How to Become a Solar Panel Installer in the UK
Solar panel installers fit solar PV systems and battery storage on homes, farms and commercial buildings. You set up access equipment, fix mounting rails and panels to the roof, run DC and AC cabling, install inverters and batteries, test and commission the system and show the customer how to monitor it.
Teams usually combine roofers or installers who handle the panels with qualified electricians who make the electrical connections. You can start as an installer's mate with little experience, but electrical qualifications open up the better-paid roles.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,000 - £33,000
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £45,000
- Senior salary
- £50,000 - £65,000
- Work environment
- Rooftops / domestic & commercial
- Time to entry
- 6 - 18 months (MCS-registered training)
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Green Energy and Sustainability
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: No-degree careers, Stable careers, Career change.
What a Solar Panel Installer does
Fit residential and commercial solar PV systems and battery storage to UK rooftops.
How to become a solar panel installer in the UK
To carry out the electrical work, you need recognised electrical qualifications, such as a Level 3 electrical installation qualification or a domestic installer route, plus knowledge of the current IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). Short Level 3 courses in installing solar PV and battery storage then add the specialist knowledge. Companies that want customers to receive export payments are usually MCS certified, so you work to MCS standards. Electrical work in homes in England and Wales is notifiable under Part P, usually through a competent person scheme. Working at height training is also essential.
- Get experience on roofs or in construction, for example as a roofer's labourer or installer's mate, to become comfortable working at height.
- Train in electrical installation, either through an electrical apprenticeship or an adult route to a recognised Level 3 electrical qualification.
- Take an accredited Level 3 course in solar PV installation, and another in battery storage if you want to fit home batteries.
- Complete working at height training and learn to set up scaffolding edge protection and safe roof access for every job.
- Apply to MCS-certified installation companies, which need staff who understand MCS installation standards and paperwork.
- If you want to go self-employed, join a competent person scheme for electrical work and consider MCS certification for your own business.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installer's mate, training on the job | 6-12 months | Paid while you learn | Roofers and practical people without electrical skills |
| Qualified electrician adding solar PV | A few weeks of courses | Varies by provider | Electricians moving into renewables |
| Electrical apprenticeship, then solar specialism | 3-4 years | Paid by the employer | School leavers wanting a full trade |
How long it takes
You can start as an installer's mate straight away and become a confident installer within six to 18 months. Qualified electricians can add solar PV and battery skills with short courses.
Solar Panel Installer salary in the UK
Solar panel installers usually start on around £28,000 to £33,000. Experienced installers earn £35,000 to £45,000, and qualified electricians leading installation teams or working on commercial systems can earn £50,000 to £65,000. Pay depends on whether you are electrically qualified, the type of work and your region. Self-employed installers and subcontractors are often paid per job or by day rate, and income depends on demand and the weather.
Key skills
- Working at height
- Electrical basics
- MCS standards
- Customer service
Solar Panel Installer FAQs
How do I become a solar panel installer in the UK?
Start as an installer's mate or on a roofing team, or qualify as an electrician first. Then take an accredited solar PV installation course, plus battery storage if needed, complete working at height training and apply to MCS-certified installation companies.
Do I need to be an electrician to install solar panels?
Not to mount panels on a roof, but the electrical connection, testing and certification must be done by a qualified, competent person. Being electrically qualified makes you more employable and leads to higher pay and the option to work for yourself.
How much does a solar panel installer earn?
Starting pay is typically £28,000 to £33,000. Experienced installers earn £35,000 to £45,000, and electricians leading teams or working on commercial projects can earn £50,000 to £65,000. Self-employed income depends on demand and day rates.
What is MCS certification?
MCS is a scheme that certifies small-scale renewable technologies and the companies that install them. Homeowners usually need an MCS-certified installation to get paid for the electricity they export, so most installation companies are certified and follow MCS standards.
Is Solar Panel Installer right for you?
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Not sure solar panel installer is the right career for you? A good career test narrows the field before you spend money retraining.