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Solar Panel Fitter

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A solar panel fitter installs, wires and connects solar photovoltaic PV panels on roofs or ground mounted systems. They assess suitability, follow safety rules, fit mounting brackets, connect electrical wiring, and test the system to ensure it works. The job can involve climbing ladders, working outdoors in different weather, and reading technical drawings. Training usually includes an apprenticeship or college courses in electrical installation and solar PV technology, and may lead to supervisory roles.

Solar Panel Fitter

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📊 Statistics

Typical salary

In the United Kingdom, solar panel fitters can earn around 20,000 to 40,000 per year, with experienced engineers and supervisors earning more.

Job numbers

There are several thousand roles in the UK combined with related solar and electrical installation jobs, and demand is growing as homes and businesses adopt solar energy.

Hours and days

Many roles involve site visits and field work, often with daytime hours, but some projects may require early starts or occasional weekend work to meet deadlines.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Junior Solar Installer

Assist with fitting solar panels on roofs under supervision and learn how to connect panels safely to a system.

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Energy Technician Apprentice

Learn how to test electrical systems in buildings and help install energy saving equipment such as solar and heating controls.

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Sustainable Builders Assistant

Support a construction team that focuses on eco friendly builds and helps fit renewable energy features on new houses

Stage 1: Foundations and basics

Learn the basics of solar energy

Understand how solar panels convert sunlight into electricity and why proper installation matters.

Explore simple explanations of how photovoltaic cells work, what affects panel performance, and the safety basics for working with electricity. This stage sets the groundwork for more hands on tasks later.

Get maths and problem solving ready

Build maths skills that you will use for measurements and calculations on jobs.

Practice basic arithmetic, reading blueprints, and interpreting simple electrical diagrams. These skills help you plan where panels will go and check that systems meet safety rules.

Beginner safety and PPE

Learn about personal protective equipment and safe working practices.

Understand roof safety, electrical safety, and how to assess risk on site. You will start with supervised practice in a safe environment to build confidence.

Stage 2: Practical skills and tooling

Watch and learn basic fitting tasks

See how panels are mounted and how wiring is run between panels and inverters.

You will observe how to measure roof areas, mark mounting positions, and identify correct mounting hardware. Practice under supervision with simple tasks.

Use tools safely

Get hands on with common tools for fitting and wiring.

Learn to use drills, wrenches, cable clips and basic hand tools. Focus on keeping wires tidy and using clamps and brackets properly.

Intro to electrical basics for installers

Understand basic DC and AC concepts you will work with.

Learn why safety labels matter, what a single line diagram is, and how to identify basic components like racking, conduit, and fuse boxes. Always work under supervision.

Stage 3: Real world practice and training

Shadow a qualified fitter on site

Attend real installations to observe workflow and safety.

You will see site surveys, load calculations, and panel placement decisions. Take notes on sequencing, link to the electrical system, and how issues are resolved.

Assist with simple installations

Help with tasks like mounting rails and running cables.

Under supervision, you may prepare drilling points, secure mounting hardware, and help with cabling. Focus on accuracy and neatness, and ask questions to learn.

Understand inspection and testing basics

Learn how to check that a system is safe and working.

You will be introduced to basic testing methods, checking panel orientation, wiring integrity, and safety clearances. Documentation for commissioning is important.

Stage 4: Accredited training and progression

Complete a recognised training course

Finish a level 2 or level 3 course related to solar PV installation.

These courses cover electrical safety, PV components, installation standards, and practical working knowledge. They may lead to an apprenticeship or entry level job.

Earn a recognised qualification

Gain certification that shows you meet industry standards.

Qualifications such as an NVQ or City and Guilds cert can help you apply for roles and demonstrate competence to employers. Keep practising to build confidence.

Seek apprentice or junior fitter roles

Apply for entry level positions to grow experience.

An apprenticeship combines on the job learning with classroom teaching. You will learn by doing and you can progress to more complex installations as you gain confidence.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Solar Panel Fitter. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

Both roles involve installing photovoltaic panels, mounting them securely and wiring PV systems while ensuring electrical safety. They require similar hands-on electrical and mechanical skills and knowledge of electrical regulations and site safety practices, so the qualifications overlap closely.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

You’ll usually need an electrical qualification to work as an installer.

You could do a college course to get some of the technical knowledge and skills that may help you get onto an apprenticeship, or to find a trainee installer position with a company.

Courses include:

  • electrical installation
  • electronic and electrical engineering
  • electrical wiring regulations (18th edition)
  • T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

You may also need to complete a short course on the installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, depending on your experience and any existing qualifications you hold.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an Installation and Maintenance Electrician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship with an installation or construction company.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as an installation labourer, working with qualified installers, and do training on the job with the support of your employer.

If you’re a qualified electrician you could take a short training course in the installation and maintenance of small solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This would allow you to fit solar panels and connect them to a building's electrical mains network.

You could take solar PV training to fit solar panels to buildings if you’re a qualified roofer. You'll still need to work with an electrician to connect the panels to a building’s power system.

Check with training providers to find out about the courses they offer and which might be best for you.

Direct Application

You could apply directly for jobs if you have experience and qualifications in electrical installation and maintenance.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

You can demonstrate that you work to industry quality standards by applying to have your installation skills recognised through the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).

You can also extend this to other renewable technologies, like solar heating, battery storage and heat pumps, if you work in those areas.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a solar panel installer from:

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