Level 3 Award In the Installation and Maintenance of Small Scale Solar Photovoltaic Systems
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This regulated qualification is for learners wishing to achieve a regulated qualification in the Installation and Maintenance of SPV. This qualification is in accordance with BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations and the IET Code of Practice for Grid Connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems.
Learners undertaking this qualification will typically be updating their electrotechnical sector competence or undertaking continuous professional development.
This qualification has been updated to BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 and current industry requirements.
General Information
Qualification Content
- Know the requirements to install, commission and handover small scale solar photovoltaic systems
- Install, commission and handover small scale solar photovoltaic systems
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Know the requirements to inspect, service and maintain small scale solar photovoltaic systems
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Inspect, service and maintain small scale solar photovoltaic systems
Learner will:
- know the health and safety risks and safe systems of work associated with solar photovoltaic system installation work.
- know the requirements of the relevant regulations/ standards relating to practical installation, testing and commissioning activities for solar photovoltaic system installation work.
- know the fundamental differences between AC and DC circuits within solar photovoltaic systems.
- know the purpose of solar photovoltaic system components.
- know the types, silicon characteristics and typical conversion efficiencies of solar photovoltaic modules.
- know the fundamental design principles used to determine solar photovoltaic system module array size and position requirements.
- know the preparatory work required for solar photovoltaic system installation work.
- know the layouts and the requirements for installing solar photovoltaic module arrays.
- know solar photovoltaic system DC and AC circuit installation layouts within the scope of the relevant Engineering Recommendation for grid tied systems.
- know solar photovoltaic system protection techniques and components.
Prerequisites and Assessment Methods
This qualification is intended for qualified and practicing electricians age 18+.
On application for the qualification, the Approved Centre (AC) will carry out an initial assessment of the learner’s capability to complete the qualification.
Prior to registering for the qualification, learners must provide evidence to the AC that they meet the qualification pre-requisites by holding a:
• Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 7671 (current edition).
And one of the following:
- Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment (Buildings, Structures and the Environment)
- Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrotechnical Services (Electrical Installation or Maintenance)
- Level 3 Electrotechnical Apprenticeship Qualification
- Level 3 NVQ in Electrotechnical Services Experienced Worker
- Level 3 Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification
- Level 3 Electrotechnical in Dwellings Experienced Worker Qualification
- Building Services Engineering (Level 3) Electrotechnical Installation Qualification
- SVQ in Electrical Installation at SCQF level 7
- Equivalent Qualifications. See Tables A4.7 and A4.8 of the EAS Qualifications Guide
- Current ECS Gold Card issued by the JIB or SJIB – Installation Electrician, Approved Electrician, Maintenance Electrician or Domestic Electrician.
- Multiple choice on-line examination
- Short written response questions
- Practical Assessments
Related Qualifications and Resources
Additional Learner and Centre Information
What careers can this qualification lead to?
This qualification opens up opportunities in the renewable energy and building services sector, particularly in the fast-growing area of solar PV. It is ideal for experienced electricians looking to expand their services into solar installation and maintenance.
It enables you to diversify your skills, meet rising demand for solar technologies, and strengthen your employability in the transition to low-carbon energy solutions.
This qualification is recognised by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme and may be required by MCS certified employers.
What progression opportunities are available when I complete this qualification?
This qualification is an excellent gateway into the wider renewable energy and low-carbon technologies sector. After completion, you may wish to progress to more specialist training, e.g., battery storage, solar thermal, or heat pumps, to broaden your renewable skills.
By building on this qualification, you can position yourself for long-term opportunities in renewable energy, whether as a specialist installer, a contractor expanding services, or a professional moving into compliance and project management roles.
What is involved in delivering this qualification?
To deliver the Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Small-Scale Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, a training centre must be approved by LCL Awards and meet their delivery and quality assurance requirements.
Centres must employ qualified teachers and assessors with proven expertise in solar PV, electrical installation, and maintenance, alongside appropriate teaching and assessing qualifications.
Assessment involves:
- An online multiple-choice knowledge exam, set and marked by LCL Awards.
- A practical performance assessment (set by LCL Awards and marked by centre-approved assessors).
Centres must therefore provide secure IT facilities for online exams and a well-equipped practical area where learners can demonstrate safe electrical working practices related to Solar PV.