INFORMATION
The Rising Demand for Solar Panel Engineers UK: A Deeper Look
The UK government has set a target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This ambitious goal requires drastic action across all sectors, with the energy sector being a key player. According to the UK government’s ‘Energy White Paper’ (2020), renewable energy, including solar power, will play an essential role in meeting these goals.
UK Renewable Energy Strategy: c.2023 renewable energy accounted for around 40% of the UK’s electricity generation. Solar energy represents a growing portion of this, with the UK solar industry contributing 10% of the country’s electricity in recent years.
2030 Solar Ambitions: The government’s ambition is to reach 70GW of solar capacity by 2030, up from about 14GW in 2020. This means solar energy is expected to increase by a staggering five-fold in less than a decade, driving the need for an even greater number of qualified solar engineers.
Solar Installations and Consumer Adoption
As more consumers turn to solar to reduce their carbon footprints and mitigate rising energy costs, the demand for skilled engineers continues to climb. With energy prices spiking, particularly in the wake of recent global events, solar panels have become an attractive investment for homeowners and businesses looking to reduce energy bills in the long term.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): The government’s SEG scheme, which pays customers for surplus energy fed back into the grid, has further incentivised the installation of solar systems. It’s expected that over 500,000 homes in the UK will have solar panels installed by 2025, according to the Solar Trade Association.
Solar Panels for Homes: Residential solar panels are becoming more affordable, with prices falling by nearly 70% in the last decade, making them accessible to more consumers. This shift is leading to an explosion of small- to medium-sized projects that need an increasing number of skilled engineers to carry out installations, maintenance, and repairs.
Green Energy for Businesses: More UK businesses are also embracing solar energy, particularly in industries with high energy consumption, such as manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture. Large commercial-scale installations are generating a substantial need for engineers to design and implement solar systems.
Government Incentives and Policy Support
The UK government has been pivotal in stimulating demand for solar installations through financial incentives and supportive policies. Recent announcements are expected to further increase the need for solar panel engineers.
Renewable Energy Support: The UK government’s commitment to green energy is demonstrated by its Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which provides guaranteed prices for low carbon energy, including solar power. This stability encourages businesses and developers to invest in solar, leading to more jobs and higher demand for engineers.
Grants and Funding: Local authorities and government backed schemes like the Low Carbon Skills Fund are also enabling businesses to access funding for solar installations, which further drives the demand for installation professionals.
New Solar Technology and Advanced Skills Requirements
Solar energy is not just about installing panels on rooftops. As technology evolves, solar engineers are expected to keep up with new systems and advancements, making them even more sought after.
Energy Storage Solutions: With the rise of solar energy, battery storage systems are becoming a crucial part of the equation. Engineers need to be proficient not only in installing solar panels but also in integrating energy storage systems like solar batteries. The battery storage market in the UK is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26% between 2020 and 2025, driving demand for engineers with this dual expertise.
Smart Solar Systems: With the advent of smart grids and smart home integration, solar engineers must be knowledgeable in the latest automation technologies. This includes remote monitoring, energy efficiency controls, and systems that integrate with the wider energy grid.
Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): As solar panels become more aesthetically integrated into buildings, BIPV systems are gaining popularity. These systems blend into building materials (e.g., solar windows, solar tiles), requiring a new set of skills for installation and maintenance.
Shortage of Skilled Workers and Rising Demand
While the demand for solar engineers is growing rapidly, the UK is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers to meet these needs. According to a Renewable Energy Workforce Report by the Energy & Utilities Skills Partnership (2022), there’s a significant skills gap in the energy sector, with a lack of qualified workers in both solar panel installation and technical maintenance roles.
Skills Gap in the Energy Sector: The UK has an estimated 29% skills gap in the renewable energy sector, including solar energy. Many young professionals aren’t entering the sector at the pace needed to meet future demand. This gap presents a unique opportunity for professionals to develop their skills and enter an industry with strong growth potential.
The Outlook: A Bright Future for Solar Engineers in the UK
The solar panel market in the UK is booming, with government support, growing consumer demand, and the UK’s ambitious renewable energy goals all contributing to the growing need for skilled solar engineers. Whether it’s for residential, commercial, or large-scale solar installations, there are a wealth of opportunities in this rapidly expanding field.
But it’s not just about the present looking ahead, solar energy is going to be a key player in the UK’s energy mix for decades to come, meaning that the need for solar engineers isn’t going away any time soon.
At E-Haus Tec, we’re committed to helping businesses meet this demand by connecting them with the best solar engineering talent out there. If you’re looking to build or expand your solar team, or if you’re an engineer looking to make a career change, get in touch with us. Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future.
