As the European Union (EU) embarks on an unprecedented transformation of its energy landscape, investing billions into solar energy, it is clear that we are at the forefront of a green revolution. Yet, amid this rapid expansion, a critical challenge looms – a significant skills gap that could hinder the sector’s progress.

To sustain and accelerate the momentum of solar photovoltaics (PV), it is imperative that the industry cultivates a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of this evolving market. However, the question remains: How can Europe effectively prepare its workforce to power this pivotal shift in the energy sector?

Solar energy is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of Europe’s clean energy transition. In 2023 alone, a record 56 GW of solar capacity was installed across the continent, bringing the EU closer to reaching its ambitious targets. Yet, while this expansion is commendable, it underscores a critical challenge: the urgent need for a skilled workforce capable of supporting and sustaining this growth.

Solar installations have surged over the past three years, positioning solar as the fastest-growing renewable energy sector in the region. The EU’s REPowerEU initiative has set ambitious goals, aiming for 600 GW by 2030. To meet these targets, Europe must add approximately 70 GW annually – 25% more than in 2023. However, this rapid expansion is not without its challenges.

What are the challenges to deploying solar PV in Europe? 
The growth of the solar PV sector in Europe presents several obstacles. The initial financial investments required for solar PV deployment are substantial, and regulatory and policy barriers can significantly slow down the adoption and expansion of solar technologies. For instance, permitting processes can take up to four years and delay project development.

The success of solar PV hinges on another key element: a well-trained workforce. Ramping up both PV deployment and manufacturing in the EU to the required levels demands hundreds of thousands of skilled workers. As of 2022, nearly 300,000 people were employed in the sector directly, with an additional 367,000 jobs supported indirectly.

However, an estimated 200,000 additional workers will be needed by 2027 to maintain the projected growth trajectory. More than four-fifths of these positions must be filled in the critical stages of project development and installation.

The skills gap remains one of the most pressing issues. The solar industry requires a diverse range of expertise, from materials and process knowledge in manufacturing to electrical engineering and construction skills during installation. Furthermore, as digital tools and workflows become increasingly integral to value creation across the sector, proficiency in areas such as data analysis, machine learning and software operation is becoming essential.

Moreover, the rise of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), driven by new regulations across the EU, is creating a new frontier in skills development. As solar technologies become embedded directly into building materials, there will be a growing demand for skills in integrating these technologies.

The solar industry requires a diverse range of expertise, from materials and process knowledge in manufacturing to electrical engineering and construction skills during installation.
 

The need for a training marketplace and standards
To address these challenges, standardised European training programmes and certifications are essential. While these need to co-exist with national certification schemes, standardised initiatives would enhance the quality and consistency of the workforce and simplify the process for employers to find qualified candidates.

The new European Solar Academy is a critical step in this direction. Supported by the European Commission and implemented by the InnoEnergy Skills Institute, this initiative aims to elevate the European dimension of training in solar PV.

One of the InnoEnergy Skills Institute’s primary objectives will be to harness and consolidate existing training resources across Europe, ensuring that EU training funds are utilised effectively. Programmes such as the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Just Transition Fund will be leveraged to support training initiatives, regional development and the broader transition to a low-carbon economy.

The InnoEnergy Skills Institute plans to develop a marketplace that consolidates European training offerings. All training incorporated into this marketplace will adhere to a robust quality framework, including strong learning design principles and a comprehensive competency framework detailing the skills required for key jobs. An Advisory Board, consisting of industry and skills associations, will work closely with the Skills Institute to validate the skills matrices and learning journeys.

This approach should ensure that all content within the marketplace is trusted for its quality and effectiveness in preparing learners for job demands.

To better serve the industry’s upskilling needs, the Institute is also developing skills intelligence that will focus on identifying critical job roles, essential skills and tailored learning journeys. This research will provide valuable insights for companies, training providers and policymakers, helping them to address talent challenges more effectively.

Closing the skills gap is crucial for accelerating the adoption of solar energy across Europe. As the solar industry continues to expand, it is vital for industry leaders, policymakers and educational institutions to prioritise and invest in workforce development. A well-trained workforce not only drives growth and competitiveness but also reduces costs in the long run.

Fortunately, stakeholders do not need to adopt a complete wait-and-see approach. They can take proactive steps to understand and overcome their skilling challenges today.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author only and are not necessarily given or endorsed by or on behalf of the Energy Institute.

• Further reading: ‘Largest solar farm in northern Italy comes online, while Solar Academy is launched’. The Piedmont town of Trino is now home to the largest operating solar farm in northern Italy, The 87 MW project consists of 160,000 bifacial PV panels that will produce approximately 130 GWh/y. Meanwhile, the European Solar Academy, mandated by the European Commission as one of its Net Zero Academies, aims to reskill and upskill 65,000 workers across the European solar PV value chain within its first two years.
• Find out how the US is struggling to keep up with demand for green jobs, despite the growing opportunities for transfer from the oil and gas industry and other sectors. There is also an issue around maintaining skills diversity.