EU Solar and Storage Jobs Reach 982,000 in 2025

The European Union's solar and battery storage sectors supported 982,000 full-time equivalent jobs in 2025, with solar employment rising 1% year-on-year to 874,000 jobs.

The European Union's solar and battery storage sectors supported 982,000 full-time equivalent jobs in 2025, according to SolarPower Europe’s EU Solar Jobs Report 2026. Solar employment accounted for 874,000 of these jobs, while battery storage systems contributed 108,000. Installation and deployment activities alone supported 742,000 jobs—85% of all solar employment—with Germany holding the largest market at 165,000 jobs, followed by Spain and Italy (85,000 each). Utility-scale systems drove 50.2% of solar employment. The report covers 2025 data but includes battery storage for the first time in its series.

This scale reflects the EU’s rapid energy transition: the region added 69 gigawatts of solar capacity and 27 gigawatt-hours of battery storage in 2025. Solar employment is projected to decline to 766,000 by 2030, though this projection applies only to solar jobs, not storage.

These jobs directly advance energy affordability and security. As solar deployment grows, households and businesses gain access to cheaper, locally generated electricity while reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. The sector’s resilience—particularly in Germany, Spain, and Italy—creates economic stability during energy volatility. For vulnerable populations, this translates to lower bills and fewer disruptions from grid failures.

Watch for the 2030 employment projection and Spain’s exact job count, which the report does not specify numerically. The data also reflects a shift toward indirect supply chain roles (56% of jobs), highlighting how energy transitions create broader economic ripple effects. The report’s 2026 issuance date means 2025 data is still emerging, not finalized.

Source: pv magazine