A first-of-its kind review of the solar workforce in the United States revealed hiring in the sector is on the rise and more than half of solar employers nationally plan to increase their workforce in the next year.

The study, titled “National Solar Job Census 2010: A Review of the U.S. Solar Workforce,” was conducted by the Solar Foundation, a non-profit solar education and research organization. It found that as of August 2010, there were more than 16,700 employment sites and 93,000 solar jobs in all 50 states.

It also found that solar employers expect to increase its number of solar workers by 26 percent, which represents nearly 24,000 net new jobs by August 2011.

“Among other things, this study shows that investments made through the Recovery Act…are already generating positive results,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “The solar energy sector is an increasingly important source of good jobs for Americans. Fostering the growth of this emerging industry will protect our environment, ensure the U.S. remains competitive in the global economy, and offer great opportunities for the nation’s working families.”

The survey examined employment along the solar value chain, including installation, wholesale trade, manufacturing, utilities and all other fields and includes growth rates and job numbers for 31 separate occupations. The report included data from more than 2,400 solar company survey respondents.