Solar Panel Installation Course UK: How to Get Qualified in 2026

Solar Panel Installation Course UK: How to Get Qualified in 2026

To install solar panels professionally in the UK, you need the City & Guilds 2922 Solar Photovoltaic Systems qualification. This three-day course costs £689 inc. VAT at LTS and requires a Level 3 electrical qualification and current 18th Edition certificate as prerequisites. With UK solar installations surging — driven by rising energy costs and government net-zero targets — solar PV is one of the most in-demand green skills for electricians in 2026.

Key Facts

• Qualification: City & Guilds 2922 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
• Duration: 3 days at LTS
• Cost: £689 inc. VAT
• Prerequisites: Level 3 electrical qualification + current 18th Edition (BS 7671)
• MCS certification: Required to offer government-backed installations
• Combo savings: Solar + Battery £989 (saves £189) | Full Renewables Triple £1,189 (saves £358)

Why Solar PV Is Booming

The UK solar market is experiencing sustained growth driven by multiple factors:

• Rising energy costs have made solar PV increasingly attractive for homeowners and businesses looking to reduce bills
• Government targets — the UK aims for 70GW of solar capacity by 2035, up from approximately 16GW in 2025
• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays homeowners for excess electricity exported to the grid
• Battery storage integration — most new solar installations now include battery storage, creating demand for electricians who can install complete systems
• Commercial rooftop solar is expanding rapidly as businesses seek to reduce carbon footprints and energy costs

For qualified electricians, solar PV installation offers a growing and profitable specialism that complements existing services.

What Is the City & Guilds 2922?

The City & Guilds 2922 (Award in the Design and Installation of Solar Photovoltaic Systems) is the industry-standard qualification for solar PV installation in the UK. It provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to design, install, test, and commission solar PV systems in domestic and commercial settings.

What the Course Covers

• Solar PV technology — how photovoltaic cells, modules, and arrays generate electricity
• System design — sizing arrays, calculating yield, selecting components, and designing string configurations
• Electrical integration — connecting PV systems to consumer units, inverter selection, and AC/DC circuit design
• Mounting systems — roof-mounted, ground-mounted, and building-integrated PV (BIPV) installation methods
• Testing and commissioning — verifying system performance, earth fault loop impedance, and insulation resistance testing
• Grid connection — G98/G99 requirements for connecting generation equipment to the distribution network
• Relevant standards — BS 7671 requirements for PV installations, MCS standards, and building regulations

Assessment

The qualification includes both theoretical assessment and practical demonstration of competence in solar PV system design and installation.

Prerequisites

You must hold the following before enrolling on the 2922:

• Level 3 electrical qualification (Level 3 Diploma 2365 or equivalent)
• Current 18th Edition certificate (BS 7671, including Amendment 4 from October 2026)

If you are starting from scratch, here is the full pathway with LTS pricing:

Combining Solar with Battery Storage and EV

The most in-demand green skills electricians can install complete home energy systems. LTS offers combination courses:

The Full Renewables Triple covers Solar PV (2922), Battery Storage (2923), and EV Charging (2921) in a single seven-day programme. This is the most cost-effective way to gain all three green skills qualifications.

The MCS Certification Path

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification is essential if you want to offer installations that qualify for government incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee. MCS certification requires:

• Qualified installers — holding the 2922 (or equivalent)
• Company registration — your business must be MCS certified
• Quality management system — documented procedures for installation and commissioning
• Annual assessment — MCS-appointed assessors audit your installations

MCS certification positions you to offer premium installations and access a broader customer base. Many homeowners specifically seek MCS-certified installers because it is a condition of accessing SEG payments.

Earning Potential

Solar PV installation adds a significant premium to your standard electrician rates:

• Domestic systems (3–4kW typical): 1–2 day installation, £500–£1,500 labour charge
• Commercial rooftop (10–50kW+): Multi-day projects with higher labour rates
• Solar + battery combos: Premium pricing for complete energy systems
• Maintenance and testing: Ongoing revenue from periodic system checks

Self-employed electricians qualified in solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging can earn £50,000–£75,000+ per year. Based on industry data and LTS graduate outcomes, 2026.

Connection to Amendment 4

BS 7671 Amendment 4 (publishing 15 April 2026) introduces significant updates relevant to solar PV installations, including new Chapter 57 on battery energy storage systems. If you install solar PV with battery storage, you will need to be familiar with the new BESS requirements. Ensure your 18th Edition certificate is current and updated for Amendment 4.

Next Steps

If you are a qualified electrician looking to add solar PV to your services, book a free consultation with an LTS course advisor to discuss the best route for your experience level.

LTS is a City & Guilds accredited training centre in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, close to M25 Junction 25. We have trained over 5,000 students with a 4.9/5 rating. Call us on 01992 413 503 or email hello@learntradeskills.co.uk.