Blog>Trade>Starting a Business>How to become a solar panel installer
Last updated: 19 December 2024
How to become a solar panel installer
As green energy demand grows, opportunities for solar panel installers are increasing. There are plenty of work opportunities out there, so if you’re thinking about becoming a solar panel installer here’s what you need to know.
Why become a solar panel installer?
Reliance on fossil fuels to generate energy is steadily being replaced by more environmentally friendly alternatives. High on the list of greener energy sources is solar power.
The increase in solar panel installations is accelerating as more homeowners and businesses switch to green power. The government supports and encourages this. Its green deal includes loans for making energy-saving improvements to properties.
Good earning potential
It will probably come as no surprise to you to know that salaries for solar energy installers can be high.
What’s the average solar panel installer salary?
It probably won’t surprise you to know that installing solar panels can provide a good living. The government is urging greater use of solar power to generate electricity in homes, so a solar panel installer salary can be healthy. If you want to know 'How much does a solar panel installer earn
Here are some of the reasons why you might want to think about this trade profession:
It can pay well
There should be plenty of work available as the solar energy industry grows
You’ll be helping to make a positive environmental impact
You’ll be helping people to reduce their energy bills
There are opportunities to work on many types of property
You’ll be working outside and not stuck in an office
Solar panel installation requires teamwork, so you’ll have colleagues to work with
You could begin by working for someone else. Eventually, you may want to start your own solar panel installation business.
Become a Checkatrade member to find more work
Find solar panel installation jobs in your area
What does a solar panel installer do?
Being a solar panel installer requires a fairly high degree of technical skill and knowledge. But that’s not all. Customers often rely on solar panel installers for various services and advice.
As a solar panel installer, you could be:
Assessing properties to decide on the best place for solar panels and the right type to install
Installing and mounting solar panels, using on roofs and other structures, but also ground-based locations
Connecting solar panels to the electrical system
Maintaining solar panels
Monitoring the performance of solar panels to maximise their energy output
Testing and resolving problems with solar panel systems
Making sure installations meet all the required safety standards
Skills you need to be a solar panel installer
We’ll look at the typical qualifications and certifications you need in a minute. Before we do that, there are plenty of other skills that are essential to being a competent solar panel installer.
General skills
Have a look at these and see if you tick the right boxes. You’ll probably need to be:
Happy working at height outside
Physically fit and comfortable working in all weather conditions
Handy with practical skills – good with your hands
Competent using a range of tools, plant and equipment
Enthusiastic and dedicated to your work
Good at working with colleagues and have good teamwork skills
Clear at communicating, so you can explain what you are doing clearly to customers and colleagues
Strong on your customer service skills as you're likely to be working at people's homes
A stickler for attention to detail and always setting yourself high standards in your work
Able to keep calm in difficult situations during an installation
Adept at working well under pressure
Become a Checkatrade member to find more work
Find solar panel installation jobs in your area
Solar panel industry skills
As well as these general skills, think about expertise related more directly to the solar panel industry. This can include:
General knowledge about advances in the industry and in solar panel technology
Technical knowledge of electrical systems and energy storage
Maths and problem-solving skills
Design skills
Keeping up to date with the latest UK regulations on renewable energy standards and building regulations
Health and safety knowledge for working at height, on construction sites and in public places
Digital skills
It goes without saying that solar energy is at the cutting edge of power generation. It relies on a range of new and emerging technologies.
That calls for strong digital skills in green technologies if you want to become a solar panel installer. Included here are areas like:
Using monitoring software and green energy simulation and modelling tools
Data analysis of green energy systems
Familiarity with smart devices and IoT (Internet of Things)
Electrical design and CAD (computer-aided design) skills
Knowledge of smart grid technology
Upskilling is a popular way to move into solar panel installation work. In particular, electricians and heating engineers might look to add to their skills and win more work.
How to upskill for renewable energy trades
If you’re serious about developing a career in the renewable energy trades, we’ve put together our top tips and advice on how to upskill. We’ll talk you through possible renewable energy training courses and funded renewable energy training options. So, let’s get started… List of renewable energy
Qualifications to become a solar panel installer
Now, let’s get on to some of the qualifications for solar panel installers. The first thing to note is that there are no mandatory qualifications for this role.
That said, there are various relevant qualification routes to consider to be a credible solar panel installer.
MCS accreditation
Top of the list is an MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accreditation. This helps to show you offer reliable, high-quality solar panel installation.
MCS accreditation serves as a mark of your credibility as a solar panel installer. It gives customers confidence in lots of ways. These include:
A safe installation
Their solar panels work efficiency
They are reducing the environmental impact they make in their energy use
MCS accreditation also demonstrates to regulatory bodies that your work:
Adheres to the required quality standards
Meets the right performance standards
What is the microgeneration certification scheme?
Microgeneration certification scheme for UK installers The microgeneration certification scheme (MCS) is a valuable initiative for heating engineers with recent statistics showing that far fewer UK households are using gas central heating systems to heat their homes. The popularity of renewable
NICEIC accreditation
The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) is another important accreditation body relating to solar panel installation.
Being a member of a ‘competent person’ scheme like NICEIC also shows customers that the quality of your work is of the highest standard.
Become a Checkatrade member to find more work
Find solar panel installation jobs in your area
Training and apprenticeships
Here are some other ways of gaining experience as a solar panel installer:
An apprenticeship in electrical installation – these usually take about two years
Taking a course at a college or training provider, for example, City & Guilds Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation
Train through your employer as an assistant – they may pay for you to take qualifications
Gain work experience – find a solar panel installation company and ask about casual work to begin learning the necessary skills
Official trade qualifications in the UK
Now is a great time to be a tradesperson in the UK. Because becoming a qualified tradesperson has never been more accessible. Getting official trade qualifications sets you up with the right skills to do the job well. Plus, it shows potential customers that you’re dedicated to your trade. Types of
Grow your experience with Checkatrade
If you’re now thinking that you’d like to become a solar panel installer you might also be considering starting your own business.
A key challenge we can help you with is sourcing local sales leads. Our members receive our help with new enquiries. There are lots of other benefits of Checkatrade membership too.
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What do you need to become Checkatrade approved?
Becoming a Checkatrade member comes with a whole host of benefits, but the biggest has to be gaining our seal of approval. Homeowners tend to expect a commitment to quality when it comes to the Checkatrade tick, which can help you to win more business. Here are the checks you'll need to pass to join our directory.
Key takeaways
Demand for solar panel installers is growing as more properties switch to this greener energy source
Salaries for solar panel installers can be high and will depend on your level of experience, skill and qualifications
To become a solar panel installer you’ll need a good level of general work competencies that include working outdoors and height
You’ll need extensive technical skills as well as a good understanding of the solar power industry
You can gain various qualifications as a solar panel installer that include apprenticeships, City & Guilds, and Microgeneration Certification Scheme accreditation
Checkatrade members get great deals on business essentials
We can help you save as you grow
