Powering new jobs in Europe’s solar energy sector

Solar power is set to become one of Europe’s largest energy sources before the end of the decade. By 2050, it could also create an estimated 4 million jobs — but there’s currently a real shortage of workers with the skills to make it happen. That's why SolarPower Europe created #SolarWorks, supported by Google. This new programme aims to raise awareness of the diverse range of careers available in solar, and connect people with the resources to get started.

“Solar is one of the energy sector’s largest job creators, and a major contributor to local growth.”

Walburga Hemetsberger,
CEO of SolarPower Europe

Why solar?

A growing energy

For the EU to achieve a climate-neutral economy by 2050, more than 80% of its electricity will need to come from renewable energy. As the lowest-cost and easiest-to-deploy clean energy option, solar’s use will grow exponentially — powering millions of homes, cars and factories — and creating a cleaner Europe.

By 2050, 60% of Europe’s energy could come from solar. But it won’t happen unless there are enough installers, technicians, engineers, project managers, and other skilled workers trained and ready to make the transition and drive the growth.

Explore solar opportunities France

If France achieves its national solar target of 40GW of capacity by 2028 its solar industry will have grown by 268%. By 2028, solar energy could create up to 24,000 direct jobs in France

“Working in solar is incredibly varied and every day is different. You need to be curious, motivated and able to adapt to all sorts of situations.”

CLÉMENCE MARQUEYZ
PROJECT MANAGER AT AKUO ENERGY

See Clémence and Ludivine story

Explore solar opportunities GERMANY

If Germany achieves its national solar target of 98GW of capacity by 2030, its solar industry will have grown by 80%. Over the next 20 years, the number of people employed by the solar industry is set to triple from around 24,400 to 72,000

“The further development of the solar industry is very promising, it is the form of energy of the future.”

STEPHANIE MALIK
ENGINEER FRAUNHOFER CSP

See Stephanie and Sven’s story

Explore solar opportunities Netherlands

If the Netherlands achieves its national solar target of 27GW of capacity by 2030, its solar industry will have grown by 192%. To reach its climate goals, the country needs an additional 28,000 people to join its renewable energy sector by the end of this decade

“There are a lot of opportunities in the solar energy sector, we are always looking for new talent.”

Agnes Stielstra,
Project Manager Groenleven

See Agnès and Egbert's story

Explore solar opportunities POLAND

If Poland achieves its national solar target of more than 7GW of capacity by 2030, its solar industry will have doubled in size

“I am quite optimistic about the future of solar energy, but there is no economy that can do well without qualified employees.”

MICHAŁ POLAŃSKI

See Sylwia and Michał ’s story

`Explore solar opportunities SPAIN

If Spain achieves its national solar target of almost 40GW of capacity by 2030, its solar industry will have grown by 196%

“I fell in love with the idea of protecting the environment and it became clear to me that I wanted to work in the renewable energy industry.”

IGNACIO FERNANDEZ GARCIA
PROJECT DEVELOPER STATKRAFT

See Nacho and Peggy’s story

#SolarWorks network

The #SolarWorks project has been created in partnership with solar companies from across Europe

*All statistics are from the EU Market Outlook for Solar Power 2021-2025 report, SolarPower Europe