Renewable energy is becoming a major source of investment, infrastructure development and employment across the UK. In 2024, the UK’s low carbon and renewable energy economy supported around 304,000 full-time equivalent jobs, with employment 51.6% higher than in 2015.
Solar is a key part of this growth. Government estimates suggest the solar PV sector could support up to 35,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030, creating opportunities across engineering, project delivery, construction and operations.
But where could you fit in? This guide looks at the roles available, the skills employers want and how you can position your existing experience for a career in solar.
Why Is Renewable Energy Growing?
The UK's transition to cleaner energy is being driven by several factors:
- Net-zero targets and the need to reduce emissions
- Energy security and greater domestic power generation
- Rising electricity demand from electrification
- Investment in solar, battery storage and grid infrastructure
Solar can be deployed across everything from commercial installations to large-scale solar farms. As projects expand, demand grows beyond installation roles to include engineers, planners, project managers, construction teams and maintenance specialists.
If you're considering a move into the sector, our guide to careers in renewable energy explores where demand is emerging across the UK's wider clean energy landscape.
What Solar Energy Careers Are Available?
One of the biggest misconceptions about solar energy jobs is that they are limited to installation roles. In reality, solar projects require a wide range of technical, professional and commercial expertise.
Engineering and technical
Electrical engineers, solar PV engineers, design engineers and commissioning engineers work across system design, electrical infrastructure, testing and project delivery.
Project and construction
Project engineers, project managers, construction managers and site managers oversee delivery, contractors, schedules, budgets and health and safety.
Operations and maintenance
O&M engineers, field service engineers and technicians monitor performance, identify faults and maintain operational assets.
Development and commercial
Planning, procurement, environmental, commercial and project development specialists also play an important role.
If you're searching for photovoltaic jobs, look beyond individual job titles and consider where your existing experience fits within the wider project lifecycle.
What Are Renewable Energy Recruiters Looking For?
Qualifications are important, but recruiters also want to see evidence of what you can deliver.
For technical roles, this could include:
- Electrical systems and PV technology
- Power systems and grid connections
- CAD and technical design
- Testing and commissioning
- Energy storage
For project roles, employers may look for experience managing contractors, deadlines, stakeholders, budgets and technical challenges.
Health and safety knowledge is also particularly valuable for site-based positions.
Don't have direct renewable experience?
That doesn't necessarily mean you are starting from zero.
- Electrical engineering → Solar engineering
- Construction → Solar project delivery
- Utilities → Renewable infrastructure
- Manufacturing → Technical energy roles
- Oil & gas → Energy transition projects
The important thing is to show how your existing experience translates to the role you're targeting. You can also explore how talent is shaping the renewable energy workforce transition for a broader look at the skills employers increasingly need.
How to Move Into Solar Energy?
If you're considering a move into the sector, start with what you already have.
1. Identify your transferable skills
Look at your current experience and identify technical, project or commercial skills that could apply to renewable energy.
2. Target the right roles
Focus on positions that genuinely match your background rather than applying for every renewable vacancy.
3. Close specific skills gaps
Identify the qualifications or technical knowledge your target roles require and focus on those areas.
4. Adapt your CV
Show projects delivered, systems worked with, problems solved and measurable results rather than simply listing responsibilities.
5. Prepare your career story
Be ready to explain why you're moving into renewable energy and how your previous experience makes you a strong candidate.
Where Can a Renewable Energy Career Take You?
A career in solar can develop into senior technical, project leadership, asset management or wider energy infrastructure roles.
Graduate/Junior Engineer → Engineer → Senior Engineer → Technical Lead
Project Engineer → Project Manager → Programme Manager → Head of Projects
You can also move between technologies, using solar experience as a foundation for careers in battery storage, grid infrastructure and other clean energy areas.
With UK renewable energy employment continuing to grow, solar energy employment can be part of a much broader long-term career pathway.
Your Next Step
You don't necessarily need to start from scratch to move into renewable energy. Identify where your current experience fits, understand what employers need and focus on closing the gaps that matter.
Whether you're an engineer, project professional or technical specialist, the growing solar sector could offer a route into a long-term career in renewable energy.
Explore current renewable energy opportunities and find your next career move.
