According to SolarPower Europe’s 2024 Solar Jobs Report the European solar sector created around 826,000 jobs by 2023’s close – a 27% increase since 2022. However, the 2024 forecast expects only a 0.4% increase.
The 2023 boost seems to have been caused by a record-breaking 50% growth of the European solar market as more than 60GW were installed across the continent.
The 2024 report has indicated a drastic slowdown in solar industry growth, particularly noting the rooftop solar sector. The slowdown has been attributed to a decrease in solar installations due to limited flexibility and decreased impacts of the energy crisis.
Furthermore, European solar manufacturers have been hindered by significant challenges over the last year. This has resulted in pauses in production and a reduction in the workforce.
“Solar can offer more than 1 million workers a meaningful, quality career in their local communities,” comments Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe.
Movement has been noticed on a national case-by-case basis. For example, Germany saw a 104% growth in its solar workforce – becoming the largest in Europe boasting 154,000 workers.
Poland took second place with 113,000 workers, and Spain third.
Hemetsberger continues: “These job opportunities can’t be taken for granted. We urge the new EU leadership to improve regulatory conditions to add more solar, support EU solar manufacturers, and develop Europe’s strategy around solar skills.”
Despite this report, SolarPower Europe predicts that 1m solar jobs will have been created by 2027 – thus meeting the region’s demand for competitiveness, climate, and energy security targets.
This is a revised prediction from the original forecast of 1m solar jobs and 88.5GW of annual installations by 2025.
Policy recommendations
SolarPower Europe has also published policy recommendations in the Solar Jobs Report. These are:
- Assessing the exact need for workers and skillsets at a national level.
- Creating a pan-renewable energy career path.
- Including an electrification skills strategy under the upcoming EU Electrification Action Plan.
- Boosting the visibility and allure of STEM education and careers.
- Retraining workers from legacy-fossil industries.
- Supporting the circulation of skills in Europe.
- Developing solar-specific training within electrical professional training.
To stay up-to-date with the European solar market, don’t miss out on your free ticket to Solar & Storage Barcelona – taking place 13-14 November.
