The solar sector in Europe is still growing, even if the pace has eased. As the continent ramps up efforts to meet climate targets and strengthen energy independence, solar power is becoming a cornerstone of the transition. But there’s one thing the industry urgently needs: people. Skilled people. A lot of them.
Whether you’re thinking about switching careers or just starting out, the solar industry offers a fast-growing, meaningful field with huge potential. To help you take that first step, the InnoEnergy Skills Institute has launched a new free course designed to give you the basics, build your confidence and show you where you might fit in.
The Solar Boom Is Real
Between now and 2030, global renewable energy capacity additions are forecast to rise from 666 GW to 935 GW. Solar PV is set to play the leading role in this expansion, thanks to low costs, faster permitting and strong policy support (IEA, 2024).
Global solar installations reached a record 597 GW in 2024, accounting for 81 per cent of all new renewable capacity added worldwide. The total installed solar PV capacity doubled in just two years, reaching 2.2 TW by the end of 2024 (SPE Global Market Outlook Report, 2025). If current trends continue, solar capacity is expected to surpass 7 TW by 2030, delivering nearly two-thirds of the 11 TW global renewable energy target set at COP28 (SPE Global Market Outlook Report, 2025).
Europe remains the second-largest growth market after China, with 82.1 GW of new capacity added in 2024, a 15 per cent increase over the previous year (SPE Global Market Outlook Report, 2025). Germany led installations, followed by Italy, France, and a growing number of EU Member States, 16 of which now install more than 1 GW annually.
What That Means for Jobs
This rapid expansion is driving unprecedented job creation. In 2023, 87 per cent of Europe’s solar workforce was employed in installation roles (SPE Jobs Report 2024). While installation will remain a key job engine, the market is becoming more diverse.
In 2024 alone, over 700,000 jobs were expected to be created across procurement, construction, installation and related activities (SPE Jobs Report 2024). Meanwhile, operations and maintenance roles, which tend to be more stable and long-term, are forecast to grow steadily at double-digit rates through 2028 (SPE Jobs Report 2024).
Digital Transformation Is Creating New Roles
The modern solar sector goes far beyond panels and inverters. AI, robotics and data-driven technologies are transforming how solar plants are designed, monitored and maintained. This shift is creating new opportunities for people with digital, engineering and data science skills (SPE Jobs Report 2024).
Where the Jobs Are Growing
Germany remains the EU’s largest job market in solar, with strong policy and market support. Italy is on track to reach 100,000 solar jobs by 2028, while Spain, France, Poland, Romania and Greece are also seeing consistent growth (SPE Jobs Report 2024).
Unsure Where You Fit In?
Not sure how your skills translate to solar jobs? Solar Careers Decoded is a free online tool that helps you map your experience to real job profiles and explore relevant training options.
Take the First Step Today
To support your journey, the InnoEnergy Skills Institute is offering a free online course: Solar Careers Decoded. It provides an engaging, user-friendly introduction to the solar industry, key roles, and the skills that are in demand. The course has already received enthusiastic feedback from early users.
“Being fully honest, I feel like this is an amazing way to show people what certain roles actually do. When people hear job titles in companies, they don’t really know what that person is doing or if that’s something they’d be interested in. This way of exploring roles is great.”
Another participant praised the course’s user experience:
“It’s very intuitive and user-friendly and does a great job in helping those interested in solar careers find something that aligns with their skills and interests. Great job!”
Whether you’re hands-on, strategic or tech-savvy, there is a solar job for you, and now there’s a clear, free way to start exploring.
Explore the course today and take your first step towards a future in solar.
