SolarCity®, a national leader in solar financing, design, installation, monitoring and energy efficiency services, received the 2011 Green Jobs Award by the SJF Institute for its outstanding approach to quality green job creation. Since its inception, SolarCity has created more than 1,360 green jobs and aims to fill an additional 150 positions in the remainder of 2011.

SolarCity is one of the recession’s more remarkable jobs stories. Since the recession officially began in December 2007, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, SolarCity has added more than 1,200 jobs—more than one new job each workday on average—and now has more than 20,000 clean power projects completed or underway in 11 states.

“Our more than 1,300 employees make it possible for many homeowners and businesses to switch to clean, solar power for less than they pay for utility power,” said Linda Keala, SolarCity’s vice president of human resources. “Every SolarCity employee supports and plays a key role in increasing the use of clean power or using power more efficiently to make our country less dependent on energy sources that pollute our environment.”

The SJF Institute launched the Green Jobs Award in 2010 to honor innovative, privately-held American companies that are preserving or enhancing environmental quality while leading green job creation. The Institute’s goal is to accelerate the growth of innovative green job creators and demonstrate the potential of the green economy for all communities.

“These seven exemplary companies show you can have true sustainability while creating real, quality jobs at all levels,” said Bonny Moellenbrock, SJF Institute Executive Director. "By acknowledging the tremendous work these companies are doing, we hope to both support their efforts and inspire other businesses to follow their lead."