Solar panel installers

Workplace assessment

No classroom learning

Blue CSCS card route

Solar Panel Installation NVQ Level 2 – Course Overview

The Level 2 NVQ in Installation of Photovoltaic Panels is a workplace-based qualification for people who install solar PV panels as part of their normal work.

It is designed for installers who want a recognised qualification that demonstrates their practical skills and competence. Assessment is based on the installation work you carry out on site, so you do not need to leave your job to attend regular college classes.

The qualification covers safe working practices, preparing for installation, handling and positioning photovoltaic panels, and carrying out installation work to the required standards.

You will need access to suitable solar panel installation work so that you can demonstrate your skills and provide evidence for assessment.

Completing the appropriate Level 2 qualification can support your application for a Blue CSCS Skilled Worker card, subject to meeting the current CSCS requirements for your occupation.

Your assessor will explain what evidence you need and support you throughout the qualification.

Enquire About an NVQ Qualification

Already working in the trade?

Our NVQs are workplace qualifications for people who already carry out the job. They are assessed through your existing work and are not practical training courses for beginners.

Please note: Train 4 Growth does not provide funding directly. If you are looking for financial support, please read our NVQ funding guide before enquiring.

Is This Solar Panel Installation NVQ Level 2 Right for You?

This qualification is designed for people who are already involved in installing photovoltaic panels and want formal recognition of their skills.

It may be suitable if you are carrying out solar panel installation work and can provide evidence of your competence in a real working environment.

Working solar PV installer

Already installing or helping to install photovoltaic panels as part of your job.

Safe installation skills

Can carry out installation tasks safely and follow workplace procedures.

Access to suitable site work

Have relevant solar PV installation work available for assessment.

Workplace evidence available

Can provide evidence of the installation work you carry out.

Your assessor will check your experience, current role and the work you have access to before enrolment to make sure the Level 2 NVQ is suitable for you.

This is not a beginner course that teaches solar panel installation from scratch. You will need relevant practical work available to complete the qualification.

Solar Panel Installation NVQ Level 2 – Course Details

Find out how the Level 2 Solar Panel Installation NVQ works, including the qualification content, assessment methods, CSCS card requirements and how to apply.

Open the sections below for more information.

The Level 2 NVQ in Installation of Photovoltaic Panels assesses the practical skills and knowledge you use when carrying out solar panel installation work.

Depending on your qualification pathway and the tasks you carry out, assessment can cover:

  • Following health and safety requirements during photovoltaic installation work.
  • Working safely at height and using appropriate access equipment.
  • Checking installation requirements and specifications.
  • Handling, positioning and securing photovoltaic panels.
  • Preparing structures for installation where required.
  • Following the correct procedures when completing installation work.

You will demonstrate these skills through real work rather than completing a traditional classroom training course.

Your assessor will explain the requirements for your qualification and identify the evidence needed to complete each unit.

The Solar Panel Installation NVQ Level 2 is designed for people who are already carrying out photovoltaic (PV) installation work and want a recognised qualification to demonstrate their skills.

This qualification may be suitable if you:

  • Work in construction or renewables and are involved in solar panel installations
  • Carry out or assist with photovoltaic installation work on site
  • Have practical installation experience but do not yet hold a recognised qualification
  • Want to demonstrate your workplace competence through assessment rather than classroom training

This is not a beginner course that teaches solar panel installation from scratch. You will need access to suitable installation work so that your skills can be assessed in a real working environment.

The Solar Panel Installation NVQ Level 2 covers the practical skills and knowledge needed to install photovoltaic (PV) panels safely and correctly.

The qualification includes seven mandatory units, along with optional units selected to match the installation work you carry out. Your assessor will confirm which units apply to your role.

Mandatory Units

All learners completing the GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma for the Installation of Photovoltaic Panels must achieve the following seven units:

  • Communicating and Working with Others in the Glass and Related Working Environments – Demonstrating effective communication and teamwork on site.
  • Use Access Equipment to Work at Heights – Demonstrating safe use of suitable access equipment when working at height.
  • Maintain Health and Safety in the Photovoltaic Panel Installation Working Environment – Following safe working practices during PV installation.
  • Confirm PV Panel Installation Requirements – Checking the work required and confirming installation specifications.
  • Knowledge of Photovoltaic Systems – Demonstrating an understanding of PV system components and how they work.
  • Locate, Test, Handle and Position Photovoltaic Panels Prior to Installation – Showing how PV panels are checked, handled and positioned before installation.
  • Understanding the Procedure to Follow After the Discovery of Materials Containing Asbestos Cement Exposed During the PV Installation Process – Understanding the correct safety procedures if suspected asbestos cement materials are discovered during installation.

Optional Units

Alongside the mandatory units, learners complete relevant optional units according to the qualification requirements and the work they carry out on site.

These cover different types of photovoltaic installation, including preparing structures, fixing panels and completing installation activities.

Preparing Structures for Installation

  • Prepare the Structure for Photovoltaic Panel Installation – Existing Structure
  • Prepare the Structure for Photovoltaic Panel Installation – New Build

Fixing Photovoltaic Panels

  • Fix Photovoltaic Panels onto a Roof Structure
  • Fix Photovoltaic Panels into a Roof Structure
  • Fix Photovoltaic Panels onto a Non-Roof Structure

Completing Installation Work

  • Post Photovoltaic Installation Activities
  • Ensure the Glass Related Installation Is Completed Safely and Handed Over to the Customer

You will not necessarily complete every optional unit listed above. Your assessor will identify the units required for your qualification and make sure you have access to suitable installation work to provide the necessary evidence.

Assessment is based on your workplace competence, supported by observations, practical evidence and checks of your knowledge and understanding.

When searching for a solar panel installation course, you may find short training courses as well as workplace-based NVQ qualifications.

Short courses can help you learn new installation skills, understand specific products or develop your knowledge of solar PV systems. Some also include practical training and assessments.

The Solar Panel Installation NVQ Level 2 is different because it assesses the skills and knowledge you demonstrate through real installation work.

Rather than attending a course to learn how to install photovoltaic panels, you provide workplace evidence to show that you can carry out the required tasks safely and competently.

If you are already working in solar PV installation and want a recognised qualification that demonstrates your practical competence, an NVQ may be the right route for you.

If you are completely new to solar panel installation, you may need practical training and workplace experience before starting an NVQ.

There are no formal academic entry requirements for the Solar Panel Installation NVQ Level 2. However, you must be carrying out suitable photovoltaic (PV) installation work in a real working environment.

To complete the qualification, you will need to:

  • Have access to solar panel installation work that meets the qualification requirements
  • Demonstrate relevant practical installation skills safely on site
  • Follow workplace health and safety procedures
  • Provide evidence of the installation tasks you carry out
  • Be available for workplace assessments and discussions with your assessor

You do not necessarily need years of experience, but you must have enough practical involvement in solar PV installations to demonstrate the required skills.

If you are completely new to solar panel installation, you may need practical training or workplace experience before starting the NVQ.

Before enrolment, Train 4 Growth will check your current role and the work you carry out to make sure the qualification is suitable for you.

The Solar Panel Installation NVQ Level 2 is a site-based qualification designed to fit around your normal working commitments.

Most learners can complete the NVQ within 6 to 8 weeks, although some finish sooner. The time needed will depend on how quickly you complete the knowledge units and when your assessor can carry out the required site observation.

Assessment involves two main parts:

  • On-site observation: An allocated assessor will observe you carrying out relevant solar panel installation work in a real working environment.
  • Online knowledge units: You will complete knowledge-based assessments through Quals Direct, an online learning and assessment platform. These can be completed in your own time.

There are no regular classroom sessions or fixed weekly study hours. You can work through the online knowledge units around your existing commitments while continuing your normal installation work.

You will have a dedicated assessor who will guide you through the qualification, explain what evidence is needed and support you until completion.

The Solar Panel Installation NVQ Level 2 is assessed through a combination of practical workplace observation and online knowledge assessments.

Your assessor will check that you can carry out the required photovoltaic (PV) installation work safely and competently. You will also complete knowledge-based units through the online assessment platform, Quals Direct.

The assessment process includes:

  • On-site observation: An allocated assessor will observe you carrying out solar panel installation work in a real working environment.
  • Online knowledge assessments: You will complete knowledge-based units through Quals Direct at a time that suits your work commitments.
  • Workplace evidence: You may need to provide photographs, job records or other evidence of the installation tasks you carry out.
  • Assessor support: Your dedicated assessor will explain the assessment requirements, review your progress and provide guidance throughout the qualification.

There are no traditional classroom exams. The qualification assesses both your practical installation skills and your understanding of the work you carry out.

People often use the term solar panel installation certification when looking for a recognised qualification that proves their skills.

The Solar Panel Installation NVQ Level 2 is a nationally recognised workplace qualification that demonstrates your competence in photovoltaic (PV) panel installation.

It provides evidence that you have been assessed carrying out relevant installation work safely and to the required standards.

The qualification can also help you meet the requirements for a Blue CSCS Skilled Worker card in the appropriate occupation. You will still need to meet the current CSCS application and health and safety requirements.

However, this NVQ does not replace any separate electrical qualifications, professional registrations or industry certifications required for particular types of solar PV work.

For example, electrical connection, testing and commissioning may require additional qualifications or evidence of competence. The NVQ also does not automatically provide MCS installer certification.

The GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Installation of Photovoltaic Panels is a nationally recognised workplace qualification for people carrying out solar panel installation work.

Awarded by GQA Qualifications

The qualification is awarded by GQA Qualifications, an awarding organisation specialising in vocational qualifications, including construction and related industries.

The NVQ provides recognised evidence that you have demonstrated the practical skills and knowledge required for photovoltaic (PV) panel installation.

Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card Route

Completing the appropriate Level 2 qualification can help you meet the qualification requirement for a Blue CSCS Skilled Worker card as a Photovoltaic Panel Installer.

You must also meet the current CSCS application requirements, including passing the appropriate CITB Health, Safety and Environment test or an approved alternative.

For employers, the qualification provides evidence that installers have been assessed against recognised occupational standards. For learners, it offers formal recognition of the installation skills they use on site.

Completing the Solar Panel Installation NVQ Level 2 gives you a nationally recognised qualification that demonstrates your practical skills and competence in photovoltaic (PV) panel installation.

The qualification can support your career by helping you:

  • Gain recognised proof of your solar panel installation skills
  • Work towards the appropriate Blue CSCS Skilled Worker card for your occupation
  • Meet qualification requirements for relevant construction site roles
  • Develop your career as you gain further installation experience

As your experience grows, you may have opportunities to work on larger or more complex solar PV projects or take on additional responsibilities.

Depending on your role and career goals, you could also progress towards further technical qualifications, site supervision or construction management training.

Some specialist roles, particularly those involving electrical installation, testing or commissioning, will require additional skills and qualifications.

Ready to get your solar panel installation skills recognised? Applying for the Level 2 NVQ in Installation of Photovoltaic Panels is straightforward.

Call Train 4 Growth on 0161 706 1401 or complete our online enquiry form to get started.

Our team will check that the qualification is suitable for your experience and the photovoltaic installation work you currently carry out.

We’ll explain the assessment process, confirm the current course fees and payment options, and let you know what information is needed to enrol.

Once enrolled, you’ll be assigned a dedicated assessor who will guide you through your online knowledge assessments and on-site observation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panel Installation NVQs

Do I need to be an electrician?

No. This NVQ focuses on PV panel installation. Electrical work may require separate qualifications.

Can I work while completing my NVQ?

Yes. Assessment takes place on site, with flexible online knowledge units completed around work.

Will I qualify for a CSCS card?

The NVQ supports eligibility for the Blue Skilled Worker card, subject to CSCS requirements.

Do I need previous qualifications?

No formal academic qualifications are required, but you need access to suitable installation work.

Ready to Get Your Solar Panel Installation NVQ?

Already working in solar PV installation? Get in touch with Train 4 Growth to discuss the Level 2 NVQ, assessment process and how to enrol.