17! IREC will review the results of the latest National Solar Jobs Census, a comprehensive overview of solar industry job growth and the state of the workforce. For the first time, this year’s report included a qualitative study based on anonymous interviews with solar industry representatives, providing new insight into challenges and strategies related to workforce development and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). In the webinar, we will discuss the implications for today’s workforce in solar and other clean energy industries and open the floor to discussion on the report’s findings and a path forward. Save your spot now: https://ow.ly/wksS50TFYZu!

Southfield, Michigan, and Dayton, Ohio, are the first cities in their states to earn designations as Charging Smart communities! 👏🚘⚡ To earn a Bronze designation, Southfield and Dayton communities provided EV education opportunities for their community members, engaged with their electric utilities on electrification topics, and incorporated EVs and charging infrastructure into community planning documents. Learn more at https://ow.ly/9oye50TFXO4!

Powers of Arkansas is the largest privately held building HVAC, controls, and service company in the state of Arkansas, offering energy efficiency services to schools, hospitals, and commercial and industrial facilities throughout the state. In 2023, Powers launched a Registered Apprenticeship program aligned with the Instrumentation and Controls Technician occupation. The competency-based program takes approximately 2.5 years to complete. Learn more & explore more apprenticeships: https://ow.ly/pKi350TCnI9!

After a bit of a hiatus, we're thrilled to share the latest episode of the Energy Optimist podcast! 💡🎧 This episode marks a transition in our series, as we share news of Radina Valova’s appointment as a Commissioner on the New York Public Service Commission and introduce the podcast’s new host, Gwen Brown, IREC’s Vice President of Communications. This interview explores Radina’s career trajectory and her advice for others interested in following a similar path, as well as her reasons for optimism in our energy future. Tune in now at https://ow.ly/x2EN50TwvXO!

Interconnecting solar and energy storage can be complicated. Join a workshop at Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA)'s Gateway to Solar Conference where IREC's Shay Banton will be moderating the session, "Interconnection 101: A Workshop on Interconnection Processes - Local & National Best Practices" on Oct. 9! Learn the fundamental principles of how solar systems connect to the grid and explore successful strategies and regulatory frameworks from across the country. Gain practical insights and expert guidance to navigate interconnection challenges effectively, ensuring streamlined deployment of solar energy projects in Minnesota and beyond. Learn more & register: https://ow.ly/KLvJ50TAGWn

Training and certification are central to developing a robust clean energy workforce to meet growing demand. IREC is helping local unions train a qualified solar-plus-storage workforce by covering the initial annual fee for up to 100 union training centers to become North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Registered Training Providers. This initiative is supported through the Solar Ready Vets Network™, a program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Solar Energy Technology Office. Read more on the blog: https://ow.ly/46Z150Tz80G!

We had a great time at the Forth Roadmap Conference last week in Detroit! Our Local Initiatives team was excited to announce IREC's Charging Smart program and discuss the importance of state and local governments in electrifying transportation. Learn more about Charging Smart at https://lnkd.in/ei8YQ-9Z! Forth

"Across California, the companies that are trying to build charging stations for electric trucks are being told that it will take years—or even up to a decade—for them to get the electricity they need. That’s because utilities are failing to build out the grid fast enough to meet that demand. This poses a major problem for a state that’s aiming to clean up its trucking industry. California has the most aggressive set of truck electrification goals in the country, and compliance deadlines are coming up fast. Last week the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a decision meant to set timeframes for this work. But charging companies, electric truck manufacturers, and environmental advocates are not happy with the result. They say the decision does next to nothing to get utilities to move faster or work harder to serve the massive charging hubs being planned across the state. 'It’s shocking how little the commission did here. They basically adopted status quo timelines across the board,' said Sky Stanfield, an attorney working with IREC." | Read more from Canary Media Inc. about this issue below.

Building codes address critical concerns, including public health, safety, and environmental protection. Together, a suite of codes play a significant role in determining a building’s quality, safety, and energy efficiency for its entire lifespan. They also impact operational and maintenance costs, and provide a universal language for architects, engineers, builders, contractors, and inspectors. Updated energy codes are significantly helping address energy issues by prioritizing efficiency in building design and construction. Communities using these updated codes benefit, and jurisdictions enforcing them enact positive change that enhances lives and safety. Check out this graphic from the International Code Council (ICC) to see how the International Energy Conservation Code has evolved from 1983 to 2021: https://lnkd.in/gE4zjmzH