New solar PV and electrical energy storage qualifications: Upskilling electricians for the energy transition

Discover new City & Guilds level 3 qualifications, aligned to the latest industry standards and the Electrical Plus framework

28 November 2024

Domestic and commercial energy are critical in the push for net zero. However, according to the Skills4Climate report from the Electrical Contractors’ Association, almost half of electrical employers don’t currently have access to the skilled employees they need to complete solar PV or electrical energy storage systems (EESS) work.

To help meet this demand, we have launched new level 3 solar PV and electrical energy storage systems qualifications, designed to provide electricians with the required skills and knowledge to work with these technologies safely.

The Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Small Solar Photovoltaic Systems (2922-34) and Level 3 Award in the Design, Installation and Commissioning of Small Electrical Energy Storage Systems (2923-34) align with the MCS technical specification, and the latest National Occupational Standards.

These qualifications meet the relevant industry standards including the Electrician Plus trademark requirements. They are recognised as part of the ECS Gold Card and approved by the JIB Skills Development fund, meaning member companies can access funding for the courses for their employees.

They are part of our expanding green technology offer, which also includes EV charging and retrofit qualifications, as well as a new air source heat pump installation qualification launching in January 2025.

Increasing demand for green technologies

The energy transition is already well underway, bringing with it valuable opportunities for electricians and electrical employers with the right skillsets to take on new projects, reach new customers and make a vital contribution to the UK’s net zero future.

With rising energy prices and pressure to reduce individual and organisational carbon footprint, finding ways to reduce energy consumption from fossil fuels is increasingly a priority for both domestic and commercial buildings.

Last year, registered solar PV installations rose by 30% to 189,826. Homeowners and businesses are also investing in electrical energy storage to allow them to store excess electricity generated and become less reliant on the national grid.

This growing demand for greener buildings is also reflected in last year’s 20% increase in the number of heat pumps installed. Both financial and environmental motivations are seeing homeowners taking advantage of the England and Wales Boiler Upgrade Scheme or the Home Energy Scotland loan to replace existing boilers.

Having the technical knowledge and competence to safely and efficiently work with new green technologies can set sole traders or small and medium size businesses apart, a key opportunity to differentiate in a growing, yet competitive market.

Time to invest in the future of the industry

If the industry is going to meet the growing demand for a greener society, electricians – wherever in they are in their career journeys – must have the skills and knowledge to design, install and maintain the green technologies that will get us there.

Training providers play a crucial role in ensuring that electricians are equipped with the latest qualifications to meet this demand.

A skilled electrical workforce is the cornerstone of the UK built environment and energy net zero strategies. Now is the time to invest in the future of the industry and lead the charge towards a sustainable tomorrow.