Heinrich, Gardner Celebrate U.S. Reaching One Million Solar Installations

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), both members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, have introduced a resolution to celebrate that the U.S. has reached one million solar installations across the country. The solar energy industry supports bringing clean solar technology into homes and businesses around the nation. The industry provides employment opportunities for more than 208,000 solar workers in all 50 states and creates jobs at a rate 12 times higher than the rate of employment growth in the overall economy. The industry projects that it will reach two million installations in 2018. 

"Reaching one million solar installations across the country is an incredible milestone, and I can't wait to see what the next couple years will bring," said Sen. Heinrich."Families with solar panels on their rooftops--including mine--know firsthand how solar can reduce energy costs at home. Promoting cleaner sources of renewable energy helps consumers save money, cuts carbon pollution, diversifies our economy, and creates high quality jobs at the same time. New Mexico, with its abundant solar resources, can and should be at the epicenter of America's clean energy economy. I will continue to work every day to ensure this becomes a reality."

"I have long advocated for an all-of-the-above energy policy and solar power is a key component of that strategy," said Sen. Gardner. "One million solar installations across the country is a major accomplishment and I'm proud to celebrate this historic landmark. Solar energy not only powers our homes and businesses, but also our economy. In Colorado, over 400 companies, which are responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in investments, contribute to the solar industry and employ thousands of Coloradans. I will continue to champion policies that strengthen our economy, create jobs, and move our country towards energy independence."

There are more than 27 gigawatts of cumulative solar electric capacity operating in the United States, which is enough energy to power more than five million homes across the country.