Solar electrician
Play a vital role in growing the solar energy industry by installing, maintaining and repairing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which convert sunlight into electricity.
About the job
What it's like
As a solar electrician, you’ll maintain, optimise and troubleshoot solar installations.
You’ll have a strong understanding of electrical systems and safety procedures. You’ll often work on large-scale or grid-tied systems that need advanced electrical expertise.
You’ll be trained to diagnose and repair electrical faults in solar systems, such as inverter failures, circuit issues or grid errors.
Your tasks might include:
inspecting, maintaining and repairing solar systems
troubleshooting and solving performance issues
making sure that safety and quality standards are met
using a variety of technical equipment and tools
reading blueprints and diagrams
communicating with customers and other professionals
Green job
In this job you’ll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You’ll typically work full-time hours, Monday to Friday, but may need to work overtime or weekends to meet deadlines or accommodate customer schedules.
Environment
You could work in various types of environments including outdoors like rooftops, indoors such as warehouses or offices, or even in attics and crawl spaces to connect solar panels to the electrical grid. You’ll need to work safely at heights, be able to lift heavy objects and use power tools, plus follow safety procedures and regulations.
Travel
This is a mobile job, so you’ll probably need a driving licence. You’ll need to travel to homes and businesses to install solar panels. You may also need to travel to job sites to connect solar panels to the electrical grid.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- electrical wiring
- renewable energy
- solar energy systems installation
- electric vehicles
- photovoltaic systems
- renewable energy systems
- risk analysis
- electronic components
- electrical systems
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- written communication
- verbal communication
- time management
- problem solving
- innovative
- building relationships
- attention to detail
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Physics
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
Maths (Mathematics)
To become a solar electrician, you typically need a combination of education, training and experience.
University
There are various routes to becoming a solar PV installer. Some employers may prefer applicants with a degree in subjects such as:
Electrical Engineering
Renewable Energy
Engineering
Solar Energy Science
Solar Technology
What you need to enter a degree course will vary depending on the subject and university. For an electrical engineering degree, you’ll likely need:
at least four Highers at C or better, including Higher Maths and a Science or Technology
Some universities will have higher entry requirements, these are what you'll need as a minimum. A relevant HNC or HND will allow you to apply for some courses.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find work or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Electrical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
What you'll need for a college course will depend on the qualification level, subject and college. As a guide, for an HND in electrical engineering, you'll likely need two Highers at C or better, including Maths and a relevant science-based subject.
Apprenticeships
Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) are chosen as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 but include hands-on learning at a local employer or college. They are the same level as a Higher.
You might want to consider an FA in areas such as:
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Work experience
You may be able to find work experience with an electrician and work with them during weekends and school holidays.
Solar electricians require electrical licences and certifications because the work involves live electrical systems and often higher voltages.
Qualifications often required by employers are:
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