Renewables
India's solar sector confronts widening workforce skills gap
A new survey reveals that India's expanding solar industry struggles with fresh graduates requiring extensive training before becoming productive.
Key points
- Mercom India surveyed over 100 industry participants across utility-scale, manufacturing, rooftop, and EPC segments.
- Employers reported that new hires often need three to twelve months of retraining to acquire practical skills.
- Industry leaders stress the need for closer cooperation between academic institutions and companies.
India's rapidly growing solar industry faces a significant workforce readiness gap, according to a survey report published by Mercom India. Employers across manufacturing, utility-scale development, rooftop installation, and engineering, procurement, and construction reported that fresh graduates lack the practical skills needed for immediate productivity.
Survey findings across sectors
According to pv magazine, the study found that challenges extend beyond technical abilities into project execution, regulatory understanding, and site readiness. Nearly three-quarters of manufacturing respondents stated that new graduates require between three months and a year to become productive. In the utility-scale segment, more than half of respondents indicated that over 50 percent of new hires need substantial retraining.
Employers pointed to specific deficits depending on the sector. Utility-scale developers cited a lack of practical exposure and understanding of grid constraints. Manufacturing companies noted gaps in troubleshooting and factory performance metrics, while rooftop and EPC firms highlighted weak site readiness and limited field experience.
Addressing the talent pipeline
Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group, noted that academic programs must incorporate greater exposure to operating projects, factories, and commercial realities. Despite the skills gap, the survey found strong willingness among employers to support structured training partnerships, internships, and factory visits to bridge the divide between industry and academia.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
19.1% of electricity in India was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
