The honest answer is yes — and the timing has never been better.
The UK is in the middle of an energy transition that is creating tens of thousands of new jobs, and the people qualified to do that work are in short supply. Solar panel installations are at record levels. Heat pump uptake is accelerating. EV charging infrastructure is being rolled out across every city in the country. Behind every one of those installations is a qualified engineer or technician, and right now, the industry is actively struggling to find enough of them.
If you're considering a career in renewable energy, or you're already a tradesperson looking to add green energy skills to your existing qualifications, 2026 is an excellent moment to act. This guide from Kelly Energy Training (specialists in renewable energy courses and electrical training in London) breaks down the job market, the salaries, the qualifications you need, and how to access the right training.
The Renewable Energy Sector in 2026: What the Numbers Say
The scale of the opportunity in renewable energy is not hype. It is government policy, backed by legislation, driving investment that will run for decades.
The UK government's net zero target commits the country to eliminating its contribution to climate change by 2050. Getting there requires a complete transformation of how homes are heated, how vehicles are powered, and how electricity is generated and distributed. Every part of that transformation needs trained people to deliver it.
Industry bodies estimate the UK needs to grow its green energy workforce by hundreds of thousands over the next decade. The supply of trained workers is currently nowhere near meeting that demand. The result is a labour market where qualified renewable energy technicians in the UK, particularly in cities like London, are consistently well employed, commanding strong day rates, and often booked weeks in advance.
Renewable energy jobs in the UK are not a niche sector or a speculative bet on the future. They are an active, expanding labour market with more work available than there are qualified people to do it.
Which Renewable Energy Jobs Are Actually Hiring?
Not all green energy roles are equally accessible. Some require engineering degrees and years of specialist experience. Others, the installation and maintenance trades, are accessible to qualified electricians and trained technicians with the right add-on courses. These are the roles the market needs most, and where the realistic career opportunities lie for people entering the sector now.
Solar PV Installation
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installation is currently the highest-demand trade in the renewable energy sector. The number of residential solar panel installations in the UK doubled between 2022 and 2024 and continues to rise. Commercial solar projects, across retail parks, warehouses, schools, and public buildings, are adding a further layer of large-scale work.
A qualified solar PV installer designs, installs, commissions, and certifies solar panel systems. Electricians who hold a solar panel installation course qualification and MCS accreditation capability are among the most sought-after tradespeople in the current market. The premium over standard electrical work is significant, particularly on commercial projects.
Heat Pump Installation
The government's commitment to phasing out gas boilers in new builds, combined with subsidy schemes incentivising retrofit heat pump installations, has created strong demand for qualified heat pump engineers. The skills gap here is particularly acute, the UK needs to install approximately 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028, and the installer base is currently far too small to deliver that volume.
For gas engineers and plumbers looking to future-proof their careers, heat pump training courses represent one of the most important investments available right now.
EV Charging Point Installation
Electric vehicle adoption is growing rapidly, and every EV needs a charging point. The rollout of residential charge points, workplace charger arrays, and public fast-charging infrastructure requires qualified electricians with specialist EV charging installation qualifications.
EV charging installation courses are a relatively short add-on for qualified electricians, but they open access to a fast-growing market that shows no signs of slowing.
Energy Auditing and Assessment
As buildings are retrofitted to meet improved energy performance standards, there is growing demand for qualified energy assessors who can audit properties, produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), and advise on retrofit measures. This is a less physically demanding role and suits those who prefer advisory and inspection work to hands-on installation.
What Qualifications Do You Need for a Career in Renewables?
The qualification picture for renewable energy trades is more accessible than many people expect. The core principle is this: renewable energy installation qualifications are typically add-ons to core electrical or gas qualifications, not standalone routes from zero.
Solar Panel Installation Course
A solar panel installation course qualifies you to design, install, commission, and certify solar PV systems. The most widely recognised qualification is the City & Guilds 2399 (or equivalent MCS-aligned course), which covers:
- Solar PV system design principles
- Installation methods and mounting systems
- Electrical connection, inverter setup, and commissioning
- Grid connection requirements and metering
- Health and safety on rooftops and at height
Most solar PV courses assume a working knowledge of electrical installation. is typically required before undertaking a solar course.
Heat Pump Training
Heat pump training courses lead to qualifications recognised under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), the industry standard for installer accreditation. Heat pump training typically requires a plumbing or gas engineering background as a prerequisite, reflecting the heating system knowledge needed to work on these installations safely and competently.
EV Charging Courses
EV charging installation qualifications (such as City & Guilds 2919) are accessible to qualified electricians as a relatively short add-on course. They cover charge point types, installation requirements, load management, and testing, enabling electricians to legally install and certify EV charge points in both domestic and commercial settings.
Do You Need to Be an Electrician First?
For solar PV and EV charging installation, yes, Level 2&3 Electrical Installation qualification as a prerequisite plus the 18th edition, 2391-50 & NVQ3. The technical demands of these roles require a solid foundation in electrical installation, and the qualification bodies reflect that.
This is not a barrier, it is a structure. If you don't yet have your electrical qualifications, the logical route is:
- Level 2 and Level 3 Electrical Installation — the foundation
- 18th Edition Wiring Regulations — essential for all practicing electricians
- 2391-50
- NVQ3
- Solar panel installation course / EV charging course — the renewable add-ons
Kelly Energy Training offers the full pathway — from introductory electrical courses in London through to specialist renewable energy training, so you don't need to find multiple providers as you progress.
If you're already a qualified electrician, a solar PV or EV charging qualification is the natural next step. If you're starting from scratch, beginning with your electrical foundation now means you're positioned for the renewable energy market within 18–24 months.
Renewable Energy Training Courses in London
For candidates based in or around London, access to high-quality renewable energy courses close to home is a practical priority. Electrical courses near me and renewable training near me searches reflect a real concern — long commutes to training centres add cost and complexity to an already significant personal investment.
Kelly Energy Training delivers renewable energy and electrical training that is accessible to candidates across London. Our courses are designed with flexible scheduling options that accommodate those already in employment, including intensive formats and options that allow you to progress without immediately leaving your current job.
Our training facilities are fully equipped for both electrical and renewable energy courses. Every session is delivered by trainers who are active industry professionals: solar installers, electricians, and renewable energy engineers who bring current, real-world knowledge into every session.
Whether you're looking for a solar PV course, heat pump training, EV charging installation qualifications, or a full electrical training course to build the foundation for a renewable energy career, our team can advise you on the right route for your current experience level and career goals.
Why Train with Kelly Energy Training?
Kelly Energy Training is a specialist provider of electrical and renewable energy training courses in London and the South East — one of the few providers that delivers both the foundational electrical qualifications and the specialist renewable add-ons under one roof.
What makes us different:
- Full pathway delivery - From Level 2 Electrical Installation through to solar PV, heat pump training, and EV charging courses, you can build your entire career training portfolio with Kelly Energy Training without needing multiple providers.
- Industry-active trainers - Our tutors are working engineers and installers, not career academics. The training reflects what the renewable energy industry actually looks like in 2026, not how it looked five years ago.
- London-accessible training - Our courses are designed for candidates in and around London, with flexible scheduling to minimise disruption to your current employment.
- Practical-first delivery - Every course is built around hands-on learning with real equipment, solar panels, charge points, heating systems. Theory is taught in the context of real installations.
- Clear qualification outcomes - Every course we deliver leads to a named, recognised qualification, not a vague certificate of attendance. You'll know exactly what you're qualified to do, and so will every employer you approach.
If you want to understand exactly which renewable energy courses are the right next step for your situation, get in touch with the Kelly Energy Training team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is renewable energy a good career choice in the UK in 2026?
Yes. The UK's net zero commitments are driving sustained investment in solar, heat pumps, and EV infrastructure, and the qualified workforce to deliver that work is currently too small. Qualified renewable energy installers and engineers in the UK, particularly in London, are in consistent demand with strong earning potential and long-term job security.
What qualifications do I need to become a solar panel installer in the UK?
Most solar PV courses require at least a Level 2&3 Electrical Installation qualification as a prerequisite plus the 18th edition, 2391-50 & NVQ3. From there, a City & Guilds 2399 or equivalent MCS-aligned solar panel installation course qualifies you to design, install, and commission solar PV systems. Kelly Energy Training offers both the electrical foundation and the solar installation course.
How long does a solar panel installation course take?
Most solar panel installation courses can be completed within a few days to a couple of weeks of intensive practical training, provided you have the prerequisite electrical qualification. The full pathway, from electrical Level 2 through to solar installation, takes 12–24 months depending on the training route and your prior experience.
Can I take renewable energy courses near me in London?
Yes. Kelly Energy Training offers solar PV, heat pump, EV charging, and electrical training courses accessible to candidates across London, with flexible scheduling designed to accommodate people already in work. Contact our team to discuss which course is right for your situation.
Do I need to be a qualified electrician to take a solar panel course?
For most solar PV installation courses, yes, a Level 2&3 Electrical Installation qualification as a prerequisite plus the 18th edition, 2391-50 & NVQ3. Kelly Energy Training can advise on whether your existing qualifications and experience qualify you to begin a solar course directly, or whether additional electrical training is needed first.
What renewable energy training courses does Kelly Energy Training offer in London?
Kelly Energy Training offers solar panel installation courses, heat pump training, EV charging installation qualifications, and the core electrical courses (Level 2, Level 3, 18th Edition) that underpin them. View the full course list at kellyenergytraining.co.uk/courses or contact our team for advice on the right route for you.
Conclusion
Renewable energy is not just a good career in 2026 — it is one of the best career decisions available to a tradesperson or career changer in the UK right now. The demand is structural, the salaries are strong, and the qualification pathway is clear and accessible for anyone with the right electrical or technical foundation.
The question is not whether the opportunity is real. It's whether you're qualified to access it.
Kelly Energy Training is here to make sure you are. View our full range of renewable energy and electrical courses or contact our team to find out which qualification is the right next step for your career.
