Best solar qualification?

[Roberts7286]

I'm considering doing a solar pv and battery storage course in the new year. Having done some research I've found several different awarding bodies, course providers etc.







Just wondering which courses people have done? EAL, BPEC, LCL?

Any recommendations for places to take the course? I'm happy to travel, based In Lincolnshire.

Thank you

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

NAPIT training run both BPEC and LCL courses in solar pv and battery storage

Downside I did the BPEC Solar with NAPIT in August, still to receive the qualification, all passed, supposed delays with internal verification. spoken to head of napit training told its all done and been sent to BPEC. month on still no course certificate/card... wished I had gone elsewhere as I cant progress MCS without the BPEC qualification

 

[Roberts7286]

@Gavin John Hyde

How was the course with napit? Was there much practical?

 

[HappyHippyDad]

@Gavin John Hyde

How was the course with napit? Was there much practical?

NAPIT training run both BPEC and LCL courses in solar pv and battery storage

Downside I did the BPEC Solar with NAPIT in August, still to receive the qualification, all passed, supposed delays with internal verification. spoken to head of napit training told its all done and been sent to BPEC. month on still no course certificate/card... wished I had gone elsewhere as I cant progress MCS without the BPEC qualification

That would be my question too?
I've looked at the solar courses and the first 4 days seem to be regs and such like, with the 5th day pratical

 

[SparkySy]

I also looked at them, and that was what I found 4 days of regs ect 1 day practical oh and exam!
Our local wholesalers have teamed up with NIC and are running courses, I did my 18th A2 update there in October, it was very well presented and will be doing a PV and EV qualification with them next year!

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

I also looked at them, and that was what I found 4 days of regs ect 1 day practical oh and exam!
Our local wholesalers have teamed up with NIC and are running courses, I did my 18th A2 update there in October, it was very well presented and will be doing a PV and EV qualification with them next year!

just bear in mind that if the qualification isnt on the mcs list they may not let you register if you go down the mcs route. no requirement to go mcs but a lot of folk want the mcs cert for export payments

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

@Gavin John Hyde

How was the course with napit? Was there much practical?

very very little , wasnt an issue for myself as i was involved with solar pv a few years back so a means to an end and a refresher course really.

The best facilities for pv training are the tradeskills4u renewables centre in crawley/gatwick as they have full roof set up for you to get on and get a feel for the kit.

plenty of cheap hotels in crawley too.

 

[SparkySy]

@Gavin John Hyde
Yes they are all fully accredited city and guilds qualifications that are offered. The exam is taken at the local college which in my location is luckily just around the corner and within walking distance.
It makes me laugh really as it it just a formality for me. I have fitted PV systems for over 10 years now and was MCS accredited until about 5 years ago when it went slack on solar around here apart from off grid systems.
I have also fitted many EV chargers mainly 3phase 22kw ones and just want the CG qual to say I have it and keep Napit happy with CPD
Sy

 

[Lister1987]

Worth noting that the BPEC course has to be redone every 5 years; it's why TS4U don't offer the C&G PV course any longer (as the BPEC 5 year renewal is guaranteed income)

 

[Roberts7286]

I've just booked the TS4U course at Crawley. Saw in electricians mag at wholesalers that TS4U has been acquired by c&g.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

Worth noting that the BPEC course has to be redone every 5 years; it's why TS4U don't offer the C&G PV course any longer (as the BPEC 5 year renewal is guaranteed income)

indeed it does, had to renew my own. I think in time you will see the same with a lot of qualifications. wouldnt at all be surprised if before long C&G say the 2391 is only valid for x years, ev charging the same to get repeat exam sits