Building a Skilled Solar Workforce
The European Solar PV Credentials
By 2030, the EU solar PV sector is set to create thousands of new jobs, yet training across Europe remains fragmented and inconsistent. The European Solar Academy is stepping up to change this by building a harmonised upskilling framework. Mandated by the European Commission, InnoEnergy Skills Institute is driving an initiative to upskill solar PV workers, equipping them with the qualifications needed to power Europe’s growing solar industry and close the skills gap for a clean energy future.
The EU solar workforce growth projections by 2030
PV Installer: a key job role
While national certification schemes often focus on higher-qualified PV Technicians, Installer-level training varies widely in quality, structure, and accessibility across the EU.
We’re addressing this gap head-on. By formalising the PV Installer role and introducing a harmonised, EU-wide skills framework, we’re setting a clear baseline for training providers and employers. This ensures every installation team member can perform safely and effectively, regardless of their geography.
And this is just the beginning. As demand rises across the value chain, the European Solar Academy will continue to expand into roles in operations, maintenance and manufacturing, scaling skills along the solar PV value chain.
A pioneering network of training providers
Through the European Solar Academy, InnoEnergy Skills Institute launched a pilot network of leading training providers in six European countries, from Finland to Spain, designed to deliver hands-on, market-relevant instruction. This growing network enables your organisation to tailor your training needs to local expertise while aligning with European standards.
The European Solar PV Credentials certify that individuals have completed training aligned with a harmonised European framework at one of two levels: Installer (entry level) and Installation Technician (experienced). Informed by cross-border labour market needs, the Initiative enhances training quality, comparability, and trust, empowering a more mobile, qualified solar workforce across the EU.
Experts say
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 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.”
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.”
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.”
The European Solar PV Credentials: delivery and industry backing
Developed in collaboration with SolarPower Europe, the European Solar PV Credentials are backed by one of Europe’s leading industry associations. With its extensive network, SolarPower Europe plays a key role in shaping common curriculum guidelines for PV Installer training at multiple levels. The partnership also helps drive industry-wide recognition of the credential and ensures alignment with other initiatives aimed at raising training standards.
The Installer job role family
Not all solar PV jobs are the same. The PV Installer job role family distinguishes between types of installation work and levels of responsibility. Our Skills Intelligence translates these differences into a clear, structured framework.
At the heart of this approach is a comprehensive Skills Matrix. It outlines the specific competencies and proficiency levels required for each role, guiding the development of targeted learning journeys. By identifying priority areas for training and upskilling, the Skills Matrix becomes a strategic tool for workforce planning, supporting both individual career growth and industry-wide talent development.
Are you a solar PV training provider or subject matter expert?
Join us in shaping the future of solar education. Whether you’re delivering training or bringing expertise from across the solar value chain, we want to hear from you. By acting swiftly and effectively, we aim to create impactful learning experiences that drive industry innovation, support workforce growth, and contribute meaningfully to the EU’s clean energy goals.
Talent Pipeline as a Service
Talent Pipeline as a Service (TPaaS) is a flexible, end-to-end solution for recruiting, training, and certifying skilled clean tech talent. Turn hiring into a strategic advantage — scale your operations, close critical skills gaps, and tackle staffing challenges with confidence. Have talent on demand wherever and whenever you are.
Green Talent Accelerator
Green Talent Accelerator is a transformative framework designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in clean tech. It connects role-specific skills, curated training, and industry-recognised certifications into a structured system — helping you develop faster and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
Community Programmes
Community Programmes educate, inspire, and accelerate clean energy adoption. Through collaboration and awareness, we ensure community acceptance and industry alignment. As an EU partner, we turn policy into action, delivering the European Commission’s skills strategy to benefit citizens across Europe.
Latest resources
Who Is Investing in Workforce Skills? Solving Europe’s Skills Financing Gap
Green Talent Accelerator: Turning Skills Intelligence into Workforce Impact
Bright Futures: Why Now’s the Time to Launch Your Career in Solar Energy
Building a Skilled Solar Workforce: The European Installer Training & Credential Initiative
Driving the Solar Revolution: A Report
Europe’s Battery Breakthrough Hinges on Skilled Workforce
