How to become a solar panel installer
In this articleFrom brand-new solar panel installation to heat pump fitting, it’s safe to say that the renewable energy market is big right now – and it’s only going to grow in the future – making now the perfect time to start your own solar panel business.
But while installing solar panels might seem like a straightforward concept, learning how to be a solar panel installer is not as simple as buying the required equipment and getting started. Like learning to become a heating engineer or electrician, there are skills and qualifications you need to earn before you can get started.
So, with this in mind, here’s everything you need to learn about how to become a solar panel installer, including what solar panel installation involves, the qualifications required, and insights into the average salary solar panel installers can earn in a year.
Why become a solar panel installer
Simply put, with the UK government’s increased focus on using renewable energy going forward, there’s never been a better time than now to begin training in solar panel installation.
Not only are solar panels in very high demand across the entire country, but because it’s so popular as an at-home renewable energy option, you can make a lot of money carrying out this sort of work.
And, much like construction jobs and electrical maintenance, this sort of installation is never really going to go away, meaning you’ll likely never be short of work for the majority of the year.
What does a solar panel installer do
As the name suggests, the main focus of a solar panel installer is to install solar panels, mainly on the roofs of homes and commercial buildings. However, there is a little bit more to the role than this alone.
For example, an entire solar panel installation project and follow-up checks will likely include all of the following:
- Assessing the potential locations on a set building that could safely facilitate solar panel installation while offering the greatest energy generation potential.
- Measuring the desired installation area in order to fit the appropriately sized panels.
- Adjusting or modifying the area in question to accommodate and support solar panel installation.
- Carrying out electrical work in order to connect installed solar panels together, and to join them with the main electrical grid.
- Carrying out regular panel maintenance to ensure the installation is operating at peak efficiency.
What qualifications do I need to install solar panels in the UK?
While there are no legal requirements saying that you need to be qualified to install solar panels, customers will expect potential solar panel installers to have the necessary accreditations in this area to prove that they can install solar panels safely and correctly.
Therefore, we recommend that anyone looking at how to be a solar panel installer gain one of the following qualifications:
- Level 2 Electrical Installation
- Level 3 Electrical Installation
- Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical Technology
Alternatively, if you’re only just qualifying to be a tradesperson, then you could choose to go with an apprenticeship to earn while you learn, or if you’ve been working as an electrician or roofer for a while, then you could see about finding a local training centre that offers an approved solar panel installation course.
How long will it take to become a solar panel installer?
Generally speaking, earning the qualifications and training to become a solar panel installer could take anywhere from a couple of months to several years – depending on your current training and skill level.
For those who already have electrical qualifications, learning to become a solar panel installer could take just 8 weeks! Whereas anyone getting their qualifications from scratch can expect the process to take at least a year or two.
Do you need to be an electrician to install solar panels
While you don’t need to be an electrician to install solar panels, such qualifications and experience can certainly be helpful. After all, one of the main aspects of solar panel installation involves joining your new panel installation to the mains electricity, which requires proper electrical knowledge to do safely.
Alongside this, it can also help to have roofing experience, which can make the physical installation process that much more straightforward.
Should you not have either or both of these qualifications, then you should look to work with a qualified electrician or roofer to assist you in the installation process or put the time aside to earn such qualifications before you start your business.
What other skills are useful to have when installing solar panels?
Besides learning the essential training and qualifications needed to become an official and reputable solar panel installer, it can also help to have knowledge and training in any of the following areas:
- Construction knowledge – good construction knowledge will help you understand where best to install solar panels and any building regulations and restrictions you’ll need to be aware of before work can begin.
- Technical knowledge – solar panels are a constantly evolving technology, making good technical knowledge essential to ensure you’re only installing the latest and best models.
- Mathematical knowledge – from measuring installation space to knowing what power levels your panels can operate at, a good understanding of maths is a must.
- Design training – given that solar panels are not always the nicest pieces of technology to look at, a good understanding of design can help you find the best place to install solar panels for maximum energy capturing without making them stand out.
- Physical fitness – solar panel installation requires the constant carrying and lifting of materials at varying heights, as well as physically installing them, so having a high level of physical fitness can help.
How much can a solar panel installer earn?
How much you can earn as a solar panel installer will depend on how much experience you have. For example, someone working as an apprentice may only be able to earn up to £17,000. However, an experienced tradesperson with the right knowledge could earn as much as £37,000+ if they take on solar panel installation full-time.
And even if you don’t dedicate your business purely to solar panel installation, just offering this service to your customers is a surefire way to increase your customer base and grow your business in the future.
Grow your customer base as a Trusted Trader
So, now you know what’s required to become a solar panel installer, and what you can expect to be doing in such a role. However, just because you know how to install solar panels, that doesn’t mean customers will come straight to you for work.
As well as getting the necessary training and qualifications, you’ll also need to show your customers that you’re a trusted expert in your field. With the Which? Trusted Trader logo, customers can see that your business is trusted by us to deliver an excellent service. Not only that, but by joining our Trusted Trader scheme, you’ll get access to your very own business profile to display reviews and previous work to potential customers.
Don’t forget to look at our our business advice hub for more detailed guides like this one, including How To Start Your Insulation Business.
