North Carolina Clean Energy Jobs Surge 13.8% Since Pandemic

North Carolina is proving that building a cleaner future also means building stronger communities, with clean energy jobs jumping nearly 14% since the pandemic.

The growth spans from solar panel factories in Greenville to energy efficiency contractors working across neighborhoods. Manufacturing jobs are now racing to become the state's second largest clean energy employer, right behind the energy efficiency sector.

Ryan Evans, executive director of the Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, says the state's power infrastructure is becoming its secret weapon. Companies setting up new manufacturing centers want to know who can deliver reliable electricity at scale, and North Carolina keeps raising its hand.

Boviet Solar's facility in Greenville represents this shift perfectly. The plant manufactures solar modules right in the state, creating local jobs while producing technology that will generate clean power for decades. These aren't just assembly positions either; manufacturing roles often come with solid wages and career pathways.

North Carolina first broke into the nation's top 10 for clean energy jobs thanks to solar farms dotting its landscape. But the latest report shows the state isn't resting on those panels. Private investment has poured into battery manufacturing, grid upgrades, and efficiency services that help homes and businesses use less power.

The Ripple Effect

This employment surge touches more than paychecks. When manufacturing plants open in towns like Greenville, they bring supply chains, training programs, and stability to entire regions. Energy efficiency contractors, now the largest segment of the sector, work directly with families to lower utility bills while creating comfortable homes.

The transition also means workers with traditional manufacturing skills can pivot into growing industries without starting from scratch. Welders, electricians, and technicians find their expertise translates directly to clean tech production lines and installation crews.

Grid upgrades funded by this investment boom benefit everyone, making power more reliable while preparing infrastructure for future demand. As more manufacturers choose North Carolina, that virtuous cycle strengthens.

The state's clean energy sector now employs thousands more people than it did just a few years ago, and momentum keeps building as companies seek locations that can power their operations reliably while meeting sustainability goals.