The European solar industry is growing at an unprecedented pace, with over 100,000 new direct jobs expected in the PV value chain by 2030. Over 80 per cent of these jobs will be in deployment, yet today, companies across Europe are known to have struggled to find trained workers to meet demand in a booming market.
To bridge this gap, InnoEnergy Skills Institute and SolarPower Europe have launched the European Installer Training & Credential Initiative as part of the European Solar Academy project. This initiative aims to standardise training and certification across Member States, setting consistent, high-quality standards. The result? Enhanced workforce mobility, boosted industry confidence, and accelerated growth.
Amid the many installer trainings available across Europe, a clear and accessible high-quality certification that transcends borders not only makes recruitment easier but also ensures a skilled and reliable workforce, increasing both efficiency and safety.”
The pilot phase of the initiative brings together a network of training providers from Germany, Poland, Romania, Finland and France, with more countries to be represented soon. These institutions are at the forefront of delivering practical, hands-on training, ensuring workers have the necessary technical skills to perform installations safely and effectively.
A Unified Approach to Solar PV Installer Training
Currently, Europe’s solar PV workforce is fragmented, with national certification schemes varying widely. Differences in entry requirements, training content, and cross-border recognition create barriers for workers and employers.
The European Installer Credential is designed to overcome this fragmentation, offering installers an industry-recognised qualification that opens doors across the EU. Employers benefit from a clear benchmark, knowing recruits have the necessary skills and safety knowledge from day one.
The renewable energy sector in Poland and Europe needs a unified certification system to increase the safety and quality of PV installations. We believe that the European Solar Academy will contribute to bringing training centres closer together, focusing on professionalism and increasing industry efficiency.”
Raising the Bar: Ensuring Quality and Mobility
The initiative is not about replacing national schemes, but about complementing them by setting a high-quality benchmark that enables workers to move between countries and employers with confidence. The European Installer Credential includes:
- Curriculum alignment with national regulations and best practices.
- Practical, hands-on training for real-world skill development.
- A harmonised certification and assessment frameworks.
- Digital and blended learning options for accessibility.
The time has come for the industry to implement a harmonised quality framework for projects all over Europe. Harmonised frameworks mean quality and increased long-term efficiency.”
What’s in it for business?
The harmonisation of installer training isn’t just about education – it’s a business enabler. Companies adopting the European Installer Credential access a broader talent pool of job-ready professionals, reduce hiring risks and accelerating project delivery. Better training means fewer delays, less rework, and improved safety on-site. It also expands businesses’ geographical reach for talent.
We’re not just building training programmes but powering the talent engine behind Europe’s clean energy future. The European Solar Academy provides a unified framework to scale our solar training across borders and support the industry’s growth at a continental level.”
Join InnoEnergy Skills Institute
With the European Solar Academy’s target to train and certify at least 100,000 workers across entire solar value chain, InnoEnergy Skills Institute is calling on training providers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to join this effort.
If you are a training centre looking to expand your reach and impact, a business in need of a skilled workforce, or a policymaker shaping the future of solar energy, this initiative is for you. Reach out to us and get involved today in Europe’s clean energy future.
