The City & Guilds Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Small Solar Photovoltaic Systems (2922-34) has been developed as a continuing professional development (CPD) qualification for practising electricians.
To enrol, learners must already be recognised as competent electricians and meet the eligibility requirements set by City & Guilds.
Typically, you must hold one of the following:
- City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrotechnical Systems
- City & Guilds 2346 Experienced Worker Qualification
- An equivalent Level 3 electrotechnical qualification
- An ECS Gold Card as an Installation, Maintenance or Domestic Electrician
If your qualification was achieved more than five years ago, you will normally need evidence that you have remained current by holding the latest 18th Edition Wiring Regulations qualification.
Not Sure If You’re Eligible?
If you’re unsure whether your qualifications meet the entry requirements, simply send copies of your electrical certificates to Training Solutions NI.
Our team will review your qualifications and advise on the most suitable route into the qualification.
Where appropriate, we can also recommend any additional qualifications you may require before progressing onto Solar PV training.
What Will You Learn?
This qualification provides a detailed understanding of the installation, inspection, testing and maintenance of small Solar PV systems in domestic and light commercial environments.
Throughout the course you will study both the theory and practical application of photovoltaic systems, giving you the confidence to safely install renewable energy systems in accordance with current regulations.
The programme covers six key learning areas.
1. Legislation and Industry Standards
Before any Solar PV system can be installed safely, electricians must understand the legislation that governs renewable electrical installations.
You’ll develop knowledge of:
- Electricity at Work Regulations
- Health and Safety at Work Act
- Building Regulations
- BS 7671 Wiring Regulations
- IET Code of Practice for Grid Connected Solar PV Systems
- MCS requirements
- Engineering Recommendations G98 and G99
- Manufacturer requirements
- Safe working procedures
Understanding these documents helps ensure installations comply with current industry standards and client expectations.
2. Safe Working with Solar PV Systems
Unlike many conventional electrical installations, Solar PV systems continue generating electricity whenever exposed to daylight.
This creates additional hazards that electricians must understand before beginning work.
During this section you’ll learn about:
- Risk assessments
- Method statements
- Safe isolation procedures
- DC electrical hazards
- Arc flash risks
- Personal protective equipment
- Working at height
- Manual handling
- Lock-off procedures
- Isolation of inverters
- Safe commissioning
Safety is integrated throughout the course and reflects real working practices encountered during installation and maintenance.
3. Solar PV Components and System Design
Understanding how photovoltaic systems operate is fundamental to successful installation.
You’ll develop knowledge of:
- Solar modules
- Monocrystalline panels
- Polycrystalline panels
- Thin-film technology
- Inverters
- Hybrid inverters
- Micro inverters
- Battery-ready systems
- String design
- Array configurations
- Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
- Performance calculations
- Effects of shading
- System efficiency
- Generation calculations
You’ll also understand how environmental factors influence system performance throughout the year.
4. Installation Requirements
One of the largest sections of the qualification focuses on installing Solar PV systems correctly.
Topics include:
- Roof considerations
- Module positioning
- Cable selection
- Voltage drop
- Earthing arrangements
- Surge protection
- Isolation devices
- DC protection
- AC protection
- Inverter positioning
- Labelling requirements
- Fire safety
- Network connections
- DNO notifications
- G98 applications
- G99 applications
These practical design principles help electricians produce installations that are safe, efficient and compliant with current regulations.
5. Inspection, Testing and Commissioning
The course also develops the knowledge required to inspect and verify completed Solar PV systems.
You’ll learn about:
- Initial verification
- Continuity testing
- Insulation resistance testing
- Polarity checks
- Functional testing
- Open-circuit voltage
- String current testing
- Commissioning procedures
- Client handover
- Documentation
- Maintenance schedules
This section builds naturally on the knowledge gained through the City & Guilds 2391 Inspection and Testing qualification.
6. Battery Storage and Future Technologies
Renewable energy continues to evolve.
Modern installations increasingly combine:
- Solar PV
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Smart energy management
- Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)
- Vehicle-to-Home (V2H)
- Export limitation
- Energy optimisation
The qualification introduces these technologies, helping electricians understand how Solar PV integrates into modern electrical installations and future renewable energy projects.
How Is the Course Assessed?
The qualification consists of two assessments.
Online Knowledge Test
The online assessment contains 30 multiple-choice questions covering legislation, system characteristics, design, installation and energy storage.
- Pass/Fail assessment
- 60 minutes
- Approximately 75% pass mark
- Externally marked by City & Guilds
Practical Assessment
You’ll also complete a practical assignment demonstrating your ability to work safely and correctly with Solar PV equipment.
During the practical assessment you’ll apply your knowledge of:
- Safe isolation
- Installation techniques
- Inspection
- Testing
- Commissioning
- Fault identification
The practical assessment is internally marked and externally quality assured by City & Guilds.
Why Is Solar PV in Such High Demand?
Renewable energy has moved from being a specialist area to a mainstream part of the electrical industry.
Across Northern Ireland, investment in domestic and commercial Solar PV continues to grow as organisations look to:
- Reduce energy costs
- Improve energy efficiency
- Meet sustainability targets
- Increase resilience against rising electricity prices
- Integrate battery storage
- Prepare for low-carbon technologies
As a result, many employers are actively seeking electricians who have recognised Solar PV training alongside their existing electrical qualifications.
Adding Solar PV to your skillset can help you diversify your services, support existing clients with renewable energy projects and prepare for future opportunities as the transition to low-carbon technologies continues.
Career Opportunities After Completing the Course
Successful completion of the City & Guilds Solar PV qualification can support progression into roles such as:
- Solar PV Installer
- Renewable Energy Electrician
- Electrical Maintenance Engineer
- Electrical Supervisor
- Renewable Energy Technician
- Domestic Electrical Contractor
- Commercial Electrical Contractor
- Facilities Maintenance Electrician
- Self-employed Renewable Installer
Many learners also use this qualification to expand their existing electrical business by offering Solar PV installations alongside inspection and testing, EV charging installations and electrical maintenance services.
Why Employers Invest in Solar PV Training
For employers, investing in Solar PV training is about more than adding another qualification.
It enables electrical teams to:
- Respond to growing customer demand.
- Deliver renewable energy projects in-house.
- Broaden service offerings.
- Reduce reliance on subcontractors.
- Improve workforce capability.
- Support net zero and sustainability objectives.
- Stay aligned with current industry standards.
By developing in-house Solar PV capability, businesses can position themselves to compete for a wider range of domestic, commercial and public sector projects.