Solar PV Installation & Maintenance (LCL Level 3 Award)

Course Code: SOLAR PV

Duration: 3 days

Solar PV is now one of the most established routes into renewables for qualified electricians, and demand shows no sign of slowing. This three-day course gives experienced electricians a nationally recognised qualification in the installation and maintenance of small-scale grid-tied photovoltaic systems, based on the National Occupational Standards published by industry.

Over the three days you'll build the knowledge, skills and understanding to design, install, commission, inspect, test and maintain a solar PV system. The course works through the solar resource itself, system configurations and design, solar modules and their mounting structures and arrays, the electrical wiring of the system and its associated components, grid-connected systems, charge controllers and batteries. You'll also cover sizing, system testing and commissioning, alongside the requirements for inspecting, servicing and maintaining small-scale systems and handing them over correctly. Both practical and theoretical training is included, with hands-on PV wiring and maintenance sessions throughout.

The practical element covers the electrical testing required for the system and fitting a panel to an existing simulated roof mounting system. It doesn't extend to work relating to the roof structure itself, including weight limits, bracket fixing, weather sealing or wind loads, and it doesn't cover the newest technologies still emerging as manufacturers update their products.

Successful candidates receive an awarding body certificate, which is one of the elements required for membership of a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). You'll also need access to a competent structural engineer, roofer or energy assessor to meet the scheme's wider requirements.

Who can attend?

Candidates must be competent electricians holding the BS 7671:2018 Requirements for Electrical Installations (18th Edition) qualification, plus one of the recognised Level 3 electrotechnical qualifications, such as the 2357, 5357, 2356 or 2346, a Level 3 NVQ in Electrotechnical Services, an EAL Level 3 Building Services Engineering Electrotechnical Installation qualification, or an equivalent listed in EAS tables A4.7 and A4.8, routes 1, 2 and 3. An ECS Gold Card (domestic electrician), JIB Electrician or Approved Electrician Card is also accepted, though PAT tester only cards are not. Learners in Scotland may instead hold an SVQ in Electrical Installation at SCQF level 7 alongside an up-to-date BS 7671 qualification.

Please note that stand-alone technical certificates and vocationally related qualifications that aren't competency based are not accepted. All candidates must show evidence of meeting the prerequisites, which vary slightly between accreditations. If you're unsure whether yours qualify, call us before booking.

What to bring

You'll need the IET Code of Practice for Grid-connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems (2nd Edition), the IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition A4:2026, the IET On-Site Guide 18th Edition A4:2026 and IET Guidance Note 3: Inspection & Testing. BPEC candidates will also need two passport photographs, and receive a BPEC Solar Photovoltaic Manual included in the course fee.

We provide the relevant MCS guidance documents and standards during the course, along with the Guide to the Installation of Photovoltaic Systems.

Once you have booked and paid for this course, please call Calvin on 07401 500 500 to book dates and times.