If you want to install solar panels in the UK — on your own jobs or for MCS-certified work — the C&G 2922-34 Solar PV course is the recognised route. This page explains when you need it, what qualifies you for direct entry, and what to do if you don't yet qualify.
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There is no single legal licence for solar PV — but in practice the industry treats the C&G 2922-34 (or equivalent from EAL, LCL Awards or BPEC) as the standard evidence of solar competence. MCS certification, which your customers need for grants and the best export tariffs, expects it. It's typically a 2–3 day course for qualified electricians.
Whether you qualify for direct entry depends on what you already hold. The entry requirements are identical to the battery storage (2923-34) and EV charging (2921-34) courses — so if you qualify for one, you qualify for all three.
You can go directly onto the Solar PV course if you hold one of the following:
✓ ECS Gold Card — Installation Electrician (JIB or SJIB)
Your Gold Card already evidences both your Level 3 NVQ and 18th Edition status. No additional prerequisites.
✓ ECS Gold Card — Approved Electrician or Domestic Electrician
Qualifies you for the course, but you must also hold the current 18th Edition BS 7671 (C&G 2382 or equivalent).
✓ Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical Installation
Any awarding body — C&G, EAL, LCL Awards, BPEC, or equivalent, including the SVQ in Electrical Installation at SCQF Level 7 (Scotland). Must be held alongside the 18th Edition.
✓ Level 3 Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification
C&G 2346, 2356, or equivalent. Must be held alongside the 18th Edition.
✓ Completed electrical apprenticeship
With AM2, AM2E, FICA, or an apprenticeship completion certificate, including pre-1994 completions. Must be held alongside the 18th Edition.
The following are common qualifications that do not qualify you directly for the Solar PV course:
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Check my requirements →There is no single legal licence for solar PV installation. In practice, however, the electrical work must be done by a competent person, and MCS certification — which customers need to access grants and the best export tariffs — expects recognised solar PV training such as C&G 2922-34. Most certification schemes and main contractors treat the qualification as the standard evidence of solar competence.
The same entry requirements as the battery storage (2923-34) and EV charging (2921-34) courses — City & Guilds aligned all three across industry eligibility. You need one of: an ECS Gold Card (Installation, Approved, Domestic or Maintenance Electrician), a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical Installation or Electrotechnical Services (or the Scottish SVQ at SCQF Level 7), a Level 3 Experienced Worker Qualification, or a completed electrical apprenticeship — plus the current 18th Edition BS 7671 for all routes except the Installation Electrician Gold Card.
No. C&G 2365 — and its replacement, the C&G 2366 Technical Occupational Entry Diploma — are stand-alone knowledge qualifications. Solar PV course entry requires proof of competence: a Level 3 NVQ Diploma, an ECS Gold Card, or the experienced worker route. If you only hold the 2365 or 2366, you will need to complete the NVQ first.
Yes, for most routes. The current 18th Edition BS 7671 (C&G 2382 or equivalent) must be held alongside your main qualification. The one exception is the ECS Installation Electrician Gold Card, which already evidences both your NVQ and 18th Edition status.
The C&G 2922-34 Solar PV course typically runs 2–3 days depending on the training centre, combining theory with practical installation and assessment. It is an update course for qualified electricians, not a full retrain.
No — battery storage is a separate course (C&G 2923-34 EESS), but the two share identical entry requirements and many training centres offer them as a combined package. Several providers recommend taking Solar PV before the battery course, since storage systems are usually installed alongside solar generation.
Solar PV qualifications from City & Guilds (2922-34), EAL, LCL Awards, and BPEC are recognised across the industry, including by the MCS scheme. MCS recognition matters commercially: customers need an MCS-certified installation to access available grants and the best export tariffs.
Sources and review date
Last reviewed: July 2026
This page is based on: City & Guilds 2922-34 qualification handbook · City & Guilds 2923-34 qualification handbook · JIB ECS Card handbook 2026 · EAS Qualifications Guide June 2025 · NAPIT BPEC entry requirements · LCL Awards prerequisites · NICEIC acceptable qualifications list.
Regulations and entry requirements change. This page is reviewed against the current handbooks.
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