GITNUXREPORT 2025

Upskilling And Reskilling In The Solar Industry Statistics

Solar industry growth drives upskilling, reskilling boosts employment and innovation.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Women make up only 20% of the solar workforce, but targeted upskilling programs are increasing their participation

Statistic 2

The average age of solar technicians is 39, emphasizing the need for targeted reskilling programs for younger entrants

Statistic 3

The number of women in solar training programs increased by 30% over the past three years due to targeted upskilling efforts

Statistic 4

The global solar workforce is projected to reach 18 million by 2050, up from 3 million in 2020

Statistic 5

The average salary for solar technicians is expected to grow by 15% in the next five years

Statistic 6

The solar industry offers over 500,000 job opportunities worldwide, with a growth rate of 20% annually

Statistic 7

60% of solar industry companies report difficulty in finding skilled workers

Statistic 8

Reskilling programs have increased employment in the solar sector by 25% over the past three years

Statistic 9

70% of solar companies plan to expand their training programs in the next year

Statistic 10

80% of solar companies invest in upskilling existing employees to meet technological advancements

Statistic 11

In 2023, approximately 45% of solar training programs are now online, increasing accessibility

Statistic 12

Green skills in solar technologies are among the top 10 in demand in the renewable energy sector

Statistic 13

55% of solar technicians require reskilling due to automation and technological advances

Statistic 14

The cost of solar job training programs dropped by 30% over the past five years, making upskilling more accessible

Statistic 15

Over 60% of solar companies reported a skills mismatch in their workforce, affecting project timelines

Statistic 16

In the US, the Solar Ready Vets initiative has trained over 10,000 veterans for solar jobs since 2017

Statistic 17

78% of solar industry employers believe continuous training is critical for staying competitive

Statistic 18

65% of newly hired solar workers do not have prior industry experience, highlighting the importance of upskilling

Statistic 19

The average time to upskill a worker for a solar installation role is approximately 3 to 6 months, depending on prior experience

Statistic 20

40% of solar companies have partnered with local educational institutions to develop specialized training programs

Statistic 21

The average re-skilling investment per employee in the solar industry is approximately $2,500

Statistic 22

The adoption of digital tools in solar training has increased by 50% since 2020, enhancing skills development

Statistic 23

85% of solar training programs now include safety and compliance modules as standard, up from 60% in 2020

Statistic 24

The majority of solar training certifications are now recognized internationally, promoting global workforce mobility

Statistic 25

Reskilling programs for existing workers have increased proficiency in new solar panel technologies by 35%, according to industry surveys

Statistic 26

62% of solar installers report that ongoing upskilling directly correlates with increased sales and revenue

Statistic 27

The use of augmented reality (AR) in solar technician training has grown by 45% in the last two years, improving hands-on skills

Statistic 28

70% of solar companies see talent retention as directly linked to the availability of upskilling opportunities

Statistic 29

The number of solar industry apprenticeships has doubled in the last five years, supporting workforce development

Statistic 30

50% of solar companies have experienced a decrease in project delays following upskilling initiatives

Statistic 31

Training programs focusing on grid integration have seen a 60% increase, reflecting industry shifts

Statistic 32

90% of solar firms agree that ongoing education is necessary for adapting to rapid technological change

Statistic 33

In regions with robust upskilling programs, solar job satisfaction rates are 30% higher than in regions without such initiatives

Statistic 34

The global investment in solar training and upskilling programs increased by 40% in 2022, reaching over $250 million

Statistic 35

AI-driven training tools are being adopted by 35% of solar companies, significantly enhancing learning experiences

Statistic 36

In 2023, 55% of solar companies expanded their existing upskilling initiatives to include cybersecurity training for smart grid integration

Statistic 37

The percentage of solar companies offering certification programs increased from 40% in 2020 to 75% in 2023, indicating a focus on formal qualifications

Statistic 38

Remote learning modules in solar training have improved completion rates by 20% compared to traditional classroom training

Statistic 39

The average ROI for companies investing in solar upskilling programs is estimated at 150%, based on increased efficiency and sales

Statistic 40

48% of solar job seekers prioritize companies that offer ongoing training and development opportunities

Statistic 41

In 2023, companies utilizing virtual reality simulations saw a 25% reduction in onsite training costs

Statistic 42

72% of solar industry workers believe that skill development is key to career advancement

Statistic 43

Over 85% of solar companies report that automation is changing the skill requirements, necessitating reskilling initiatives

Statistic 44

The average length of re-skilling programs for solar technicians is approximately 4 months, with tailored modules for different roles

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Key Highlights

The global solar workforce is projected to reach 18 million by 2050, up from 3 million in 2020
60% of solar industry companies report difficulty in finding skilled workers
Reskilling programs have increased employment in the solar sector by 25% over the past three years
70% of solar companies plan to expand their training programs in the next year
The average salary for solar technicians is expected to grow by 15% in the next five years
80% of solar companies invest in upskilling existing employees to meet technological advancements
The solar industry offers over 500,000 job opportunities worldwide, with a growth rate of 20% annually
In 2023, approximately 45% of solar training programs are now online, increasing accessibility
Green skills in solar technologies are among the top 10 in demand in the renewable energy sector
55% of solar technicians require reskilling due to automation and technological advances
The cost of solar job training programs dropped by 30% over the past five years, making upskilling more accessible
Over 60% of solar companies reported a skills mismatch in their workforce, affecting project timelines
In the US, the Solar Ready Vets initiative has trained over 10,000 veterans for solar jobs since 2017

As the solar industry skyrockets toward an estimated 18 million jobs by 2050, the crucial focus on upskilling and reskilling workers has become the solar sector’s secret weapon for innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.

Demographics and Diversity in Solar Workforce

Women make up only 20% of the solar workforce, but targeted upskilling programs are increasing their participation
The average age of solar technicians is 39, emphasizing the need for targeted reskilling programs for younger entrants
The number of women in solar training programs increased by 30% over the past three years due to targeted upskilling efforts

Demographics and Diversity in Solar Workforce Interpretation

While women still represent a small slice of the solar workforce, a 30% surge in their training participation signals that tailored upskilling programs are finally illuminating pathways for a more diverse and youthful industry, but sustained efforts are essential to truly harness the sun’s full potential.

Employment Trends and Opportunities

The global solar workforce is projected to reach 18 million by 2050, up from 3 million in 2020
The average salary for solar technicians is expected to grow by 15% in the next five years
The solar industry offers over 500,000 job opportunities worldwide, with a growth rate of 20% annually

Employment Trends and Opportunities Interpretation

As the solar industry skyrockets towards a projected 18 million jobs by 2050—up from just 3 million in 2020—it's clear that investing in upskilling and reskilling isn't just smart career move but a shining path to harnessing the sun’s full economic potential.

Industry Workforce Development and Skills Training

60% of solar industry companies report difficulty in finding skilled workers
Reskilling programs have increased employment in the solar sector by 25% over the past three years
70% of solar companies plan to expand their training programs in the next year
80% of solar companies invest in upskilling existing employees to meet technological advancements
In 2023, approximately 45% of solar training programs are now online, increasing accessibility
Green skills in solar technologies are among the top 10 in demand in the renewable energy sector
55% of solar technicians require reskilling due to automation and technological advances
The cost of solar job training programs dropped by 30% over the past five years, making upskilling more accessible
Over 60% of solar companies reported a skills mismatch in their workforce, affecting project timelines
In the US, the Solar Ready Vets initiative has trained over 10,000 veterans for solar jobs since 2017
78% of solar industry employers believe continuous training is critical for staying competitive
65% of newly hired solar workers do not have prior industry experience, highlighting the importance of upskilling
The average time to upskill a worker for a solar installation role is approximately 3 to 6 months, depending on prior experience
40% of solar companies have partnered with local educational institutions to develop specialized training programs
The average re-skilling investment per employee in the solar industry is approximately $2,500
The adoption of digital tools in solar training has increased by 50% since 2020, enhancing skills development
85% of solar training programs now include safety and compliance modules as standard, up from 60% in 2020
The majority of solar training certifications are now recognized internationally, promoting global workforce mobility
Reskilling programs for existing workers have increased proficiency in new solar panel technologies by 35%, according to industry surveys
62% of solar installers report that ongoing upskilling directly correlates with increased sales and revenue
The use of augmented reality (AR) in solar technician training has grown by 45% in the last two years, improving hands-on skills
70% of solar companies see talent retention as directly linked to the availability of upskilling opportunities
The number of solar industry apprenticeships has doubled in the last five years, supporting workforce development
50% of solar companies have experienced a decrease in project delays following upskilling initiatives
Training programs focusing on grid integration have seen a 60% increase, reflecting industry shifts
90% of solar firms agree that ongoing education is necessary for adapting to rapid technological change
In regions with robust upskilling programs, solar job satisfaction rates are 30% higher than in regions without such initiatives
The global investment in solar training and upskilling programs increased by 40% in 2022, reaching over $250 million
AI-driven training tools are being adopted by 35% of solar companies, significantly enhancing learning experiences
In 2023, 55% of solar companies expanded their existing upskilling initiatives to include cybersecurity training for smart grid integration
The percentage of solar companies offering certification programs increased from 40% in 2020 to 75% in 2023, indicating a focus on formal qualifications
Remote learning modules in solar training have improved completion rates by 20% compared to traditional classroom training
The average ROI for companies investing in solar upskilling programs is estimated at 150%, based on increased efficiency and sales
48% of solar job seekers prioritize companies that offer ongoing training and development opportunities
In 2023, companies utilizing virtual reality simulations saw a 25% reduction in onsite training costs
72% of solar industry workers believe that skill development is key to career advancement
Over 85% of solar companies report that automation is changing the skill requirements, necessitating reskilling initiatives
The average length of re-skilling programs for solar technicians is approximately 4 months, with tailored modules for different roles

Industry Workforce Development and Skills Training Interpretation

As the solar industry accelerates into a tech-driven future where 80% of companies are investing in upskilling and 70% plan to expand training, the demand for green skills and continuous education underscores that staying power in solar hinges more on workforce agility than on solar panels alone.