Rooftop solar is expanding rapidly
India's installed solar capacity has passed 90 GW as the country works towards a 500 GW renewable energy target. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana rooftop solar scheme has already reached 5 million home installations.
Growth is creating demand across solar engineering, procurement and construction, rooftop commercial and industrial projects, manufacturing, grids, storage and electric-vehicle charging infrastructure.
The workforce needs to nearly double
India's solar sector is expected to require more than 300,000 skilled professionals by the end of 2026, compared with around 180,000 in 2024.
Employers including Adani Green Energy, Tata Power Solar, Waaree Energies and ReNew Power are hiring particularly actively in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Formal training is already paying off
Workers with diplomas or recognised certifications can earn starting salaries 20% to 35% higher than self-taught technicians in comparable roles. Relevant qualifications include MNRE installer certification and BEE energy-auditor credentials.
With national capacity targets still far above today's installed base, the shortage of installers, design engineers and battery specialists is likely to remain a long-term labour-market issue rather than a temporary hiring spike.
Sources:
Indian Institute of Solar Energy — Solar Job Market Report India 2026 — 27 June 2026
Bluebird Solar — PM Surya Ghar at 50 Lakh Homes — 5 August 2026
