The UK Government's new Solar Roadmap, launched jointly with Solar Energy UK, sets an ambitious yet achievable vision: to deliver 70GW of solar energy by 2035. But while the headlines focus on clean power, at the heart of this transition lies another equally powerful force: jobs. Thousands of them. Across the country. Across skill levels. And across disciplines.
This blog kicks off our new series exploring what the roadmap means for the UK workforce, how the sector is preparing, and why now is the best time to explore a career in solar.
A Bright Outlook for Solar Careers
Solar is already one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable energy in the UK. With the government's roadmap committing to a tenfold increase in solar generation capacity, the workforce behind the panels must scale up dramatically.
According to Solar Energy UK, achieving the roadmap’s goals could mean the creation of up to 60,000 new jobs by 2035. These aren’t just jobs in installation, they span a wide range of roles:
-PV installers and technicians
-Surveyors and planners
-Designers and engineers
-Procurement, logistics, and operations roles
-Policy, marketing, and communications professionals
-HR and recruitment specialists
In short: the UK solar industry needs a workforce as diverse and dynamic as the energy transition itself.
Why This Moment Matters
The roadmap doesn’t just outline targets; it recognises the need for action across the entire ecosystem. A central pillar of the strategy is skills. Specifically, how to attract, train, and retain the people needed to deliver on solar’s potential.
Key commitments include:
-Developing a clear solar skills strategy
-Working with education providers and local authorities
-Supporting green apprenticeships
-Promoting diversity and inclusion across the industry
This marks a real opportunity to shape a jobs-led energy transition where the economic and social benefits of net zero are felt across regions and communities.
Who Are These Jobs For?
One of the most exciting parts of working in solar is how accessible it’s becoming. Whether you’re a school leaver, a graduate, or someone looking to change careers, there’s a growing number of entry points into the sector.
Many training routes can be completed in under a year. Some roles don’t require a degree. And more employers are starting to invest in workforce development through apprenticeships and upskilling.
Plus, with roles available in every region of the UK, solar can provide local, stable employment that contributes directly to the national goal of energy independence.
What’s Next
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be diving deeper into the themes raised in the roadmap:
-Which skills are most in demand?
-How do you start a career in solar?
-What are the opportunities for career changers?
-How is the industry tackling diversity?
If you’re an employer, educator, or aspiring solar professional, Solar Careers UK will be your go-to space to explore the future of solar jobs in Britain.
Explore the roadmap:
-UK Government Solar Roadmap – PDF
-Solar Roadmap – Accessible Webpage
-Solar Energy UK Solar Roadmap Summary
Visit: www.solarcareersuk.org
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