Canadian programs aim train more solar installers
Canada’s solar and storage industry is growing by leaps and bounds, projected to expand by a third or more over the coming year. Training enough solar installers to keep pace with this growth is a new challenge for the Canadian solar industry. One major program to help fulfill this training demand is National Resources Canada’s reinvigorated Science and Technology Internship Program (STIP), which in April gained some $30 million for a new round of training during 2026 and 2027.
The solar workforce in Canada is already substantial. An estimated 100,000 people are employed in the solar industry in the country, in capacities ranging from construction to manufacturing to engineering. A national directory of solar installation companies is maintained by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), listing professionals who have signed a code of conduct.
While CanREA’s database lists only 60 solar installation companies, there may be as many as 885 solar installation companies in the country, according to solar database ENF. Toronto-based Polaron, which claims to be the largest solar installation company in the country has cumulatively installed more than 13,200 residential and commercial installations nationwide, generating some 116 MW of electricity. Nationwide, some 96,000 solar installations had been completed by all installers together, as of early 2025, suggesting that there is roughly one solar installation in Canada for every solar employee in the country.
Private sector groups lead training programs
Already in operation for nearly two decades, the STIP Green Jobs program, as it is commonly called, has logged impressive success: “Since 2017, the program has created over 6,000 jobs,” the program website states. According to STIP, “80% of youth find full-time employment, 50% of employers are small to medium sized enterprises, 80% of placements in clean technology, and 60% of youth belong to one or more employment equity group.”
Part of the success of STIP is the result of partnering with educators. One training entity that will help add more solar installers to the national roll is Upskill Canada, a division of technology training leader Palette Skills. Upskill provides accelerated, industry-led training, including programs for solar energy installation and technology, at fees as low as $200 — thanks to government subsidies, depending on the local college or institution hosting the classrooms. The solar training is often part-time, online, or hybrid to accommodate working professionals, Upskill notes.
Another major solar training institute in Canada is the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), based in Clifton Park, New Jersey. Several training entities in Canada offer NABCEP courses, including Solar Canada, Stardust Solar Technologies, eLearn Canada College, and EP Cube Installation Training. Still, Canadian certified solar professionals make up a small percentage of the estimated 18,000 professionals that NABCEP has certified in North America.
STIP Fosters In-House Solar Training
One innovative element of the STIP solar training initiative is the subsidy offered to solar companies to train and hire employees for up to a year, targeting 15 to 30-year-olds. STIP offers up to $30,000 for hiring “Indigenous, racialized, disabled, or northern/remote youth,” the program states. The more basic subsidy to solar companies is for “up to 75% or $18,000–$24,000 for standard placements.”
One solar company that has recruited and trained employees under the STIP program is Solvest Solar, based in Whitehorse, Yukon.
“When you bring on a student or youth there’s always a risk because they don’t have experience, but then when they do get on board, you have a person who is excited and wants to learn all day,” says Michael Schultz, operations manager for Solvest, in a testimonial video.
Solvest completed a renewable energy project at the Colomac Gold Project Site in the Northwest Territories in September 2025. Funding for the project was provided by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) along with an investment from First Nation Tlicho Investment Corp. The project included the purchase and installation of a solar power generation and battery storage system as well as local training for operation and maintenance. The project is expected to reduce mine reliance on diesel fuel.
Another renewable energy company participating in STIP is Barkley Resource Group, a clean energy consultancy. One recruit “has been able to adapt to different types of work from field projects to office meetings, which has given her good exposure,” says Nigel Moore, a project manager for the company. Barkley provides community energy solutions, renewable energy project management, technical support, and economic development work, exclusively with First Nations in British Columbia and Yukon. Barkley’s head office is located based on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish People, including the Snuneymuxw and Snaw-naw-as First Nations.
Barkley began working with the Quatsino First Nation, on Vancouver Island in 2017 to develop a community energy plan. That start led to the development of a solar project that is expected to save the community $18,000 annually in energy costs. Quatsino sourced funds from New Relationship Trust — supported by the province of B.C. — and Natural Resources Canada. It also applied to B.C.’s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, which has allocated $1.49 million to 12 First Nations so far. Quatsino was also accepted with the Accelerating Community Energy Transformation initiative at University of Victoria.
Federal support continues
While the STIP program is managed by NRC, there are a host of other governmental and non-profit and other portals for prospective solar training students to apply for the program. STIP indicates that applications may be processed through the following 10 organizations:
- Clean Foundation Nova Scotia
- Electricity Human Resources Canada
- Environmental Careers Organization of Canada
- Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise
- First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute
- Mining Industry Human Resources Council
- Pinnguaq Association
- Project Learning Tree Canada
- Student Energy
- United Nations Association in Canada
At the April announcement of the new round of STIP funding, Tim Hodgson, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, stated: “Canada’s climate competitiveness depends on our youth. At the same time, young Canadians deserve good jobs that help them gain marketable skills. Through the Science and Technology Internship Program – Green Jobs, we are doing both: helping young Canadians gain hands-on experience in the natural resources sector while building the skills needed for the future low-carbon economy.”
Charles W. Thurston is a contributor to Solar Builder.
