In Berlin, the “Solar Catalyst Project” has been launched as a pilot initiative to lay the foundation for an EU-wide training standard for solar installers. The project is funded by the Innovation Program for Business Models and Pioneer Solutions (IGP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and co-financed by the InnoEnergy Skills Institute. A core aspect of the implementation is professional integration into the energy transition, with the program supporting labor market access through targeted, subject-specific language training and promoting the achievement of German climate targets through qualified specialists.

The project is led by greentech.training, a key player in green upskilling at the intersection of energy, food, and water, acting as a link between the public sector and private industry. In cooperation with the KulturMarktHalle Berlin as a local “real-world laboratory” and the InnoEnergy Skills Institute, a standard is being developed that encompasses two qualification levels: the Solar Installer for basic assembly skills and the Solar Installation Technician for technical system integration. The InnoEnergy Skills Institute plays a key role here; as an institution mandated by the European Commission, it aims to qualify approximately 100,000 specialists for the European solar industry by 2030. Through the European Solar Academy, the Institute ensures that training programs are tailored to critical job roles, such as the “Rooftop Installer,” and are recognized across borders.

The training covers the entire installation chain, from roof mounting and scaffolding to the DC-side connection of the inverter. A significant focus is placed on damage prevention for roofing systems as well as occupational health and safety. The training is based on a common European competency framework developed by InnoEnergy and SolarPower Europe with the participation of greentech.training. Each participant undergoes a structured assessment process before certification is granted. This is issued as a “European Installer Credential” in the form of a secure, multilingual European Digital Credential (EDC). With the completion of the training facility in the KulturMarktHalle, an experienced trainer is currently being sought. The requirement profile is aimed at master craftsmen from the electrical or roofing trades or individuals with extensive practical experience in installation and grid connection.

The Solar Catalyst Project serves as a pilot for a later expansion to the entire European Union, where over 200,000 new jobs in the PV value chain are expected by 2030. The model is designed to operate in close coordination with the private sector—particularly against the backdrop of an expected increase in installations as the dependence on fossil fuels is increasingly scrutinized. Despite current debates regarding the end of subsidies for private photovoltaic systems in Germany, greentech.training provides the necessary structure to harmonize technological innovation and state funding with practical implementation in the trades.