Solar panels and electrical vehicle charging points are now a common sight in most towns across the UK. But did you know you should be an electrician to install these?

Electrical skills are central to renewable technology installation.

The core skills that you’ll develop when becoming a qualified electrician are the foundation from which you’ll then upskill and specialise in areas such as solar panel installation or electric vehicle charging point installation.

We call it ‘Electrician Plus’ – you qualify as an electrician, then add even more skills and knowledge to your belt after you carry out additional training in new areas.

It’s essential for public and fire safety that anyone installing renewable technologies is properly qualified and competent.

Already an electrician? Look for the right qualifications

If you’re already a qualified electrician, there are top-up qualifications from awarding bodies such as City & Guilds, EAL and BPEC who are leading the way in this area with their solar PV and EVCP qualifications. They are designed so that only electricians who meet the industry Level 3 standard can enrol on these courses.

The Electrician Plus logo will be used to endorse relevant qualifications to show they are industry approved in terms of content and assessment – look out for the Electrician Plus badge when you’re looking for qualifications.

To view the current list of qualifications that have been awarded the Electrician Plus kitemark visit The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership’s website.

Getting into the industry

If you’re interested in becoming an electrician and progressing your career once you’ve qualified, take a look at the correct training routes to joining the industry.

Electrical Apprenticeships set the gold standard for green skills!

In recognition of its green credentials, the Installation & Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship was one of just six awarded a special King’s Coronation emblem for its sustainability credentials and delivering the skills needed to support the transition to net zero.

Both the Installation and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship standard and the new Domestic Electrician apprenticeship standard equip apprentices with the skills to safely install and connect a range of low carbon technologies, with Electric Vehicle charging skills embedded into the qualification. Read more on the TESP website…