An India-Australia Partnership
A significant milestone in the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership, the India-Australia Rooftop Solar Training Academy has been launched to build a skilled and inclusive workforce for India's rapidly growing solar sector. The academy officially
welcomed its first group of trainees in July 2026 at Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) in Gandhinagar. This initiative is a direct outcome of an agreement made by the prime ministers of both nations in November 2024. The program aims to train 2,000 solar technicians and helpers within its first two years, leveraging Australia's extensive experience in vocational training and rooftop solar deployment. Key partners include the Australian Government, Indian renewable energy company ReNew, PDEU serving as the hub institution, and the Skill Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ) as the implementation partner.
Powering a National Mission
This training program is strategically designed to support India's flagship 'PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana'. Launched in February 2024 with an outlay of ₹75,021 crore, this ambitious scheme aims to install rooftop solar systems on one crore households, enabling them to receive up to 300 units of free electricity per month. The success of such a large-scale infrastructure project depends entirely on having a vast pool of qualified professionals who can correctly install, maintain, and service these systems. This new academy directly addresses this need by creating a pipeline of job-ready technicians, ensuring the government's vision translates into reality on rooftops across the country.
The Skills in Demand
Becoming a certified solar technician requires a specific set of skills that go beyond basic electrical knowledge. The training curriculum focuses on the complete life-cycle of a rooftop solar project. This includes the fundamentals of solar PV technology, system design, and the technical specifics of zero-defect installation. Trainees learn crucial safety protocols for working at heights and handling electrical components. The coursework also covers system inspection, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the installations. Furthermore, older programs like the 'Suryamitra' initiative have also emphasized soft skills and entrepreneurship, preparing workers not just for a job but for a sustainable career in the green economy.
Creating an Inclusive Green Workforce
A key objective of the India-Australia Rooftop Solar Training Academy is to foster an inclusive workforce. The program places a strong emphasis on increasing the participation of women and youth in the clean energy sector, a field traditionally dominated by men. This focus on inclusivity aims to ensure that the economic benefits of India's green transition are distributed more equitably across society. By equipping young people and women with industry-relevant skills, the initiative not only helps meet the workforce demand for the PM-Surya Ghar scheme but also opens up new career opportunities for a more diverse group of people. This aligns with the broader national goal of creating a robust and diverse talent pool to drive sustainable development.
