Renewables & Solar Jobs
Solar PV, wind, battery storage and EV charging roles powering the UK's net zero economy.
Key Renewables & Solar Capabilities
The skills and strengths employers look for in this field.
Electrical Installation
Safe installation and termination of PV arrays, inverters, battery systems and EV chargers in line with BS 7671 (18th Edition) wiring regulations.
System Design & Sizing
Designing solar PV, battery storage and EV charging systems, including load calculations, string sizing, inverter selection and generation modelling.
Testing & Commissioning
Inspection, testing, fault-finding and commissioning of renewable systems, plus completion of certification and handover documentation.
Grid Connection & DNO Compliance
Understanding G98/G99 connection requirements and liaising with Distribution Network Operators for export and embedded generation.
Working at Height
Safe rooftop and turbine access, use of fall-arrest equipment and adherence to Work at Height Regulations.
Maintenance & O&M
Planned and reactive maintenance of turbines, solar farms and storage assets to maximise uptime and performance.
Health & Safety
Risk assessment, method statements (RAMS), and compliance with CDM and sector-specific safety standards such as GWO for wind.
Battery & Power Electronics
Knowledge of lithium-ion storage, DC systems, inverters and converters used in BESS and hybrid installations.
Renewables & Solar Market Overview
The UK's renewables and solar sector is one of the fastest-growing areas of electrical employment, driven by the national net zero target, rising domestic solar installations, offshore and onshore wind expansion, and the rapid build-out of EV charging and grid-scale battery storage. Demand for qualified installers, technicians and engineers consistently outstrips supply, creating strong prospects for both newcomers and experienced electricians looking to retrain.
Solar PV work spans domestic rooftop installation, commercial and industrial systems, and large-scale solar farms. Installers typically hold a core electrical qualification plus solar-specific training, and employers that register installations under the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) require installers working to that standard. Battery storage (BESS) and EV charging have emerged as high-growth adjacent specialisms, often undertaken by the same electrical workforce.
Wind presents a distinct career track. Onshore and offshore turbine technicians require GWO (Global Wind Organisation) safety certification, and offshore roles command premium pay to reflect travel, rotation patterns and working conditions. Across the sector, roles range from hands-on installation and maintenance to design, electrical engineering, commissioning and project management, giving clear routes for progression as the industry scales.
Renewables & Solar Salary Guide
Indicative ranges — actual pay varies by location, experience and employer.
Indicative gross annual ranges for the UK as of 2024/25. Offshore wind and grid-scale BESS roles attract premiums; day rates apply for many contract installation roles. Figures vary by region, employer and qualifications.
See the full Renewables & Solar salary breakdown by level and location →
Renewables & Solar Job Roles
Common job titles and roles for Renewables & Solar professionals.
Professional Bodies & Qualifications
City & Guilds 2399 – Solar PV Installation
Recognised qualification for the installation and maintenance of small-scale solar photovoltaic systems.
City & Guilds 2919 – EV Charging Installation
Covers the installation, commissioning and maintenance of electric vehicle charging equipment.
18th Edition Wiring Regulations
The core wiring regulations qualification required for most UK electrical installation work.
NVQ Level 3 Electrotechnical / ECS Gold Card
Full electrical competence qualification and the industry ECS card for site access as a qualified electrician.
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme)
Scheme standard for certified installation of domestic solar PV and other microgeneration, enabling customers to access grants and export tariffs.
GWO Basic Safety Training
Global Wind Organisation certification covering working at height, first aid, manual handling, fire awareness and sea survival for wind technicians.
G98 / G99 Knowledge
Understanding of Energy Networks Association connection requirements for embedded generation and storage.
OZEV Approved Installer Status
Approval enabling installers to deliver EV charge points eligible for government grant schemes.
Career Path & Progression
Entry / Apprentice
Start as a trainee solar PV installer, EV charger installer or wind trainee, often building on a Level 3 electrical qualification or completing a green energy apprenticeship.
Qualified Installer / Technician
Work independently installing and maintaining PV, battery, EV or wind systems, holding relevant certifications such as City & Guilds 2399 or GWO.
Engineer / Designer
Progress into system design, commissioning or specialist engineering roles in solar, BESS or renewables, often with an HNC/HND or degree.
Senior / Lead Engineer
Take technical ownership of complex projects, lead commissioning and mentor junior staff across larger or grid-scale schemes.
Project / Operations Manager
Manage installation teams, O&M contracts or full renewable projects, overseeing budgets, safety, delivery and client relationships.