For Vets Returning to U.S., Green Energy Jobs Await

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- An Ohio energy company is making an effort to hire military veterans to install solar panels at a time when veteran unemployment is outpacing that of civilians.

Tipping Point chief technical officer Darin Hadinger says his company's Solar by Soldiers program was in part inspired by his father, a Vietnam veteran who struggled to find work after his service.

Advocates say the technical skills veterans learn in the military translate well into green energy jobs.

While the number of solar power projects has more than tripled in the last year, some observers worry that the industry could stagnate with federal stimulus incentives set to dry up in coming years.

The unemployment rate for veterans is at 12.1 percent compared with 9 percent for civilians.