Solar Jobs Hit 7.24 Million Worldwide in 2024

More than 7 million people worldwide now wake up each morning to jobs in solar energy, a powerful sign that the clean energy transition isn't just good for the planet—it's creating livelihoods.

The solar sector employed 7.24 million workers in 2024, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency and International Labour Organization's latest report. That's an increase from 7.11 million in 2023, with solar capturing the biggest share of all renewable energy jobs.

Across all renewable sectors, 16.6 million people now have jobs building, installing, and maintaining clean energy systems. These aren't abstract statistics—they're electricians, engineers, construction workers, and technicians earning paychecks while helping solve climate change.

China leads the employment charge with 4.2 million solar jobs, though that number dipped slightly from 2023 as technology advances made production more efficient. India follows with 384,900 positions, then Brazil with 323,800, showing how solar opportunity is spreading beyond traditional manufacturing hubs.

The United States and Pakistan round out the top five countries, while Vietnam, Germany, Turkey, Italy, and Japan complete the top ten. Together, these nations account for 82% of all solar jobs worldwide.

Asian countries host three-quarters of the world's solar workforce, with Europe holding 11.3% and the Americas nearly 10%. The geographic spread reflects different levels of investment, manufacturing capacity, and commitment to renewable energy goals.

The Ripple Effect

This jobs boom tells a bigger story about economic transformation. Communities that invest in solar aren't just reducing emissions—they're creating stable employment that can't be outsourced or automated away overnight.

The report does highlight challenges that need addressing. Women hold only 32% of renewable energy jobs, ahead of oil and gas but still far behind the global workforce average of 43.4%. People with disabilities are only beginning to find opportunities in the sector.

Agency directors Francesco La Camera and Gilbert Houngbo emphasized that workforce development will determine whether the energy transition succeeds. "It is the human element—the workers in a broad spectrum of occupations and with a wide range of skillsets—that ultimately will secure the success of the energy transition," they wrote.

Training programs, career pathways, and inclusive hiring practices will be crucial as solar continues expanding. The technology exists to power our world cleanly—now we need to ensure everyone who wants to be part of that future gets their chance.

Seven million jobs is just the beginning of what's possible when we commit to building a cleaner world.