Level 3 Award In the Installation and Maintenance of Small Scale Solar Photovoltaic Systems

• Know the requirements to install, commission and handover small scale solar photovoltaic systems
• Install, commission and handover small scale solar photovoltaic systems
• Know the requirements to inspect, service and maintain small scale solar photovoltaic systems
• Inspect, service and maintain small scale solar photovoltaic systems

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.

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.

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

• LCL Awards Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 7671:2018
• LCL Awards Level 3 Award in the Initial Verification and Certification of Electrical Installations
• LCL Awards Level 3 Award in the Initial Verification, Periodic Inspection Testing, Condition Reporting and Certification of Electrical Installations
• LCL Awards Level 3 Award in the Periodic Inspection Testing, Condition Reporting and Certification of Electrical Installations
• LCL Awards Level 3 Award in the Installation and Commissioning of Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment in Domestic, Commercial and Industrial locations
• LCL Awards Level 3 Award in the Design, Installation and Commissioning of Electrical Energy Storage Systems
• LCL Awards Level 3 Award in the In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment

• Qualification Specification For Solar Photovoltaic
• Qualification Specification for Solar Photovoltaic (2025)