Vietnam’s solar growth outpaces workforce supply

Vietnam’s solar industry is expanding rapidly, but a shortage of skilled workers is emerging as a critical challenge for the sector's long-term growth, according to Solar Quarter.

As rooftop solar adoption accelerates across Southeast Asia, demand for trained installers and technical specialists is rising faster than the available workforce. 

As the media report stated, the widening skills gap could become a major obstacle to achieving renewable energy targets and supporting the region’s energy transition.

The challenge has prompted solar technology provider Solplanet and Vu Phong Energy Group to launch a new training initiative aimed at developing the next generation of solar professionals in Vietnam.

Skills under strain

The shortage is not unique to Vietnam. 

Across global renewable energy markets, employers are struggling to find workers with the technical expertise required to install, maintain and support solar systems.

According to the 2025 U.S. Energy and Employment Report, 86% of solar employers report difficulties filling vacant positions. 

The issue is particularly acute in residential solar, where labour requirements are significantly higher than in large-scale utility projects, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

In Southeast Asia, where governments are accelerating clean energy investments, workforce development is increasingly becoming a priority. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 found that employers across the region are stepping up efforts to address skills shortages, particularly in technical sectors linked to the green economy.

Building talent pipelines

Against this backdrop, Solplanet has opened its first Service and Training Center in Vietnam and signed a Master Distributor agreement with Vu Phong Energy Group for the Vietnam and Laos markets.

The companies have also launched the Solplanet Certified Installer Program, a structured training pathway designed for both experienced solar professionals and newcomers seeking to enter the photovoltaic (PV) industry.

The programme aims to expand the pool of qualified installers at a time when demand for technical expertise continues to grow across Vietnam's renewable energy sector.

Industry partnership

Pham Nam Phong, Chairman & CEO, Vu Phong Energy Group said, “The collaboration with Solplanet is part of Vu Phong Energy Group’s strategy to expand our portfolio of high-quality energy solutions for Vietnam’s growing market.”

He added, “We believe the combination of Vu Phong’s project deployment capabilities and market experience, together with Solplanet’s technology and product quality, will deliver real value to customers and contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s renewable energy sector.”

Simon Sun, Senior Regional Director, Solplanet Southeast Asia said, “Southeast Asia is one of the most dynamic solar markets in the world right now, and Vietnam is leading that charge. 

He added,“Opening this service and training center with Vu Phong Energy Group is one of our commitments to long-term growth in Vietnam — supporting installers, growing local expertise, and investing in the facilities and infrastructure the market needs. We are here to grow together with our partners and the installer community.”

The expansion is backed by Solplanet's parent company, AISWEI, which ranked first globally in residential string inverter shipments and third in the commercial and industrial segment, according to Wood Mackenzie’s 2024 Global PV Inverter Shipment Rankings.

As Vietnam's solar market continues to mature, industry leaders increasingly view workforce development as essential infrastructure. Without a steady pipeline of trained technicians and installers, the sector's growth ambitions could prove difficult to sustain.