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Solar Panel Fitter

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Solar Panel Fitters install, test and commission solar photovoltaic systems on roofs and in other suitable locations. They work from technical drawings, connect panels to inverters and electrical systems, seal and weatherproof, test performance, and hand over to clients. The role may involve working at height, using hand and power tools, and following health and safety regulations. Training can start with an apprenticeship or college course in solar PV, electrical installation, or a related trade. Continued professional development is common as new technologies emerge and standards evolve.

Solar Panel Fitter

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📊 Statistics

Average salary

Typical uk salary ranges from 23,000 to 37,000 per year, with experienced fitters and supervisors earning over 40,000 in regional projects.

Demand and jobs

The UK solar sector employs thousands of people across installation and maintenance, with steady demand driven by domestic and commercial rooftop projects and government clean energy targets.

Typical hours

Work is often on site with variable hours; early starts are common and jobs may require travel to customer sites.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Solar Installer Team Leader

Lead small teams to install solar panel systems on residential and light commercial properties, plan work schedules and ensure safety and quality on site

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Energy Efficiency Technician

Assess homes and small businesses for energy saving improvements, install insulation and efficient lighting, and help clients reduce bills and carbon emissions

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Electrical Trainee with Solar Focus

Begin an electrical apprenticeship with a solar focus, gaining hands on skills in wiring inverters, PV arrays and maintenance while studying for recognised electrical qualifications

Foundation and Training

Gain relevant qualifications

Complete an entry level training programme in solar panel installation or a related electrical or construction qualification.

Consider courses such as a Level 2 Diploma in Construction or a specific solar PV qualification. Look for courses that include health and safety, basic electrical theory, and hands on practicals. Apprenticeships are a strong path into the industry.

Obtain health and safety certifications

Secure essential safety training for working at height and electrical safety.

Mandatory modules often include working at heights, risk assessment, manual handling, and first aid. These boost employability and site compliance credentials.

Join an apprenticeship or work placement

Start gaining on site experience while studying for your qualification.

Apprenticeships combine paid work with study and provide real world experience under supervision. Build a portfolio of installation tasks and safety compliance records.

Technical grounding and initial installations

Learn PV system basics and tools

Study how PV panels, inverters, mounting systems, and cabling fit together.

Familiarise yourself with common brands, wiring diagrams, string sizing, and functional checks. Practice using multimeters, torque wrenches, and PV mounting fixtures under supervision.

Assist with site surveys and design layups

Support senior fitters in assessing roof type, shading, and layout for optimal performance.

Record measurements, determine panel orientation, and note safety constraints. Understand how to translate a site assessment into a practical rig layout.

Perform supervised installations

Take on supervised installation tasks from mounting to wiring under guidance.

Work under experienced supervision to gain confidence with roof access, panel mounting, cable routing, and inverter connections. Keep detailed logs of tasks and issues.

Competence and compliance

Develop electrical and commissioning skills

Build confidence in wiring PV strings, fusing, protection devices, and commissioning tests.

Learn to perform insulation resistance tests, polarity checks, and functional tests with inverters. Understand grid connection requirements and local regulations.

Document quality and safety records

Maintain clear records of installations, inspections, and safety checks.

Accurate documentation helps with warranties, future maintenance, and audits. Use company templates to log measurements, components, and any deviations.

Work towards certification and progression

Pursue recognised competencies to confirm your professional standing.

Consider achieving a Level 3 or equivalent in solar PV installation or an electrical qualification if not already held. Active membership in trade organisations can aid career progression.

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🎯 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.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

Solar Panel Fitter is essentially the same role as a Solar Panel Installer; both involve installing PV panels, mounting hardware, and connecting electrical components such as inverters and cabling. They share similar requirements for electrical knowledge, safety awareness, and adherence to wiring standards, so the qualifications align 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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