Local Solar Power Economic Impact Report for 2013

Local Solar Power Economic Impact Report for 2013

By Nathaniel Allen

It is easy to forget the importance of hiring local companies.  As many people gravitate to big box retailers like Home Depot or national service companies like Comcast, we seem to forget small businesses in the United States are fundamental to our economic prosperity.  According to the Small Business Administration, “64% of the net new jobs created between 1993 and 2011 (or 11.8 million of the 18.5 million net new jobs)” were from small businesses.  Supporting small businesses is important for job growth, especially now as many of us are underemployed locally.

Supporting small businesses is critical for local economies.  As a small business owner, I choose where I source my paper, electrical supplies, or even coffee for the office.  If I order my office supplies from Staples online, where is my money going? Questions like this are not asked enough.  According to a 2008 Study by Civic Economics and Local First, 68% of dollars spent at local companies stay in the community compared to only 43% staying in the community when you spend money on a national company (Civic Economics, 2008).

To put this in perspective, Allterra evaluated all of its 2013 expenses to determine how much was invested in our local economy.  All told, Allterra invested nearly $1.6 Million into the local economy through staff payrolls and expenses to local suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors.

2013 Local Economic Impact

• Payroll to Local Staff:                          $1.09 Million
• Money Spent at Local Businesses:   $0.50 Million

Allterra Solar spent $1.6 Million locally in 2013.  Allterra Solar helps homeowners save money on electricity by installing solar electricity systems with $0 down solar purchase programs.