PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The LIFE SUNACADEMY project, coordinated by DualSun, addresses the growing shortage of qualified solar installers, a significant obstacle to the energy transition in France and Europe. While the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 places photovoltaic energy as a top priority, this growth is constrained by a lack of skilled labor. In 2023, the European Union had 263 GW of photovoltaic capacity, with a target to reach 600 GW by 2030. In France, photovoltaic capacity is expected to grow from 19.2 GW in 2024 to 60 GW by 2030, but only 3% of the 320,000 professionals involved (electricians, plumbers, etc.) possess specific photovoltaic skills. The Sud region of France, with its abundant solar potential, needs to increase its capacity fivefold by 2030 but currently lacks 10,000 qualified solar installers. To bridge this gap, LIFE SUNACADEMY will develop and test 27 training programs, aiming to train 1,752 installers, including 60 solar trainers, with a focus on residential and large solar installations. This will be supported by the DualSun Académie, a dedicated solar training entity established in 2023. This initiative will ensure a skilled workforce and ongoing adaptation to technological advancements. In parallel, LIFE SUNACADEMY will launch the digital platform SunConnect, facilitating access to training programs and connecting trainees with employers. This platform will centralize training opportunities and streamline the hiring of qualified professionals. With the goal of creating 33,000 solar jobs in France, including 10,000 in the Sud region by 2030, LIFE SUNACADEMY will train a significant portion of the required skilled workforce, covering 20% of national demand and 70% of regional demand. By leveraging a network of over 700 partner installation companies, the project will provide a sustainable solution to the shortage of installers.