Question 1

What qualification do I need to install solar panels in the UK?

Accepted Answer

To install grid-connected solar PV in the UK commercially you need a Level 3 electrical qualification (e.g. 2365 Level 3), current 18th Edition (BS 7671:2018+A4:2026), and a Solar PV installer qualification — the City & Guilds 2922-34 is the standard route. For MCS-certified installations (required for Smart Export Guarantee eligibility), you also need your business registered with an MCS certification body.

Question 2

Does the 2922-34 lead to MCS certification?

Accepted Answer

The City & Guilds 2922-34 is the recognised competency qualification on the MCS Installer Standard pathway — you need this (or equivalent) for an installer named on an MCS-registered firm. MCS itself is awarded to your business by an MCS-certification body (e.g. NICEIC MCS, MCS itself via NAPIT, etc.) — your 2922-34 alongside a documented quality management system gets you over the assessment line. Without MCS, your PV installs aren't eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee or most government PV incentives.

Question 3

How does the 2922-34 cover system design and array sizing?

Accepted Answer

The course covers solar irradiance fundamentals, PV cell technology, array sizing calculations (kWp target, panel selection, string voltage at expected temperature extremes), inverter selection, DC and AC cable sizing per BS 7671, fault current and earthing, energy yield estimation, and shading/orientation analysis. You'll size example domestic and small-commercial arrays end-to-end during the course.

Question 4

What is the practical assessment like?

Accepted Answer

Three days, with practical work on real mounting systems and a working PV test rig at our Cheshunt centre. You'll wire and commission DC strings, set up the inverter, run installation testing per the IET Code of Practice and BS 7671, and complete handover documentation. Assessment is on-course - no separate exam day.

Question 5

Do I need 18th Edition or Level 3 first?

Accepted Answer

Yes - both are prerequisites. You need a current 18th Edition (City & Guilds 2382-26 covering BS 7671:2018+A4:2026) and a Level 3 electrical qualification or demonstrable equivalent on-site experience. PV systems involve DC at hundreds of volts and integration with the grid - the prerequisites exist because the work has real safety risk.

Question 6

Can I combine this with EV Charging and Battery Storage?

Accepted Answer

Yes - and most renewable installers do. The natural stack is 2922 (Solar PV) + 2923 (Battery Energy Storage Systems) for a solar+battery offering, plus 2921 (EV Charging) for a full residential renewables service. The new Chapter 57 of BS 7671 (Amendment 4, 2026) explicitly covers 'prosumer' installations where these three intersect.

Question 7

How much can I earn installing solar PV?

Accepted Answer

A typical 4kWp domestic solar PV installation (panels + inverter + DC/AC wiring + commissioning) generates £1,200-£2,000 in installer revenue for 1-2 days work, depending on roof complexity. MCS-registered firms can charge a premium for SEG-eligible installs. Commercial PV (rooftop arrays for warehouses and farms) is where the largest margins sit - 50-100kWp installations regularly run into five figures.

Question 8

Is solar PV demand growing in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes - sharply. UK domestic solar PV installations roughly doubled between 2021 and 2025 driven by the energy price crisis and SEG. The 2030 ban on new petrol/diesel cars is also driving demand for combined solar+EV-charge-point installs. The MCS install database shows month-on-month growth at the time of writing.

Question 9

How does the 2922 differ from older solar PV qualifications?

Accepted Answer

The 2922-34 is the current City & Guilds specification, updated to reflect BS 7671 Amendment 4 (2026) requirements, the latest IET Code of Practice for Grid-connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems (5th Edition, 2020), and modern hybrid solar+battery system architectures. If your existing PV qualification is more than ~5 years old (e.g. legacy 2399 specifications), the 2922-34 is the current refresh route.

Question 10

Where is training delivered and how big are the classes?

Accepted Answer

All training is delivered at our Cheshunt centre in Hertfordshire (15 minutes from M25 J25, 30 minutes from central London). Maximum 10 learners per class to maintain hands-on time on the test rig. Free on-site parking.

Feature	Solar PV 2922 (this course)★ RecommendedView course →	Solar PV + Energy StorageView course →	Full Renewables TripleView course →
C&G 2922-34 (Solar PV)	✓	✓	✓
C&G 2923-34 (Energy Storage)	✗	✓	✓
C&G 2921-34 (EV Charging)	✗	✗	✓
MCS PV installer pathway	✓	✓	✓
Battery storage installation	✗	✓	✓
EV charge point installation	✗	✗	✓
Duration	3 Days	5 Days	7 Days
Price	£689	Bundle pricing	Bundle pricing

Beginner

Improver

Experienced

Corporate Training

City & Guilds 2922 Solar PV Installer Course — 3-day solar PV installation course for qualified electricians.

City & Guilds 2922 Solar PV Installer Course

Who Is This Route For?

Requirements

Eligibility & Requirements

Qualified Electrician

Specialist Course

MCS Pathway

Route Comparison

How It Works

Centre-Based Learning

Online Exam

Practical Assessment

What You'll Learn

Solar PV Fundamentals

System Design & Sizing

Installation, Testing & Commissioning

Where Can This Lead?

EV Charging (2921)

Energy Storage (2923)

18th Edition (BS 7671)

2391-52 Inspection & Testing

Successful Students

Frequently Asked Questions

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