Solar Panel Installer

Also known as - Solar photovoltaic installer, solar installer, PV installer .

Solar panel installers set up solar panels on roofs and structures on land, to convert solar power into renewable energy. Installers are also responsible for maintaining solar panels and ensuring the wiring systems safe and efficient.

Outdoors
Environment and Sustainability
Further qualifications
Fixing things

What does a solar panel installer do?

As a solar panel installer, you will be responsible for installing and servicing solar panels on buildings and land to ensure they efficiently convert solar power into renewable energy. Most of your work as a solar panel installer will be outdoors and at height.

The job role of a solar panel installer involves the following duties: 

Assessing locations to ensure they are suitable for solar panels
Measuring up areas for installation
Making adjustments to building surfaces so panels fit and are adequately supported
Installing and maintaining solar panels on homes, business premises or open land
Connecting solar panels to an electrical system
Grounding electrical equipment and checking wiring
Adhering to strict health and safety guidelines
Performing maintenance checks and fixing solar panels
Using a variety of technical equipment and tools

How to become a solar panel installer?

There are several routes to becoming a solar panel installer. You can gain the qualifications you need by doing a college course or an apprenticeship. If you already have relevant qualifications you could apply directly to an employer for a job.

You should explore these routes of becoming a solar panel installer to find out which is the right one for you. Although some options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

You could gain the skills to help you become a solar panel installer at college by completing a course such as a City & Guilds Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation.

You’ll need:

2 or more GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) (level 2 course)
4 - 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) (level 3 course).

Once you’ve qualified in electrical installation, you could go on to train in solar panel installation via a specialist course.

Apprenticeship

You could work towards becoming a solar panel installer by completing an intermediate apprenticeship in electrical installation. This will take around two years to complete and would allow you to progress on to an advanced qualification, or specialise in solar panel installation.

You’ll need at least 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths, to become an apprentice electrician.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by a company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Work

If you have some GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and maths plus good practical skills, you may find work as an electrician’s mate, assistant, or trainee electrician. Your employer may support you to train to become fully qualified and then you can go on to gain further qualifications and specialise in solar panel installation.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a solar panel installer. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.