Renewable and low-carbon technologies are changing the type of electrical work being undertaken across homes, businesses and public infrastructure in the UK.
Solar PV systems, electrical energy storage and EV charging equipment all require people with the appropriate underlying electrical competence and relevant specialist knowledge.
If you want to work in renewable energy, the appropriate training route will depend on your current qualifications and experience. A qualified electrician will have a different starting point from someone entering the electrical industry for the first time.
This guide from Kelly Energy Training explains how the main routes work and where specialist renewable-energy qualifications can fit.
Important: Solar PV, battery storage and EV charging courses are specialist electrical qualifications. They should not be treated as entry-level substitutes for the underlying electrical qualifications and occupational competence required for this work.
Why Develop Renewable-Energy Skills?
Low-carbon electrical technologies are becoming an increasingly important part of the wider electrotechnical sector.
For appropriately qualified electrical professionals, specialist training can support progression into work involving:
- Solar photovoltaic systems
- Electrical energy storage systems
- Electric vehicle charging equipment
- Associated inspection, testing, commissioning and maintenance activities
Completing a specialist course does not guarantee employment, registration or eligibility to undertake every type of renewable-energy work. The work you can undertake depends on your wider qualifications, occupational competence, experience and any applicable certification or registration requirements.
Explore Renewable Energy Courses →
Three Routes Into Renewable-Energy Electrical Work
Your starting point determines the training route you need.
Route 1: Starting Without an Electrical Background
If you are starting without relevant electrical qualifications or experience, you will normally need to develop the underlying electrotechnical knowledge, practical skills and workplace competence first.
Specialist renewable courses come later, once the appropriate prerequisites have been satisfied.
Route 2: Already Electrically Qualified
If you already hold appropriate Level 3 electrical qualifications and current BS 7671 knowledge, you may be able to progress directly to relevant specialist training.
Eligibility remains subject to the requirements of the individual course and the evidence you hold.
Route 3: Existing Electrical Professional
Experienced electricians may use specialist training to extend their knowledge into Solar PV, battery storage or EV charging.
The course should be relevant to the work intended and undertaken within the individual's scope of competence and applicable registration.
Starting From Scratch: Build the Electrical Foundation First
Solar PV, EV charging and battery storage are specialist areas of electrical work. A complete newcomer should not expect to become competent to undertake this work through a short renewable-energy course alone.
For learners following Kelly Energy Training's full electrical route, progression can broadly involve:
1. 2365-02 Level 2 Electrical Installations
Develop practical installation skills and supporting technical knowledge.
2. 2365-03 Level 3 Electrical Installations
Develop electrical science, technical principles and design knowledge.
3. Current 18th Edition
Develop knowledge of the current requirements of BS 7671.
4. 2391-50 Initial Verification
Develop inspection, testing and certification knowledge for new electrical installation work.
5. Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification / NVQ Route
Demonstrate occupational competence through genuine workplace evidence.
6. AM2
Complete the relevant independent occupational competence assessment.
7. Specialist Renewable-Energy Training
Progress to appropriate Solar PV, EV charging or battery storage training, subject to the relevant course prerequisites.
This is a substantial progression route rather than a short conversion course. The overall timescale depends on training delivery, access to suitable electrical work and the time required to develop and evidence occupational competence.
Explore the Full Electrical Training Pathway →
Renewable-Energy Training for Qualified Electricians
Qualified and appropriately experienced electricians are generally in a stronger position to undertake specialist renewable-energy training because the underlying electrical knowledge and occupational competence are already established.
However, holding one electrical qualification does not automatically satisfy every specialist-course prerequisite.
Before confirming a booking, Kelly Energy Training checks the evidence required for the relevant course.
Solar PV Installation and Maintenance
Specialist Level 3 training covering relevant aspects of small-scale Solar PV installation, commissioning, maintenance and fault finding.
Battery Storage Systems
Specialist Level 3 training for appropriately qualified electrical professionals working with electrical energy storage systems.
EV Charger Installation
Specialist Level 3 training for appropriately qualified electrical professionals working with electric vehicle charging equipment.
Check before booking: Course entry requirements can vary. Relevant electrical qualifications, current BS 7671 knowledge and evidence of occupational competence may be required. Eligibility should be confirmed against the current course requirements.
What Do the Main Renewable-Energy Courses Cover?
Solar PV Installation and Maintenance
The Solar PV Installation and Maintenance course is designed for appropriately qualified electrical professionals seeking specialist training in small-scale photovoltaic systems.
Training can cover relevant areas such as:
- Relevant system components and operating principles
- Installation considerations
- Commissioning requirements
- Maintenance activities
- Fault finding
- Relevant electrical and safety requirements
Completing a course does not automatically provide business certification, MCS certification or authority to undertake every type of Solar PV work. Wider competence, business and scheme requirements must also be considered.
Battery Storage Systems
The Battery Storage Systems course develops specialist knowledge relevant to electrical energy storage systems.
Training can support appropriately qualified electrical professionals in understanding installation, commissioning and safety considerations associated with this technology.
EV Charger Installation
The EV Charger Installation course is designed for appropriately qualified electrical professionals working with electric vehicle charging equipment.
Training can cover relevant installation, testing, commissioning and regulatory considerations within the scope of the qualification.
Renewable-Energy Training in London and Enfield
Kelly Energy Training delivers electrical and renewable-energy training from its centre in Enfield, North London.
The centre supports learners travelling from London, Hertfordshire, Essex and the wider South East.
Training locally can help learners and working professionals manage course attendance around existing employment and other commitments.
Candidates do not need to live in London to attend, but they should check course dates, prerequisites and practical arrangements before booking.
Explore the Enfield Training Centre →
How Long Does It Take to Qualify for Renewable-Energy Work?
The timescale depends on your starting point.
Starting Without Electrical Qualifications
You will normally need to complete the appropriate technical and workplace competence route before progressing to specialist renewable training. The overall journey can take several years, depending on the route and workplace opportunities.
Already Electrically Qualified
The specialist course itself may be comparatively short, but entry remains subject to the required qualifications and evidence. Completing the course is one part of demonstrating competence for the work.
Timescales should not be treated as guaranteed qualification or employment dates. Occupational competence depends on more than course attendance.
Why Train With Kelly Energy Training?
Kelly Energy Training provides electrical and renewable-energy training for learners at different stages of their progression.
Available training includes:
- City & Guilds 2365-02 Level 2 Electrical Installations
- City & Guilds 2365-03 Level 3 Electrical Installations
- Current 18th Edition Wiring Regulations
- 2391-50 Initial Verification
- Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification / NVQ route
- EV Charger Installation
- Solar PV Installation and Maintenance
- Battery Storage Systems
This allows learners to consider the specialist renewable courses within the context of the wider electrical qualification pathway rather than treating them as isolated certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get into renewable-energy electrical work?
Your route depends on your starting point. If you do not hold the relevant electrical qualifications, you will normally need to develop the underlying technical knowledge, practical skills and workplace competence first. Appropriately qualified electricians may be able to progress to specialist renewable training, subject to course prerequisites.
Do I need an electrical qualification for Solar PV, EV charging or battery storage training?
These are specialist electrical courses rather than entry-level programmes. Applicants normally need relevant existing electrical qualifications and competence. Exact requirements should be checked on the current course page before booking.
How long does renewable-energy training take?
The specialist course itself may take a number of training days, depending on the programme. Someone starting without an electrical background will need a substantially longer route because the underlying electrotechnical qualifications and workplace competence must be developed first.
Does a renewable-energy course make me a qualified electrician?
No. Solar PV, battery storage and EV charging qualifications do not replace the wider electrotechnical qualification and workplace competence route required to become occupationally qualified as an electrician.
Does completing a Solar PV course make me MCS certified?
No. A relevant qualification can contribute to the competence requirements for Solar PV work, but completing a course does not automatically provide MCS certification or business certification. The applicable scheme and business requirements must be addressed separately.
Can a career changer move into renewable energy?
A career changer can follow an appropriate training route, but the process should be approached realistically. Someone without relevant trade experience must first develop the technical knowledge, practical ability and workplace competence required for the specialist work they intend to undertake.
Where can I take renewable-energy courses in London?
Kelly Energy Training delivers relevant electrical and renewable-energy courses from its training centre in Enfield, North London. Course availability and entry requirements should be confirmed before booking.
Not Sure Which Route Is Appropriate?
Speak to Kelly Energy Training about your current qualifications, experience and the type of renewable-energy work you want to undertake.
Contact Kelly Energy TrainingPlan Your Route Into Renewable Energy
Developing renewable-energy skills begins with understanding your current position.
If you already hold the appropriate electrical qualifications and occupational competence, relevant specialist training can support progression into Solar PV, battery storage or EV charging work.
If you are starting without an electrical background, the underlying electrical training and workplace competence route comes first.
The most useful next step is to compare your current qualifications and experience with the prerequisites of the work and training you intend to pursue.
