As the world races toward a low-carbon future, the spotlight has shifted firmly onto solar power — and for good reason. Recent research from the University of Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) confirms what many in the industry have already witnessed first-hand: solar energy has become the world’s cheapest source of power, costing as little as 2p per unit in the sunniest parts of the globe.
But beyond the headlines, this development represents more than just a shift in global energy economics. For electricians, contractors, and anyone aspiring to join the trade, it marks the beginning of a generational opportunity — a chance to be at the forefront of the UK’s renewable revolution.
In the early 2010s, solar was still viewed as a niche technology — expensive, experimental, and heavily reliant on subsidies. Fast forward to today, and the story could not be more different. The University of Surrey’s study notes that the world’s installed solar capacity surpassed 1.5 terawatts in 2024, more than double the figure in 2020.
That’s enough electricity to power hundreds of millions of homes — and more importantly, enough to shift the global perception of what’s possible in renewable energy.
As Professor Ravi Silva, Director of ATI, put it:
“Even here in the UK, a country that sits 50 degrees north of the equator, solar is the cheapest option for large-scale energy generation.”
What’s made this transformation possible isn’t just the fall in solar panel prices — it’s the 89% drop in lithium-ion battery costs since 2010, enabling solar power to become more reliable through energy storage and hybrid systems. These systems can store power for use during the night or peak demand, providing a real alternative to fossil fuels.
The shift toward solar energy is already reshaping the built environment. From housing developments and commercial buildings to industrial estates and public infrastructure, solar PV systems are being integrated at every level.
This means the demand for qualified solar installers and renewable energy electricians is soaring — particularly those with the right combination of technical skill, safety compliance, and certification.
Electricians are no longer just wiring homes or maintaining traditional systems; they’re becoming the engineers of the net-zero future. Installing, testing, and maintaining solar systems, EV charging points, and battery storage units requires up-to-date knowledge of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and Part P Building Regulations — the two core foundations of safe, compliant electrical work in the UK.
As more consumers and businesses turn to solar, regulatory compliance and safety assurance are non-negotiable. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and Competent Person Schemes (CPS) such as NAPIT and NICEIC ensure that only trained and registered professionals can install, certify, and sign off renewable energy systems.
To register with a CPS or pursue MCS certification for solar PV installations, electricians must typically hold:
These qualifications demonstrate both competency and accountability — essential when working with domestic solar PV systems connected to the national grid.
Once these are achieved, electricians can then complete a specialised Solar PV Installation Course, which covers system design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance, often in alignment with MCS standards.
The UK’s renewable energy transition is driving a new type of tradesperson — the Solar Electrician. This role combines traditional electrical foundations with advanced renewable technology expertise.
Employers across construction, housing, and facilities management are now seeking electricians who can confidently work on solar, EV charging, and battery systems — not just conventional wiring.
According to current market data, solar installers and renewable electricians in the UK can expect earnings between £38,000 and £55,000 per year, with self-employed specialists often commanding more, particularly in domestic or commercial retrofit projects.
The value here is long-term. Renewable energy systems require ongoing inspection, maintenance, and upgrading — meaning steady, repeat work for qualified tradespeople.
At Wire Now Ltd, our electrical contracting arm based in Hertfordshire, we’ve seen the renewable revolution up close. In 2025, we completed a solar panel installation project on Holland Bazaar warehouse — but what made it special was the team that carried it out.
The project was delivered in collaboration with students from Learn Trade Skills, who gained first-hand experience working under the supervision of qualified solar electricians. They learned how to design, install, and commission a solar PV system safely and efficiently — from roof mounting to inverter setup and final testing.
This hands-on experience reflects our belief that practical learning drives real-world confidence. Projects like this bridge the gap between classroom training and industry application, giving new electricians the skills to step confidently into renewable energy roles.
If you’re new to the trade or already working as an electrician, there are clear and structured routes to qualify for solar installation work.
At Learn Trade Skills, we’ve built these pathways to align directly with the standards recognised by City & Guilds, EAL, and LCL Awards — the same qualifications accepted by CPS and MCS registration bodies.
For complete beginners, the Gold Card Package combines all the essential qualifications:
This pathway leads to the ECS Gold Card, the industry benchmark proving you’re a fully qualified electrician — and opens the door to renewable energy specialisms like solar PV.
For electricians with 5+ years of on-site experience, the Experienced Worker Package (2346 NVQ) allows you to formalise your existing skills through portfolio evidence and practical assessments — again leading to Gold Card recognition and eligibility for solar PV certification.
Once you’re qualified and registered with a CPS such as NAPIT or NICEIC, completing a Solar PV Installation and Maintenance Course makes you fully ready to install MCS-compliant systems across residential and commercial sites.
Solar technology is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s here, affordable, and transforming how we power our world. But without skilled electricians to install and maintain these systems safely, the UK’s renewable ambitions can’t be realised.
As government incentives, corporate net-zero commitments, and consumer demand converge, the electrical trade stands at the centre of the clean energy transition.
For anyone considering a career move — or seeking to upskill in a future-proof trade — the solar sector offers one of the most rewarding paths forward: financially, professionally, and environmentally.
As I often tell our learners at Learn Trade Skills:
“The UK doesn’t just need electricians. It needs future energy specialists — people who can wire the world to net zero.”
Yes. To install and certify solar PV systems in the UK, you need to be a qualified electrician with an NVQ Level 3 and registration under a Competent Person Scheme (CPS) such as NICEIC or NAPIT.
No — solar PV courses build on core electrical knowledge. If you’re new to the trade, start with the Fully Qualified Electrician Route, which includes all the core qualifications needed before progressing to solar training.
MCS registration typically requires:
For beginners, around 18–24 months to complete core qualifications and the solar PV add-on course. For experienced electricians, the process can take as little as 6–12 months, depending on existing qualifications and evidence of competence.
Absolutely. Solar energy isn’t just a trend — it’s the foundation of the UK’s net-zero infrastructure. With more homes, commercial sites, and public buildings going solar, the need for qualified installers will continue to grow for decades.
Tolga Aramaz is the Director of Learn Trade Skills (LTS), a family-run training centre specialising in electrical installations. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the electrical industry, Tolga is known for their exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering outstanding results. They provide valuable insights and guidance to electricians, contractors, and businesses, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety protocols. Through engaging training programmes and consultancy services, Tolga empowers professionals to excel in their roles, fostering long-term relationships built on professionalism and customer satisfaction.
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William Goss
Electrician course
11/11/2024
