Solar PV Course: What to Expect & Career Prospects

The solar PV installation course is a specialist qualification for qualified electricians who want to design, install, and commission photovoltaic systems. At Total Skills, our course covers both solar PV and battery storage installation, reflecting the fact that the majority of new domestic solar installations now include a battery.

The course is designed for electricians who already hold their core qualifications — particularly the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations — and want to add solar PV to their skill set. It combines classroom theory with hands-on practical sessions, giving you the knowledge and confidence to carry out installations from day one.

With the UK solar market experiencing record growth — over 200,000 installations in 2023 alone — and the government targeting 70GW of installed capacity by 2035, there has never been a better time to gain this qualification.

The solar PV course is aimed at qualified electricians who want to enter the renewable energy market. It is not suitable for beginners without electrical qualifications.

Ideal candidates

• ✓Qualified electricians wanting to specialise in renewable energy
• ✓Self-employed electricians looking to add solar PV as a profitable service
• ✓Electricians working for companies that offer or plan to offer solar installations
• ✓Domestic and commercial electricians wanting to future-proof their career
• ✓Electricians who already install EV chargers and want to offer a combined solar/EV/battery package

Prerequisites

• ✓Current 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (C&G 2382-22) — mandatory
• ✓Level 2 and Level 3 electrical qualifications (C&G 2365 or equivalent) — strongly recommended
• ✓2391-52 Inspection and Testing — recommended for signing off installations
• ✓Competent person scheme registration (NICEIC, NAPIT) — needed for Part P self-certification

The course is comprehensive, covering every aspect of solar PV installation from initial customer consultation through to system commissioning and handover.

Solar PV fundamentals

• ✓How photovoltaic cells convert sunlight to electricity
• ✓Panel types: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film technologies
• ✓Module specifications: voltage, current, power, and efficiency ratings
• ✓The effect of temperature, shading, and orientation on system performance
• ✓Series and parallel string configurations

System design

• ✓Site assessment: roof orientation, pitch, shading analysis, and structural suitability
• ✓System sizing: matching array size to customer energy usage and available roof space
• ✓Energy yield calculations: estimating annual generation based on location and orientation
• ✓Financial modelling: payback period, return on investment, and SEG income projections
• ✓Design software tools used in the industry

Inverter technology

• ✓String inverters: central conversion from DC to AC, most common for domestic systems
• ✓Microinverters: panel-level conversion, ideal for partially shaded roofs
• ✓Hybrid inverters: combined solar and battery management in one unit
• ✓Power optimisers: panel-level DC optimisation with a central inverter
• ✓Inverter sizing and selection for different system configurations

Installation and wiring

• ✓Roof mounting systems: on-roof (rail-based), in-roof (integrated), and flat roof systems
• ✓DC wiring: MC4 connectors, string cabling, and DC isolator requirements
• ✓AC wiring: inverter to consumer unit connection, protective devices, and metering
• ✓Earthing and bonding requirements for solar PV installations
• ✓Cable sizing and voltage drop calculations for DC and AC circuits

Battery storage integration

• ✓Battery technologies: lithium-ion (LFP and NMC), capacity and power ratings
• ✓AC-coupled vs DC-coupled battery systems and when each is appropriate
• ✓Hybrid inverter configuration for solar-plus-storage systems
• ✓Battery management systems (BMS) and safety requirements
• ✓Time-of-use tariff optimisation and self-consumption strategies

Grid connection and regulations

• ✓G98 notification: for systems up to 16A per phase (approximately 3.68kW single-phase)
• ✓G99 application: for larger systems requiring DNO approval
• ✓BS 7671 requirements specific to solar PV installations
• ✓MCS standards: MIS 3002 for solar PV, documentation requirements
• ✓Part P Building Regulations and self-certification

The course is delivered over approximately 5 days, combining classroom theory sessions with practical hands-on workshops. The balance between theory and practical ensures you understand both the technical principles and the physical skills needed for real-world installations.

Typical week structure

• ✓Day 1: Solar PV fundamentals, panel technology, and system components
• ✓Day 2: System design, sizing, energy yield calculations, and financial modelling
• ✓Day 3: Installation techniques, roof mounting, DC and AC wiring, and earthing
• ✓Day 4: Battery storage integration, hybrid systems, and grid connection requirements
• ✓Day 5: Commissioning, testing, documentation, MCS standards, and assessment

The practical sessions use real solar panels, inverters, and battery storage systems. You will physically wire a solar PV system, configure an inverter, and commission the installation — giving you confidence for your first real-world project.

The assessment tests your competence across the full range of course content. The exact format depends on the awarding body, but typically includes:

• ✓Written or online examination covering theory, regulations, and design principles
• ✓Practical assessment: demonstrating installation and commissioning skills
• ✓Design exercise: sizing a system and producing installation documentation
• ✓Knowledge of relevant standards: BS 7671, MCS MIS 3002, G98/G99

Completing the solar PV course qualifies you to design, install, and commission solar PV and battery storage systems. The career prospects are excellent, driven by sustained market growth and a shortage of qualified installers.

What you can do

• ✓Install domestic solar PV systems (typically 3 to 10kW)
• ✓Install domestic battery storage systems alongside solar PV
• ✓Work for an MCS-certified solar installation company
• ✓Set up your own solar installation business and pursue MCS certification
• ✓Offer combined solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging packages
• ✓Carry out commercial rooftop solar installations

Earning potential

• ✓Employed installer: 35,000 to 50,000 pounds per year
• ✓Self-employed day rate: 300 to 500 pounds
• ✓Domestic installation (4kW system): 5,000 to 8,000 pounds to customer
• ✓Domestic with battery storage: 8,000 to 15,000 pounds to customer
• ✓Commercial projects: 20,000 to 100,000+ pounds per project

The solar PV market in the UK needs significantly more qualified installers to meet current demand and the government's 70GW target. Qualified installers are in short supply, which means strong job security and competitive rates for the foreseeable future.

Solar PV is increasingly part of a broader package of green technologies. Electricians who can offer solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging as a combined service are extremely well-positioned. A homeowner wanting all three might spend 15,000 to 25,000 pounds — and they want a single, trusted installer who can design and deliver the whole system.

If you are considering the solar PV course, think about whether EV charging qualification (C&G 2921-34) would also be valuable for your business. The combination of solar, battery, and EV expertise creates a compelling offering that few competitors can match.

The solar PV market is growing rapidly and needs more qualified installers. If you are a qualified electrician looking to specialise in renewable energy, the solar PV course is the essential next step. At Total Skills, we deliver this course at our Nottingham training centre with experienced tutors and hands-on practical sessions.