Europe’s Solar Workforce Surges Amidst Academy Expansion
SolarPower Europe predicts over a million jobs by 2027, fueled by new training initiatives
Europe’s solar photovoltaic sector is experiencing robust growth, with installation figures projected to hover between 65-70GW annually. This expansion is driving a significant demand for skilled labor, prompting a major push for standardized training and reskilling programs across the continent.
European Solar Academy Gears Up for Growth
The European Solar Academy, launched by EIT InnoEnergy, is set to train 65,000 workers by mid-2026. Its focus on standardization, collaboration, and agility aims to address the dynamic needs of the European solar market. The academy’s efforts are crucial as Europe seeks to bolster its energy independence through increased solar capacity.
“There will be a lot of solar PV installed,”
—Christophe Lits, Market Analyst at SolarPower Europe
The continent’s cumulative operating PV capacity has reached 269GW, with 2023 seeing a 50% increase in new capacity additions compared to the previous year. This surge is expected to translate into significant employment opportunities, with optimistic forecasts suggesting Europe could employ 1.4 million solar workers by 2028.
Beyond Installation: Diverse Skill Needs Emerge
While installation jobs will continue to dominate, their share of the total European solar workforce is predicted to slightly decrease from 87% in 2023 to 79% by 2028. The industry is also seeing growing demand for roles in manufacturing and operations & maintenance (O&M) as Europe invests in its domestic solar manufacturing capabilities.
Jacqui Wigg, solar learning project manager at EIT InnoEnergy, and Oana Penu, director of the InnoEnergy Skills Institute, highlight the nuances within the installation sector. They differentiate between rooftop and utility-scale installations, noting that rooftop installations, despite being labor-intensive, currently employ more workers. However, commercial and industrial rooftop projects are experiencing rapid growth as businesses prioritize energy independence.
“It’s important to differentiate between rooftop and utility-scale installations. While utility scale projects are expanding rapidly, the rooftop sector remains the largest employer due to its labour-intensive nature.”
—Jacqui Wigg and Oana Penu, EIT InnoEnergy
As of 2023, Germany, Italy, and France show roughly double the number of rooftop installation positions compared to utility-scale ones, with rooftop deployments accounting for the majority of EU solar jobs.
Standardizing Credentials for a Seamless Market
A key initiative of the European Solar Academy is the development of a standardized credential for solar installers. This aims to create a clear benchmark of competence, facilitating workforce mobility and ensuring consistent quality across European jurisdictions. The academy has established a comprehensive skills framework and an advisory council comprising industry leaders from SolarPower Europe, EUREC, ESIA, ESMC, and the European Commission to guide its work.
Christophe Lits emphasizes the collaborative effort required. “I think it’s mostly the job of the sector as a whole to organise those trainings … usually large installation companies have their own training programmes, from which they hire and employ,”
he states. He also points to the role of policymakers in validating these qualifications across different countries, suggesting the Commission’s role is to streamline administrative procedures for cross-border recognition of certifications.
Reskilling and Retraining: A Vital Component
The European Solar Academy is also focusing on reskilling and retraining initiatives, aiming to attract individuals from adjacent industries with transferable skills. The academy is partnering with a new solar manufacturing company in France to reskill workers from other manufacturing sectors. However, Christophe Lits expresses some caution regarding the direct transferability of skills, particularly for rooftop installations, while remaining open to further investigation.
The future of training practices in Europe’s solar industry will be shaped by evolving market demands. The push for reshoring solar PV manufacturing has led to a strong emphasis on manufacturing job roles, with partnerships being formed to support new production projects. This agile approach is crucial as companies navigate macroeconomic fluctuations and shifts in demand.
The solar industry’s dynamism requires continuous adaptation. A recent report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) highlighted that global renewable energy employment reached 13.7 million in 2022, with solar PV remaining the largest employer within the sector.
