Solar PV installation and maintenance

This Level 3 apprenticeship unit develops the advanced knowledge and practical skills required to install, commission, inspect, test, and maintain solar PV systems across a range of environments.

Learners will cover:
• Health and safety legislation and safe working practices for solar PV systems
• Mathematical, electrical, and scientific principles used in PV system design and installation
• Solar PV system components, features, and applications
• Design, planning, installation, and commissioning processes
• Structural considerations, roof fixings, and cable routing
• Integration with other technologies such as EV charging and battery storage
• Cable termination and connection methods
• Inspection, testing, maintenance, and fault-finding techniques
• Safe isolation and verification procedures
• Completion of documentation, certification, and use of digital systems

By the end of the unit, learners will be able to:
• Work safely in line with legislation and industry standards
• Apply mathematical, electrical, and scientific principles to PV systems
• Understand solar PV equipment, components, and system requirements
• Plan, install, and commission solar PV systems
• Carry out inspection, testing, maintenance, and fault finding
• Maintain accurate records and communicate professionally using digital tools

On attendance course materials will be supplied. However, it is advised to purchase the following books:

IET On-site Guide 18th Edition A2:2022

IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition A2:2022

IET Code of Practice for Electrical Energy Storage Systems 3rd Edition

Please Note: Physical books can be purchased from MITSkills. Electronic Versions are only permitted on devices that cannot gain access to browsers etc.

Non-levy employers: £0
Levy-paying employers: £950 (funding value)

This apprenticeship unit is funded through the employer’s Apprenticeship Service account or through government co-investment.

• Employers who do not pay the apprenticeship levy will have 100% of the training and assessment costs funded by the government, based on the funding rate (£950)
• Levy-paying employers with sufficient funds in their Apprenticeship Service account can fund the full £950 using their levy
• Where levy funds are insufficient, the government will fund 95% of the £950 funding rate and the employer will contribute the remaining 5% (£47.50), which is paid directly to the training provider

Minimum 35 hours

This apprenticeship unit is delivered flexibly to fit around the learner’s job role, allowing employers to upskill staff efficiently while maintaining productivity.

This unit opens up several clear progression pathways within the electrical and renewable energy sectors, particularly as demand for solar PV and low-carbon technologies continues to grow.

Learners who complete this unit can progress into roles such as solar PV installer, electrical maintenance engineer, or renewable energy technician, working across domestic, commercial, and industrial environments. It also provides a strong foundation for expanding into related technologies such as battery storage systems, EV charging infrastructure, and smart energy systems.

For those looking to further develop their qualifications, this unit can support progression onto advanced electrical installation courses, inspection and testing qualifications, or specialist renewable energy training.

In the longer term, learners may move into supervisory or project management roles, specialise in renewable technologies, or develop their own business within the growing low-carbon and energy sector.

Learners must:

• Be employed in England with a contract of employment
• Be aged 19 or over
• Spend a significant proportion of their working hours in England and have the right to work in the UK
• Be undertaking training that is directly relevant to their job role
• Be a fully qualified electrician
• Hold the following qualifications:
• A Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations BS7671 (current edition) and
• A Level 3 Award in the Initial Verification and Certification of Electrical Installations / combined award including Periodic Inspection & Testing

Alternatively, Scottish equivalents through SELECT.

• A SELECT Customised Award in Requirements for Electrical Installations to BS 7671 (218) and
• A SELECT Customised Award in Initial Verification (209) or a combined award including Periodic Inspection & Testing (214)

If the applicant does not hold a Level 3 Award in the Initial Verification and Certification of Electrical Installations or a SELECT equivalent, they must hold one of the following:

• A Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment
• An SVQ in Electrical Installations (SCQF level 7)
• A Level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings
• An Experienced Worker Qualification
• An ECS Gold Card (Installation or Approved Electrician)

If you're unsure whether you meet the qualifications, please contact us for clarification.

You will be asked to provide your qualification details after completing the payment section of the booking form.

All qualifications must be submitted at least 3 working days prior to the start of the course. Failure to do so may result in being unable to attend the training sessions.

In addition, learners must be able to complete the training within their working role and be supported by their employer throughout the programme.