WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA®) today highlighted initial findings from The Solar Foundation’s (TSF) third annual National Solar Jobs Census showing that solar energy jobs have experienced strong growth in the U.S. over the past year, despite global economic challenges. The full National Solar Jobs Census 2012, with analysis of employment trends across the entire solar industry is scheduled for release on Nov. 14, 2012 by TSF, a nonprofit research institution located in Washington, D.C.
Utility-scale renewable energy plants and traditional generation factilities are constructed through a very similar process. Project developers work with financiers, solar technology suppliers, engineering firms, legal counsel, and others to identify appropriate sites for renewable energy projects, secure access to transmission infrastructure, interconnect facilities, and comply with government information reporting requirements.
Utility-Scale Solar Power Plants
A utility-scale solar power plant can be one of several solar technologies – concentrating solar power (CSP), photovoltaics (PV), or concentrating photovoltaics (CPV).
Solar Power Plant Siting & Permitting
Siting and permitting requires considering land use, access to transmission, and water rights. Securing access to a suitable site is only the first step in the process of building a new generation asset.
Electricity Transmission
Transmission lines are what move the power from where the electricity is generated to where it is consumed, and access to high-voltage transmission lines is key for the development of utility-scale solar power projects.
Energy Information Administration Generation Forms
Owners of solar generation plants larger than 1 MW-ac are required to fill out two forms to comply with EIA regulations. Learn more about the information required for these forms and how it is used.
