How to Get a Job in Solar: A Simple Guide for Career Changers and New Starters
TLDR: This guide shows you how to break into the UK solar industry - from hands-on PV installation to office-based project management - by outlining key job types, must-have skills and certifications, salary expectations and the fastest routes into clean energy roles in a booming sector targeting 70 GW of capacity by 2035.
Key takeaways:
- The UK solar market is expanding rapidly thanks to Government incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee and MCS accreditation, creating strong demand for solar PV installers, design engineers, project managers and more.
- You don’t always need a degree: short courses (2-6 weeks) and MCS certification plus CSCS/ECS cards can fast-track you into entry-level and mid-level roles.
- In-demand roles span from on-roof photovoltaic technicians and inverter specialists to operations & maintenance and solar sales consultants.
- Salaries start at around £25,000 for installers and rise to £60,000+ for senior project managers, often with benefits like van and fuel card.
- Use specialist recruitment agencies, renewable energy job fairs and targeted keywords (“solar panel technician UK”, “photovoltaic engineer jobs”) on LinkedIn and job boards to find opportunities quickly.
FAQs:
Q: Is solar a secure career choice?
A: Yes. The UK’s solar market is expected to triple by 2035. Net zero goals and energy independence are driving steady long-term demand.
Q: Do solar jobs require travel?
A: Often, yes. Installers and field-based roles may cover regional sites. Some employers offer local-only roles or pay travel time.
Q: Can I get a job in solar without a driving licence?
A: It depends on the role. Installers and technicians often need to drive. Office or remote-based jobs may not.
Q: Are there remote jobs in solar?
A: Yes. Roles in design, sales, admin, and customer care are increasingly remote or hybrid.
How to Get a Job in Solar: A Simple Guide for Career Changers and New Starters
The UK solar industry is growing fast. With over 30,000 people already working in solar and the government targeting 70 GW by 2035, the sector needs more skilled professionals. Driven by incentives such as the Smart Export Guarantee, Net Zero Strategy and MCS accreditation, this guide gives you a clear, practical starting point.
What types of jobs are available in the solar industry?
Jobs in solar cover many areas, not just engineering. Common roles include:
- Solar PV installers and technicians
- Design engineers and project managers
- Site supervisors and health & safety officers
- Sales consultants and account managers
- Electricians with solar experience
- Operations and maintenance teams
There are also support roles in admin, finance, and logistics within solar recruitment firms or EPC contractors.
In a recent hiring drive, a solar installer based in Manchester grew from 12 to 40 staff in 18 months. This shows how quickly the sector is scaling and how wide the demand for roles can be.
What skills do I need to work in solar?
You don’t always need a degree. Many solar jobs focus on practical skills and attitude. Key requirements include:
- Basic electrical knowledge
- CSCS card or ECS card for site access
- Health and safety awareness
- Problem-solving and time management
- Ability to work outdoors and at height
Entities such as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and Ofgem define technical standards. Training providers now offer fast-track solar technician courses that include real-world installs. A typical course lasts 2-6 weeks and often leads to job placement.
Do I need experience to get started?
No. You can get into solar from construction, electrical, sales, or logistics backgrounds. Entry-level roles like panel cleaning, warehouse prep, or installation support are common ways in.
For example, someone with three years’ experience as a general labourer could move into solar install support with just one week of on-site solar training and a CSCS card.
If you’re from outside construction, customer service and communication skills are highly valued in sales and planning roles.
How do I find solar jobs in the UK?
Here are five ways to find work in solar:
- Use specialist solar recruitment agencies – they often list jobs before they hit general job boards.
- Follow solar companies on LinkedIn – many post vacancies directly.
- Attend renewable energy job fairs – they connect jobseekers with hiring managers.
- Apply directly to solar installers – especially SMEs in your region.
- Use keywords like “solar panel technician UK” or “photovoltaic engineer jobs” on job sites.
Some agencies also offer temp-to-perm contracts. This lets you build experience without long-term risk.
What qualifications are most useful for solar roles?
If you're aiming to work on installations or electrical systems, the following qualifications are commonly required or preferred:
- Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Solar Photovoltaic Systems
- 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (for electricians)
- Working at Height certification
- City & Guilds 2399 or equivalent (for renewable energy systems)
- PASMA or IPAF (for safe access to elevated work platforms)
Most office-based or project management roles focus more on experience than formal qualifications.
Can I work in solar without an electrical background?
Yes. Not all solar jobs are technical. If you’ve worked in project coordination, logistics, sales, or health & safety, many companies offer solar-specific onboarding.
For instance, a project coordinator from the housing sector transitioned into solar project admin after completing a short renewables course and shadowing a team lead for a month.
How much can I earn in solar jobs?
Salaries vary based on role, region, and experience:
|
Role |
Starting Salary (approx.) |
|
Solar PV Installer |
£25,000 – £35,000 |
|
O&M Technician |
£30,000 – £40,000 |
|
Project Manager |
£40,000 – £60,000+ |
|
Solar Sales Consultant |
£28,000 + commission |
|
Electrical Design Engineer |
£40,000 – £55,000 |
Salaries are rising as demand outpaces supply. Some roles also include van, fuel card, and bonuses.
What’s the career progression like in solar?
You can move quickly with the right attitude. Many installers move into team leader roles in under two years. From there, you could progress into site management or technical consultancy. In office-based roles, project coordinators often become project managers within 12–24 months. Training budgets and upskilling opportunities are common in solar firms.
Looking to enter the solar industry or hire solar technicians?
Speak to a solar recruitment specialist today and take the next step.