Solar power can create more jobs than atomic and coal-fired energy generation, a state-run think tank said Sunday.

In a report on solar power job creation in the fourth industrial revolution era, the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade said that while nuclear and conventional thermal power plants do not necessary lead to a meaningful rise in hiring, just $1 million invested in solar energy may lead to the creation of 15.7 new positions.

It said the difference is due to the relatively low entry barrier for solar power generation, which is not the case for nuclear and thermal power plants, as they can only be built and operated by big companies.

KIET said a study conducted in the United States by a public atomic energy institute in 2014 showed that for every 1,000 megawatts of power generated by an atomic power plant, 500 positions were created, while corresponding numbers for solar power were 1,060 jobs. For coal-fired thermal power generation, 190 jobs were created.

It said the advantage of solar power versus other forms of power generation is that even small and medium-sized enterprises and private individuals can enter the market.

"Solar power does require economy of scale, but the technology needed and restrictions on facilities are far less than that of nuclear and thermal power," the institute said.

Moreover, it said that while nuclear and thermal power plants require considerable distribution infrastructure that can lead to inefficiency, solar power can be built closer to population centers and this can reduce the need for power transmission cables.

It pointed out that solar panels can easily be set up at homes and offices without concerns about damaging the environment. This translates into lower social costs to reduce tension compared to building nuclear or thermal power plants.

KIET then said that while the cost associated with solar power generation stood at 500 won ($0.44) per kilowatt hour of energy in 2010, this has come down an average of 20 percent annually and should hover around 50-60 won per kWh in 2023.

The latest report said that solar power is advantageous since it generates the most power during peak consumption periods, which are usually during the day. (Yonhap)