The project "Raising European standards among MSMEs working with solar technology" (Increasing the European standards in MSMEs that work with solar technology) mainly, covers three activities.

– Energy Efficiency Platform – Solar Macedonia will design a web platform that will contain information for the general public such as the important standards for installing thermal, photovoltaic and photo / thermal solar systems. Within the platform it will be possible to find a list of companies that are members of the Association (domestic or international) which work by installing, manufacturing or trading of solar equipment as well as a list of licensed solar system installers. It is planned to have a field for submitting information/requests for open jobs from our member companies. The platform will be a link between the private sector and candidates who have completed training as solar system installers or solar system designers.

– Training for installers of solar systems – Solar system installers face problems keeping up with new trends in the solar sector, therefore, when building photovoltaic power plants, labor is imported. In order to increase the number of trained installers of solar systems in our country, Solar Macedonia will organize training for installers of solar systems with updated modules according to market needs. The training will be verified by the Adult Education Center and the Ministry of Education. All candidates who successfully complete the training will receive certificates recognized by public institutions. The training will take place in December 2023 and January 2024 year.

– Training on access to EU funds – In order to benefit from funding opportunities such as Horizon Europe, IPARD, Klima KIC and many others, companies should be aware of the opportunities available and the requirements to participate in the programs. Access to EU funds can be a valuable resource for companies in many industries, including production, agriculture, tourism and technology. Training to access EU funds will result in at least 10 enterprises that will be supported and trained. Solar Macedonia will encourage women-owned businesses to access the training program. The training will be conducted in March and April 2024 year.

The project "Raising European standards among MSMEs working with solar technology" is led by the Association for Solar Energy "Solar Macedonia", and is financially supported by USAID within the Rapid Response grants, implemented by Consulting for strategic development.