Empowering Women in Kosovo’s Solar Panel Industry

Kosovo is at a crossroads in its energy future. With a government strategy focused on transitioning from coal to renewable energy, solar power is seen as the most viable solution. Achieving this vision requires more than ambitious policies—it demands a skilled workforce to support the growing solar industry.

By 2028, the need for photovoltaic (PV) installers and mechanical technicians is projected to increase to around 500 positions. A new generation of skilled engineers and technicians capable of supporting the solar industry’s growth must be equipped with the expertise to design, install, and maintain solar systems of varying scales. Recognizing this challenge, ELING Group, a leading company in Kosovo’s energy sector since 2006, has launched the Solarit Academy, the country’s first-ever solar panel installation training program.

Supported by Helvetas through the Enhancing Youth Employment (EYE) Project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented in partnership with MDA, this program marks a significant step toward addressing Kosovo’s skills gap in renewable energy while fostering inclusivity and gender diversity.

According to Rita Nitaj, Manager of the Solarit Academy, the rapid growth of the solar energy sector and increasing investments have driven a rising demand for qualified labor.

«The primary challenge for businesses, including us at ELING Group, is the shortage of a qualified workforce. While renewable energy technologies are advancing rapidly, the growth of skilled professionals has not kept pace. Most young people lack specialized training or practical experience in this field, making it challenging for us as a company to find employees with the necessary skills,» she added.

Closing the Skills Gap and Promoting Inclusion

The energy sector in Kosovo has traditionally been viewed as a male-dominated field and continues to be one of the industries with the lowest levels of gender diversity. According to the Energy Strategy (2022-2031), 9% of energy sector employees were women in 2021 with a target to increase this number to at least 25% by 2031.

In support of this goal, the ELIGN Group is actively working to encourage and support women entering the sector. “To achieve this, we provide specialized training and expert mentoring, empowering women to become role models for others pursuing careers in renewable energy,” says Rita Nitaj.

Vlera Ibraj is among the first female participants of ELING’s Solarit Academy to complete the training program on solar panel installation. "Breaking into this field as a woman hasn’t been easy, as this profession has long been considered more suitable for men. However, this training has equipped me professionally and given me the opportunity to actively participate in the installation process," she shares.

The program encourages women to join the renewable energy workforce by offering targeted training, mentorship, and opportunities to excel in this traditionally male-dominated field.

Since its inception, the Solarit Academy has trained 52 instructors, including vocational training center trainers, high school professors, and private sector employees. The sessions combine theoretical learning with hands-on practice at ELING’s facilities and active installation sites. The company aims to train 100 individuals annually.

This initiative not only addresses the skills gap but also ensures a sustainable future for Kosovo’s renewable energy sector. The partnership with Helvetas/MDA through the EYE Project has been instrumental in this journey, providing financial support, expert guidance, and ongoing collaboration.