Solar Cleveland – The Wave of the Future (Or is it a particle?)

Third Sun Solar has recently added staff to their Cleveland offices to better serve the fast-growing northeast Ohio sustainable energy market. Since serving as host to the ASES Conference in 2007, sustainable energy installations have grown dramatically in this region, particularly power obtained from solar Cleveland hopes to increasingly take a lead role in Ohio’s renewable energy economy.

Mayor launches Sustainable Solar Cleveland 2019

Mayor Frank Jackson recently launched a 10-year program to add thousands of “green” jobs to the local economy. Wind energy (from the breezes off Lake Erie) will play a big part in this effort, as will photovoltaic energy derived from solar Cleveland area businesses, consumer groups and community leaders have been invited to work with the administration to change the way area business and consumers think about energy.

2011 Fastest Growing Industry – Solar

Cleveland is poised to take advantage of the tremendous growth in the photovoltaic industry over the past several years. In 2010 the price of a solar panel fell by over 30%, falling an additional 25% in 2011. Employment in the industry is expected to grow by 26% this year, making it the fastest growing industry in the US. With dramatic decreases in the cost of solar Cleveland area businesses have joined the national trend in converting a portion of their energy supply from coal (the traditional electrical power source in Ohio), to solar Cleveland based PV panel manufacturers such as IBC Solar and installation companies such as Third Sun Solar have, in response to this rapid growth, expanded their operations in this region.

Alternative Energy Special Improvement District Formed

With an eye on the rapidly growing industry segments of wind and solar Cleveland has recently formed an “Alternative Energy Special Improvement District” to help businesses borrow for energy improvements and efficiency updates. County administrators point to the need for such financing sources if the state is to meet the renewable energy legislative mandates. Twenty-five percent of the state’s electrical energy needs must come from renewable energy by the year 2025, of which 5% must come from solar Cleveland officials hope that the combination of a friendly renewable energy environment, available financing, an educated workforce and plenty of local natural resources (in the form of wind and sun) will place the city on the cutting edge of this new and exciting industry.