Vietnam's solar market is experiencing rapid growth, with ambitious plans to reach 73.4 GW of solar capacity by 2030. This expansion is fueled by the government's push for self-consumption rooftop solar and the development of energy storage systems. However, a critical challenge looms: the shortage of trained solar installers. The demand for skilled technical expertise in Vietnam is increasing, but the supply is struggling to keep up. This skills gap is not unique to Vietnam; it's a global issue, particularly in Southeast Asia, where the pace of renewable energy scaling is outpacing the availability of skilled workers. The situation is so dire that 86% of solar employers report difficulty filling open positions, according to the 2025 U.S. Energy and Employment Report. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) further emphasizes the labor-intensive nature of decentralized rooftop solar, which is expanding rapidly in residential markets. This skills gap is a bottleneck that risks slowing progress toward net zero. To address this challenge, Solplanet and Vu Phong Energy Group have joined forces to launch the Solplanet Certified Installer Program. This program provides structured technical training for experienced solar professionals and a formal entry pathway for non-PV professionals. By expanding the pool of qualified professionals, the program aims to support the sustainable growth of Vietnam's solar sector. The newly opened Service and Technical Training Center provides the physical foundation for this effort, offering hands-on training facilities, technical support, product availability, and warranty processing capabilities. The collaboration between Solplanet and Vu Phong Energy Group is strategic. Vu Phong Energy Group, with its project deployment capabilities and market experience, combines with Solplanet's technology and product quality to deliver real value to customers. This partnership is a testament to the belief that the combination of their strengths will contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam's renewable energy sector. The expansion in Vietnam is supported by the global capabilities of Solplanet's parent company, AISWEI, which ranks highly in PV inverter shipments worldwide. However, the challenge of the skills gap remains a critical issue that needs to be addressed to ensure the continued growth and success of Vietnam's solar market.
