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This scenario is already playing out and it's largely due to market forces. More people are employed in the solar industry now than are employed by the coal in
by jartelt 10y ago
This scenario is already playing out and it's largely due to market forces. More people are employed in the solar industry now than are employed by the coal industry. Simply put, coal in the US is dead because it can't compete with gas, solar, and wind. That is why it is silly when people say we need to prop up the coal industry. We would much better off by just training those workers to install solar panels or become wind turbine technicians because there is actually a growing market there.
- huherto 10y ago... and solar panel installation (and maintenance) cannot be outsourced.
- bagacrap 10y agoCoal working jobs are more dangerous but pay much more than solar panel installation. The issue the coal workers and uneducated middle class have faced recently is a loss in earning potential (with existing skill set) moreso than absolute unemployment. The internet suggests the average hourly pay is $23 for coal to $16 for solar installers. That's a big hair cut, plus solar installers likely have to live in or closer to cities, generally increasing cost of living and providing one more obstacle that makes it hard to switch careers.