This project aims to develop a certified technical training programme for graduates and technicians in the field of decentralized solar energy systems. Such a project fits within the Lisbon strategy, which aims to stimulate growth and create more and better jobs, while making the economy greener and more innovative. The decentralized systems to be taught during the programme will rely on using PV panels for producing small amounts of electricity for powering homes, for pumping water from wells and for desalinating water. Similarly, students will be taught how solar thermal systems can be used for both the generation of domestic hot water and for air conditioning purposes. The overall project will be designed in partnership with EU universities, academies and organizations who will mobilize their educational resources and knowledge for enriching the lives of Egyptian citizens. The duration of the post-graduate Diploma will be six months and its delivery will take place at the partnering Egyptian Universities. In addition, in order to meet the needs of the solar installation technicians, a two week intensive training programme will be provided. The overall Diploma programme will consist of three major components: theory, practical training and simulations design. In the case of the SOLEDA project, the simulations programme will be available in the Arabic language in order to reach the wide spectrum of Arabic students in the region.Toward the end of the Diploma programme, participants will design and install a small solar-electric or hot water system for a local Egyptian community. These hands-on installations will give participants the opportunity to experience both the challenges and satisfaction of working directly with local members of the community. Thus, at the end of the programme, participants will have the opportunity to understand, design, and install systems that can dramatically improve the living conditions of the local people in Egypt.