📈 Sri Lanka Needs 5,000 Annual Solar Technicians to Hit 2030 Energy Targets

• Target & Sector Capacity: Sri Lanka requires around 5,000 trained technicians yearly to support ~600 MW annual solar capacity additions, aiming for a 70% renewable energy grid share by 2030. Over 1,000 SLSEA-licensed companies currently employ ~10,000 individuals in the solar energy workforce, though most lack formal certification. • Training & Certification: SLSEA and PUCSL have launched a initiative targeting 5,000 technicians, alongside 100 instructors and inspectors. ~1,500 technicians are already trained. A free Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program allows technicians with 2+ years of experience to obtain NVQ Level 3 qualifications. • Mandatory Regulatory Timeline: - Jan 2028 – Dec 2029: NVQ Level 3 becomes mandatory minimum qualification. - From Jan 2030: NVQ Level 4 in solar technology and mandatory registration with the Sri Lanka Engineering Council as Engineering Technicians. • Cooling Sector Alignment: Similar mandatory certification standards apply to refrigeration & air conditioning (HVAC) technicians via free NVQ Level 3/4 programs run by the National Ozone Unit and PUCSL.