Backed by Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) founder Elon Musk, SolarCity Corp (NASDAQ:SCTY) is aggressively expanding its operations. The company will increase its workforce in Massachusetts by 85% this year. SolarCity’s regional VP, Lee Keshishian told the Boston Business Journal that the San Mateo-based company will add 100 new positions to its current workforce of 120 employees in Massachusetts in the next seven months.
Why is SolarCity adding more jobs on Massachusetts?
SolarCity Corp (NASDAQ:SCTY) has two outposts in Massachusetts, one in Pembroke and another in Marlborough. About 60 of the new recruits will be based on Pembroke, while the remainder will be based on the Marlborough center. Most of the new jobs will be construction-related such as carpenters, electricians and general laborers. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, there are about 300 solar companies active in Massachusetts, collectively employing more than 6,400 people.
SolarCity Corp (NASDAQ:SCTY) entered the Massachusetts market with the purchase of groSolar in 2011. Massachusetts is the fourth fastest growing state in terms of solar energy. The San Mateo-based company said that it is adding more jobs in the state for two reasons. One, state officials are offering generous incentives. And Two, SolarCity is focusing on the best ways to generate revenues by utilizing those incentives. SolarCity retains the ownership of solar systems it installs on customers’ homes and businesses.
SolarCity expanding its service in Nevada
SolarCity Corp (NASDAQ:SCTY) announced earlier this month that it will expand its service in Nevada, where the company plans to double its workforce to 800 by the next year. However, its solar jobs are completely overshadowed by the 6,500 new jobs that Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA)’s Gigafactory will create. Tesla will soon announce the names of two Southwestern states where it will start work on Gigafactory. The battery production factory will produce battery packs for as many as 500,000 vehicles by 2020.
SolarCity Corp (NASDAQ:SCTY) shares were down 0.41% to $52.97 in pre-market trading Wednesday.
