We’re happy to report that even more good news is emerging from the solar industry. Just recently, the National Solar Jobs Census released its 2014 numbers on employment figures and projected growth on a national level—and the results are highly encouraging.

Overall, the report found that the burgeoning solar industry currently employs 173,807 American workers, and is growing at a rapid rate. In fact, solar jobs are growing 20 times faster than the overall employment growth across the country!

Why? The answer is obvious. Solar jobs are emerging as solar capacity increases. And as most people are aware, solar capacity is escalating quickly with no signs of slowing down.

In fact, according to the census report, from 2010 to 2015, solar installations increased from 929 megawatts to over 7,200 megawatts. That means the demand for jobs—ranging from from solar engineers, to manufacturers, to sales and distribution specialists, to solar panel installers, and many more—are all on the quick rise.

And as more Americans demand clean energy alternatives to create a safer, cleaner environment for all of us, these numbers will continue to soar. In fact, the census findings also determined that “the solar installation sector added nearly 50% more jobs in 2014 than the total created by both the oil and gas pipeline construction industry (10,529), and the crude petroleum and natural gas extraction industry (8,688).”

Anyone who follows us at LifeStyle Homes knows that these new statistics are heartening, and help reconfirm our strong commitment to solar power.

Looking ahead, the solar industry is expected to add 36,000 new solar workers over the coming year. It feels good to know that with our over 50 solar-powered homes sold, we are in some way contributing to this growth.

For more on the growth of solar jobs in America, read the census report here.