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Renewables & Solar Jobs

Solar PV, wind, battery storage and EV charging roles powering the UK's net zero economy.

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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.

RoleTypical Salary (PAYE)Experience
Solar PV Installer£26,000 – £42,000Entry to experienced
Solar PV Engineer£32,000 – £45,0002–5 years
EV Charging Engineer / Installer£30,000 – £45,000Qualified electrician + EV training
Battery Storage / BESS Engineer£38,000 – £60,0003+ years
Renewable Energy Engineer£35,000 – £55,000Degree / HNC + experience
Wind Turbine Technician (onshore)£28,000 – £47,000GWO certified
Wind Turbine Technician (offshore)£35,000 – £64,000GWO + offshore experience
Renewables Project Manager£45,000 – £70,000Senior

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 →

Professional Bodies & Qualifications

2399

City & Guilds 2399 – Solar PV Installation

Recognised qualification for the installation and maintenance of small-scale solar photovoltaic systems.

2919

City & Guilds 2919 – EV Charging Installation

Covers the installation, commissioning and maintenance of electric vehicle charging equipment.

2382 (BS 7671)

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

1

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.

2

Qualified Installer / Technician

Work independently installing and maintaining PV, battery, EV or wind systems, holding relevant certifications such as City & Guilds 2399 or GWO.

3

Engineer / Designer

Progress into system design, commissioning or specialist engineering roles in solar, BESS or renewables, often with an HNC/HND or degree.

4

Senior / Lead Engineer

Take technical ownership of complex projects, lead commissioning and mentor junior staff across larger or grid-scale schemes.

5

Project / Operations Manager

Manage installation teams, O&M contracts or full renewable projects, overseeing budgets, safety, delivery and client relationships.

Renewables & Solar Jobs by Location

Bristol, England1

Frequently asked questions

What qualifications do I need to become a solar PV installer in the UK?
Most employers expect a core electrical qualification (such as NVQ Level 3 and the 18th Edition) plus solar-specific training like City & Guilds 2399. Companies registering installations under MCS require installers to work to that standard. Some entrants start via a green energy apprenticeship.
Can qualified electricians retrain into renewables?
Yes. Experienced electricians are well placed to move into solar PV, EV charging and battery storage with short add-on courses (for example C&G 2399 for solar and 2919 for EV charging). It is one of the most common routes into the sector.
Do I need MCS certification?
MCS applies at company level for registering eligible microgeneration installations so customers can access grants and export payments. You don't personally hold MCS, but working for an MCS-registered installer typically requires you to install to the relevant standard.
What's required to work as a wind turbine technician?
Wind technicians need GWO Basic Safety Training covering working at height, first aid, manual handling, fire awareness and (for offshore) sea survival, alongside relevant electrical or mechanical competence. Offshore roles usually require additional medicals and offshore certification.
How much can I earn in renewables and solar?
Solar PV installers typically earn between around £26,000 and £42,000, while specialist BESS and offshore wind roles can reach £60,000 or more. Pay depends on qualifications, experience, location and whether the role is PAYE or contract.
Is demand for renewables jobs growing?
Yes — demand is high and rising, driven by the UK's net zero commitments, expanding solar and wind capacity, EV charging rollout and grid-scale battery storage, with employers frequently reporting skills shortages.
What qualification do I need to install EV chargers?
You need to be a qualified electrician (18th Edition and ideally NVQ Level 3) plus EV-specific training such as City & Guilds 2919. To install grant-eligible chargers, your company usually needs OZEV approved installer status.
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