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A man professionally installing solar panels on a roof, representing the trades industry and renewable energy efforts.

Solar Photovoltaic Systems

Add Solar PV Installation Expertise to Your Professional Skill Set

The aim of this course is to provide qualified electricians with the skills and knowledge required to install small scale photovoltaic (PV) systems. The course has been structured to meet the requirements of the National Occupational Standards and is recognised as a demonstration of competence for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).

Such a course is a requirement of the Minimum Technical Competency document for PV installers and is recognised by the MCS operators as evidence of suitable training.

Run over five days, this Solar Photovoltaic Systems training will instruct candidates how to select the most suitable system for a property to meet the client’s needs, how to install and commission the system and how to hand over the system effectively to the client. It also provides an understanding of all the legal issues surrounding the installation of Solar Photovoltaic Systems and guidance on completion and submission of all the appropriate paperwork and required notifications.

Once issued, certificates are normally valid for 5 years.

Entry Requirements

Trainees must hold a formal craft qualification e.g. N/SVQ 3 in Electrical Installation (Buildings and Structures) or equivalent earlier certification that includes Inspection & Testing or a recognised Part P competence certification that includes Inspection & Testing. Trainees must also hold a BS 7671: 2018 Requirements for Electrical Installations (18th Edition) qualification.

Trainees can enrol for the course if they meet the requirements of the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) and have a minimum 2 years’ experience with demonstrable evidence as well as being a member of a Competent Person Scheme (CPS).

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration / Fees
05 Oct 2026
Bispham Campus
5 Days / £805
18 Jan 2027
Bispham Campus
5 Days / £805
17 May 2027
Bispham Campus
5 Days / £805

The Career Benefits of Solar PV Certification

Career Progression & Prospects

Once qualified, you're well placed to take advantage of growing retrofit opportunities across both domestic and commercial markets. Rising energy costs, government net-zero commitments, and increased demand for renewable solutions are driving widespread adoption of solar PV on homes, offices, retail units, and industrial buildings. With recognised PV skills, you can expand your services, building a more resilient and future-focused career within the UK renewables sector.

Next steps at B&FC

Other Retrofit courses available at B&FC include:

EV Charging Point Installation

Domestic Energy Assessment - Level 3

Air Source Heat Pump

There are also other electrical and construction training courses that can broaden your skills set and expand the services you can offer to employers and/or private clients including:

2301 - Inspection and Testing

 

Key Course Information

Qualification obtained

Solar Photovoltaic Systems

Fees and funding

This is a commercial course, the fees for which are displayed above and must be paid at the time of booking.

Extra costs and equipment

Students will need to provide their own stationery. All other items will be provided by B&FC.

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What You’ll Learn

The course will cover the following:

  • Photovoltaic panels in context of renewable technologies
  • How a Photovoltaic system works – principles and components
  • Design of a PV system
  • Installation of a PV system
  • Commissioning and Client Hand Over
  • Maintenance and Fault Finding
  • Control and power requirements
  • System commissioning and handover to client

How You’ll Learn

The course combines theory and practical sessions where you will learn in both a classroom-based environment and in a dedicated sustainability centre which allows for the demonstration of various photovoltaic systems and their components as well as giving candidates the opportunity to practise what they have learnt. The training is commercially focused with ample opportunity for attendees to ask questions and reinforce their knowledge.

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.

How You’ll Be Assessed

The course is assessed through a combination of practical tasks observed by an assessor and a short online multiple choice exam.