Domestic Solar PV Designer and Installer

With the UK government’s ambitious goal of delivering 70GW of solar power by 2035, Solar Careers UK are on a mission to help recruit, train, and place over 60,000 new professionals into rewarding careers within the solar and battery storage industry.

Solar Careers UK, being part of the industry trade association Solar Energy UK, we represent 425+ solar businesses that specialise in providing high quality solar installations to both domestic and commercial clients. We are assisting them with the recruitment of full-time and permanent installation teams from across all regions of the United Kingdom.

Designer Responsibilities: 

• Liaise with clients to establish the most appropriate solar PV system for their requirements. 

• Conduct in person or remote site assessments to establish if an installation is adequate for the addition of a solar PV system. 

• Conduct site assessments to determine installation locations for wiring systems and modules. 

• Conduct site assessments to determine information and factors required for system design. 

• Perform system layout and positioning to optimise solar exposure and system efficiency. 

• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and other team members to ensure successful project completion. 

• Ensure solar PV systems are designed in accordance with relevant regulations, industry guidance and best practice.  

• Conduct the design of AC and DC wiring systems incorporating other technologies such as Secondary Batteries. 

• Conduct solar PV system performance estimation.  

• Conduct self-consumption estimations of solar PV installation with and without battery storage.   

Installer Responsibilities: 

• Ensure solar PV systems are installed in accordance with the design specifications, relevant regulations, industry guidance and best practice.  

• Install solar modules and associated equipment, including solar mounting kits, inverters, Secondary Batteries, and wiring systems. 

• Assemble and install solar modules and solar mounting kits according to manufacturer instructions and design specifications. 

• Ensure all Health & Safety guidelines and regulations are adhered. 

• Connect all electrical wiring for the AC and DC sides, including from the modules to the inverter and other system components. 

• Perform system commissioning to verify installation and correct functionality. 

• Troubleshoot and resolve any issues that arise during the installation and/or the inspection and testing of the solar PV system. 

• Complete required documentation, including Test Reports.  

• Collaborate with project managers, engineers and other team members to ensure successful project completion. 

• Liaise with clients.  

• Educate clients on system operation and maintenance requirements. 

• Conduct maintenance and repair services for solar PV systems as required. 

Installer Responsibilities that may be assigned to other parties: 

• Ensure solar PV systems are installed in accordance with the design specifications, relevant regulations, industry guidance and best practice.  

• Assemble and install solar modules and support structures according to manufacturer instructions and design specifications.   

• Ensure all Health & Safety guidelines and regulations are adhered. 

• Complete required documentation. 

Skills: 

• Expertise in solar installation techniques and best practices. 

• Expertise in electrical energy storage systems in domestic, commercial, industrial and their interaction with PV installations. 

• Expertise in electrical systems in domestic, commercial, industrial and their interaction with PV installations. 

• Strong mechanical skills for assembling and installing solar PV components. 

• In-depth technical knowledge of solar PV systems, including electrical connections and wiring. 

• Commitment to safety compliance and adherence to safety protocols. 

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical data and drawings. 

• Strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and resolve installation issues. 

• Effective communication skills for interacting with clients, team members, and inspectors. 

• Knowledge and understanding of relevant regulations, industry guidance and best practice.  

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to achieve project goals. 

• Proficient in using hand and power tools, electrical testing equipment and equipment required for solar PV systems.  

• Understand all principles of the design of a domestic, commercial and industrial PV installation. 

• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting heavy objects, climbing ladders, and working in confined spaces. 

• Able to work at height.  

• Identify tasks outside of scope and know the expertise to call upon e.g. roofer, structural engineer 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. 

• High attention to detail and commitment to quality work. 

• Understanding of specialist electronic software used for solar PV design and monitoring.  

• Experience: Minimum of [2] years of experience as an electrician/electrical operative. 

Installer Qualifications:  

New entrant: 

• GCSEs or equivalent L2 Maths and English (Within apprenticeship).  

• Completion of a recognised apprenticeship or vocational training programme as listed in the EAS Qualifications Guide  

• Valid UK electrician’s certification, such as Level 3 NVQ in Electrical Installation. 

Upskilling:  

• Completion of a recognised apprenticeship or vocational training programme as listed in the EAS Qualifications Guide  

• Valid UK electrician’s certification, such as Level 3 NVQ in Electrical Installation. 

• ECS electricians Gold Card.  

• Equivalent qualifications.  

• Individual CPS membership.   

• Demonstratable industry experience. 

Holding a recognised and valid Solar PV qualification as listed in Awarding Organisations qualification specifications: 

• Solar Photovoltaic Systems NOS Mapped (bpec.org.uk)  

• EAL Level 3 Award in the Installation of Small Scale Solar Photovoltaic Systems 

• Level 3 Installation of Small Scale Solar PV Systems - LCL Awards 

Suitable Designer Qualifications:

• HND  

• HNC 

• Degree    

• Level 4  

• BS 7671 Current Edition 

• Training & Development
• Private Healthcare Plan
• Life Assurance
• Training & Development
• Pension Plans