A push for more solar energy could help create electrician jobs in Nevada.

Proponents of residential and commercial solar projects in the State of Nevada are focusing on the type of jobs these projects create. Smaller projects often help create jobs for certified electricians, usually those who are in a union, while larger projects only create temporary construction jobs, according to an article by the Las Vegas Sun.

Rose McKinney-Jones, a lobbyist for the Solar Alliance, has helped push solar legislation, which led to laws stating a certain amount of energy in Nevada must come from solar power and cash rebates to encourage rooftop solar installations. The AFL-CIO also has gotten in on the action, setting up a training school to certify all electrician apprentices as photovoltaic solar installers.

And while those involved hoped legislation would encourage residential solar use, they are finding the laws are bringing larger utility-scale solar projects to the area.

“It only took two large power projects to eat all of that up,” McKinney-James said in the article.

Proponents think legislation focusing on smaller projects is necessary and that NV Energy should focus on incentives for residents. Solar Alliance, Vote Solar and the AFL-CIO are pushing legislation that would increase the renewable energy requirement from 20 percent to 30 percent by 2020 and increase funding for rebates from the SolarGenerations program.

However, opponents of the idea think promoting expensive solar energy for doesn’t make much sense when larger companies are able to take advantage of it.

For instance, Nevada Solar One and Nellis Air Force Base have added 78 megawatts of solar capacity to their facilities, equaling the required 5 percent of renewable energy from solar power. Residential providers, such as NV Energy, are having a tougher time finding a utility-scale solar deal.