Solar and Wind: Leading Engines of Job Creation in the Renewable Energy Sector

High Employment Intensity Compared to Fossil Fuels
One of the most compelling aspects of solar and wind energy is their high employment intensity, especially when compared to traditional fossil fuel sectors. While fossil fuels often rely on capital-intensive infrastructure and high levels of automation, renewable energy, particularly solar and wind requires significantly more human labor, especially during installation, operations, and maintenance (O&M).

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), solar photovoltaic (PV) alone employs more people globally than any other renewable energy source. Wind energy is a close second. This labour intensity is not a drawback; rather, it is a powerful economic advantage, particularly for countries aiming to create widespread employment while transitioning to cleaner energy systems.

The implications of this are far-reaching. Firstly, installation and O&M jobs offer steady employment that cannot be easily outsourced, especially for rooftop solar and local wind projects. These roles include technicians, electricians, and service crews, offering opportunities for both skilled and semi-skilled workers.

Secondly, solar and wind energy foster demand for localised supply chains. This includes the manufacturing of solar panels, inverters, turbines, blades, and control systems. As more countries push for domestic manufacturing to reduce import dependency, the potential for job creation in this segment continues to rise.

Thirdly, these sectors offer new livelihoods in rural and underserved regions. Solar and wind farms often require large tracts of land, which are more readily available in rural areas. By creating project-specific employment, such as land development, transportation, civil works, and local logistics, renewables can revitalise rural economies.

Growth Spanning Multiple Job Roles
The renewable energy sector, particularly solar and wind, stands out not only for its sustainability but also for the diversity of employment opportunities it offers. From blue-collar technicians to white-collar engineers and researchers, the industry is uniquely positioned to absorb talent across a wide range of skill levels and educational backgrounds.

At the ground level, installation technicians are in high demand. These roles are crucial for deploying rooftop solar systems, building ground-mounted solar farms, and assembling wind turbines. Technicians handle everything from panel mounting to turbine blade assembly and electrical connections, making them the backbone of renewable energy deployment.

Beyond installation, there is a growing need for project developers and engineers. These professionals are responsible for designing, managing, and optimising large-scale renewable energy projects. They handle feasibility studies, site selection, system design, cost estimation, and project execution, making their work essential to the sector’s growth.

Meanwhile, manufacturing hubs for solar panels, inverters, batteries, and wind turbine components offer employment to thousands of skilled and semi-skilled workers. As nations push for energy independence, domestic manufacturing is rising, further increasing job opportunities in this segment.

Innovation is also a key driver of employment. R&D professionals work on improving solar and wind efficiency, integrating storage solutions, and advancing materials science. Their work ensures that the sector continues to evolve technologically and economically.

Finally, the sector requires policy experts and compliance professionals to navigate regulations, manage environmental assessments, and facilitate carbon credit trading. These roles are vital in ensuring the sector’s alignment with international climate goals and national policies.

Fastest Growing Segments in Green Employment
Among all sectors in the green economy, solar and wind energy are experiencing the fastest growth in employment worldwide. These two segments are not only expanding in terms of energy capacity but are also rapidly creating new job opportunities across various functions and regions.

In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently ranks wind turbine service technicians and solar photovoltaic (PV) installers among the top five fastest-growing occupations. These roles are projected to grow much faster than the average for all other occupations, driven by the accelerating shift away from fossil fuels and the increasing demand for clean energy infrastructure.

India, too, is witnessing a surge in employment within its renewable energy sector. In 2022 alone, the country created over 100,000 new green jobs, with solar rooftop installations and wind operations and maintenance (O&M) accounting for more than 60 percent of this growth. These segments offer employment not only in urban centers but also in rural and semi-urban regions, making the growth more inclusive.

This employment momentum is expected to accelerate further as more countries commit to net-zero targets, expand their grid-connected renewable capacity, and phase out coal and other fossil-based power plants. The increasing adoption of renewable energy policies, investment in clean energy infrastructure, and rising public awareness are creating fertile ground for sustained job creation.

Regional and Rural Employment Opportunities
A unique advantage of solar and wind energy lies in their distributed deployment model, which enables job creation beyond urban centers and into rural and semi-urban areas. Unlike fossil fuel plants that are often centralised and limited to specific industrial zones, renewable energy projects can be developed in diverse geographic locations, particularly where land is available and wind or solar potential is high.

In India, states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have emerged as prominent wind energy hubs, employing thousands in maintenance, transportation, site management, and logistics. The steady operation and servicing of wind farms provide long-term employment, especially in remote regions where other industries may be absent.

Similarly, large solar parks in states such as Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have created jobs in land development, civil construction, transmission line setup, and ongoing system maintenance. These projects not only generate clean energy but also act as engines of local economic activity.

For regions traditionally dependent on agriculture, this shift offers a lifeline to farmers, daily wage laborers, and youth seeking reliable, non-seasonal employment. It also helps in reducing regional employment disparities, as renewable projects bring new skills, infrastructure, and income streams to underserved areas.

Moreover, many renewable energy projects encourage local hiring practices, often offering training programs to build skills within the community. This results in a workforce that is not only employed but also empowered.

Powering a Greener Future, One Job at a Time
The rise of solar and wind energy is more than a climate solution. It is a transformational force for inclusive employment and regional development. As the world accelerates toward net-zero goals, these sectors are not only displacing fossil fuels but are also creating vibrant ecosystems of work across diverse geographies and skill levels.

From high-intensity labor roles in installation and maintenance to specialised positions in engineering, manufacturing, and policy, solar and wind energy offer opportunities for millions. Their growth is fueled by technological innovation, favorable policy environments, and increasing global investment in clean infrastructure.

Importantly, the distributed nature of renewable projects ensures that rural and underserved regions, often left out of traditional industrial development can now participate in and benefit from the green economy. Whether it’s a wind farm in Tamil Nadu or a solar park in Rajasthan, the renewable transition is lighting up livelihoods as much as it is lighting up homes.

To fully harness this potential, governments and industries must continue investing in skill development, local manufacturing, and inclusive hiring practices. With the right strategies, solar and wind will not only power our grids but also empower our people, building a greener and more equitable future for all.