N.C. green-power group touts industry’s job growth

RALEIGH — A green-power advocacy group says North Carolina’s alternative-energy companies continue growing rapidly despite the country’s economic troubles.

The North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association said today its latest survey of renewable-energy and energy-efficiency companies found there are now more than 12,000 full-time jobs in North Carolina. That’s up more than 20 percent from about 10,000 jobs last year.

The group surveys sustainable-energy firms across the state to check their condition. The association says green-energy companies have a presence in all 100 North Carolina counties.