A comparison of quantitative and qualitative employment effects of solar and conventional systems can prove the increased employment postulated as one of the significant secondary benefits of a shift from conventional to solar energy use. Current quantitative employment estimates show solar technology-induced employment to be generally greater than for conventional technologies. Discussing the qualitative employment effects focuses on the relative size and spatial distribution of the various technologies. The effects of solar systems are more positive than those of conventional energy facilities. This is due to the small size, dispersed locations, and gradual implementation of solar heating and cooling of building (SHACOB) systems. (YLB)