INSTALLATION OF SMALL SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS - LEVEL 3 AWARD
Awarded By: City and Guilds
Duration: 3 days
Level: Level 3
This City and Guilds Level 3 Award in the Installation of Small Solar Photovoltaic Panels is aimed at qualified and practicing electricians, who wish to continue their professional development in the design, installation and maintenance of Solar Photovoltaic systems, in domestic and small commercial settings.
This course provides the necessary skills required within the renewable energy sector, covering key standards including IET Code of Practice for Grid-connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems and IET BS 7671 Electrical Regulations (2024).
As part of the course, you will also receive a FREE copy of the IET Code of Practice for Grid-connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems (RRP £67.99).
Duration: 3 days
When: Wednesday 28 January - Friday 30 January 2026
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
On this course you will study the following:
Fundamentals of Photovoltaics
The basic physics of how solar cells convert light into electricity and the different PV technologies.
System Components
Understanding inverters, charge controllers, batteries, and other equipment needed for a complete PV system.
Design & Installation
Learning to design, install, and commission both grid-connected and off-grid solar PV systems.
Testing & Maintenance
Acquiring the skills to inspect, test, fault-find, and maintain PV systems for optimal performance and longevity.
Market & Regulations
Background on the PV market, grant funding routes, and relevant regulations and standards, such as those required for Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) compliance.
HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT?
On this course, your theorectical knowledge will be assessed through an online multiple-choice test and the practical requirements will be assessed through an assignment.
One Online 30 question multiple-choice test (duration 45 minutes)
One practical assignment externally set.
Mandatory pre-requite qualification evidence.
This 3 day course will delivered on campus at Preston College.
HOW MUCH WILL THIS COURSE COST?
The cost of this course is £395 per student.
Full funding may be available as part of UKSPF Green Skills Project. This will be discussed with a Course Advisor upon submission of your application.
WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
For more information about other Green Skills and EV course available at Preston College please visit our Sustainability website here or email evcourses@preston.ac.uk
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?
This qualification focuses on the specific requirements for electrical design, including array and inverter selection, electrical installation, and maintenance, (up to and including the connection to the PV array).
Please note, this course does not include training for:
· Practical installation on rooftops.
· Roof access or building structural modification requirements.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
In order to undertake this course, you must be a practicing Electrician and will have to provide evidence of one of the following:
City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment (Buildings, Structures and the Environment) (2357)
City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrotechnical Services (Electrical Maintenance) (2357)
City & Guilds Level 3 Electrotechnical qualification (5357)
City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ in Electrotechnical Services Experienced Worker (2356)
City & Guilds Level 3 Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification (2346)
City & Guilds Level 3 Electrotechnical in Dwellings Experienced Worker Qualification (2347)
Other Awarding Organisations equivalences will also be acceptable
Equivalent historical qualifications Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (see latest version link)
or
ECS Gold Card issued by the JIB
The qualifications above must have been achieved no more than 5 years prior to starting this qualification or there must be evidence the student has remained current by holding the latest edition of the Wiring regulations qualification.
