Despite the struggling economy, 2010 was a successful year for the solar energy industry. Energy Solutions is reporting the solar market grew 67 percent in value to $6 billion in 2010.

A study that focused on job growth in the solar market titled the National Solar Jobs Census 2010 found the number of solar workers nearly double in the United States since 2009. The study also found 50 percent of firms expect to continue adding jobs in 2011, potentially creating about 24,000 new jobs.

"The solar energy sector is an increasingly important source of good jobs for Americans," Hilda Solis, U.S. Secretary of Labor told Energy Solutions. "Fostering the growth of this emerging industry will help protect our environment, ensure the U.S. remains competitive in the global economy, and offer great opportunities for the nation's working families."

Because of the growth of the solar market, Ontility and Graybar Electric will offer Entry Level Solar Electric Training in late September in Portland, Oregon. The solar energy market continues to grow in Oregon and there is an increased demand for well-trained installers.

The training program will provide knowledge to those aspiring to be a solar business owner, a solar PV installer, solar PV project manager, solar salesperson and solar PV system designer.