Context and Challenges

In recent years, the photovoltaic sector has experienced significant growth both nationally and internationally. Market forecasts indicate that this trend will continue, consolidating the industry as a key pillar of the energy transition.

An annual growth of 10% in installed capacity is expected, creating a major challenge: ensuring the availability of qualified professionals to support this expansion. The shortage of skilled personnel is no longer a future concern but a reality already identified by companies and industry organisations.

EMPLEA SOLAR was created to address this need by improving employability and training new professionals through the use of innovative technologies..

Our Approach

EMPLEA SOLAR is an industrial research project focused on the virtualisation of training within the photovoltaic (PV) sector. The project integrates Industry 4.0 technologies, including virtual simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and virtual reality, to create training solutions that are more effective, accessible, sustainable, and cost-efficient.

These technologies are brought together within a Collaborative Platform that connects companies, certification bodies, and future photovoltaic installers through two main pillars:

• Virtualisation and enhancement of certification training processes.
• Promotion of employment opportunities and employability within the PV sector.

Key Objectives

• Improve training quality and strengthen competitiveness within the sector.
• Promote quality employment and increase the availability of qualified professionals.
• Drive digital transformation in line with the energy transition and sustainability.
• Foster economic, social, and territorial cohesion.
• Assess the economic viability and real-world impact of the platform.

The Solution

Following an analysis of the training content to be digitalised, three Learning Units were developed as a proof of concept:

• Installation of photovoltaic panels on flat roofs.
• Electrical connection of photovoltaic panels.

These modules were digitalised through:

• Digital simulators accessible via desktop and web environments.
• Interactive hardware-in-the-loop simulation.
• Immersive virtual reality environments.

The Collaborative Platform brings together these training resources while connecting training centres, companies, and learners, facilitating both access to training and links to employment opportunities.

Benefits

• • Technological innovation: Integration of Industry 4.0 virtualisation technologies into technical training.
  • Sector-wide collaboration: Creation of an ecosystem connecting companies, training centres, and professionals, supporting the circular economy.
  • A paradigm shift: New approaches to training and job placement within the photovoltaic sector.
  • Improved learning and safety: Reduced learning times and increased confidence compared with traditional training methods.
  • Greater accessibility and autonomy: Learners progress at their own pace, repeat exercises as needed, and practise in safe environments.
  • Enhanced engagement: Immersive learning experiences increase motivation and interest.
  • Sustainability: Remote training reduces travel requirements and material consumption, lowering the overall carbon footprint

  .

The EMPLEA SOLAR project was developed under the Spanish national AEI-010500-2021b-7 (MINECO) programme with 80% grant funding.

The project was carried out between 2021 and 2022, with a budget of 86.200 € allocated to Skylife Engineering as project coordinator and a total consortium budget of 213.227 €, in collaboration with Solartys, ISFOC, and Endef.

At Skylife Engineering, we lead projects through our extensive expertise in the integration of advanced technologies and our strong commitment to sustainability in aviation. We work closely with every project manager, following a rigorous process of continuous review and improvement. This approach ensures the delivery of high-quality, safe, and effective solutions that create a real and lasting impact across the industry.