EV Charging, Solar PV and Battery Storage Training: Why Electricians Must Act Before October 2026

The UK electrical industry is changing rapidly. As Electric Vehicle (EV) charging, Solar PV and Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS) become standard features of domestic and commercial installations, expectations around installer competence and qualifications are tightening.

Electricians across the industry are increasingly hearing one date referenced: October 2026. While there is no single law introduced on that date, it marks a major shift in how competence is assessed under the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) and Competent Person Schemes (CPS).

For electricians, the implication is clear: having the right, industry–approved qualifications in place before October 2026 is key to future–proofing your skills and maintaining access to work.

Why October 2026 is a critical milestone for electricians?

The EAS 2024 introduces a fundamental change in approach to competence.

Rather than relying solely on company–level cover or a Qualified Supervisor model, the industry is moving towards individual accountability. In simple terms: Electricians must be able to demonstrate their own competence for the work they personally carry out.

From October 2026, this approach is expected to be fully embedded across Competent Person Scheme assessments, impacting:

• The ability to self–certify notifiable electrical work
• Access to EV charging, solar PV and battery storage installations
• Ongoing CPS registration and assessment outcomes

For electricians installing low–carbon technologies, recognised, role–specific qualifications are becoming the clearest and most defensible way to evidence competence.

EV Charging Training: the fastest-moving area

EV charging is currently the area seeing the most scrutiny and the fastest change.

Historically, many electricians installed EV charge points using general electrical competence, supported by manufacturer guidance. While EV‑specific qualifications were encouraged, enforcement was inconsistent.

That position is changing.

EV charge point installations must comply with:

BS 7671 (Section 722)
The IET Code of Practice for EV Charging Equipment
CPS assessment expectations
Grant and scheme requirements where applicable

As CPS assessments increasingly focus on individual competence, electricians installing EV chargers are being strongly encouraged to hold an industry‑approved EV charging qualification.

Our EV Charging course (flexible delivery)

We deliver EV charging training leading to:

City & Guilds 2921‑34
Level 3 Award in the Requirements for the Design and Installation of Domestic and Small Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Installations

This qualification is industry approved and aligned to current standards and the upcoming EAS requirements, helping electricians future‑proof their skills ahead of October 2026. Equivalent qualifications from other awarding organisations are available where they meet the same standard.

To suit different learning needs, our EV Charging course is available as:

Online learning with an online exam
In‑centre EV charging training
Green‑skills bundles, combining EV Charging, Solar PV and EESS

This flexibility allows electricians to upskill efficiently without disrupting work.

Solar PV training: demonstrating competence in a mature market

Solar PV is well established, and many installers already hold recognised qualifications, particularly those working towards or under MCS.

However, Solar PV systems are increasingly integrated with:

Battery storage systems
EV charging infrastructure
Smart energy and load‑management technologies

Because of this integration, up‑to‑date, individually held qualifications remain essential.

Our Solar PV qualification

We deliver Solar PV training leading to:

City & Guilds 2922‑34
Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Small Solar Photovoltaic Systems

This qualification is industry approved, aligned to current regulations and scheme expectations, and supports electricians in evidencing competence for CPS assessments. Equivalent qualifications from other awarding organisations are also recognised within the industry.

Battery storage training: Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS)

Electrical Energy Storage Systems (battery storage) are one of the fastest‑growing areas of the electrical sector. Installations are often carried out:

Alongside Solar PV
As part of EV‑ready homes
Within wider “prosumer” energy systems

Despite this growth, many installers still rely on informal experience rather than formal training — an approach that is becoming harder to justify as assessments tighten.

Our EESS qualification

We deliver battery storage training leading to:

City & Guilds 2923‑34
Level 3 Award in the Design, Installation and Commissioning of Small Electrical Energy Storage Systems

This qualification is industry approved and aligned to current guidance and EAS expectations, helping electricians demonstrate competence when installing battery storage systems. Equivalent qualifications from other awarding organisations are recognised where they meet the same standard.

Why electricians should train now – not later

Although October 2026 may seem some way off, gaining recognised qualifications takes time. Electricians who delay may face:

Increased pressure during CPS assessments
Limited course availability closer to the deadline
Potential loss of access to EV, solar or battery work
Reduced ability to self‑certify installations

Training early provides confidence, continuity of work and long‑term security.

Thinking about becoming a qualified electrician?

Green technology qualifications are not entry‑level courses.

To enrol on EV Charging, Solar PV or Electrical Energy Storage qualifications, learners must already hold core electrical competence aligned to the EAS qualifications guide. This ensures electricians have the underpinning knowledge and experience required to work safely.

Pathways into green technologies

For those who are:

New to the electrical industry
Partly qualified
Working towards full electrician status

We offer clear progression routes, including:

These routes provide the essential foundation before progressing into EV charging, Solar PV and battery storage training.

Future‑proof your electrician skills before October 2026

The electrical industry is moving towards clear, individual accountability for competence. Electricians who invest in industry‑approved qualifications aligned to EAS requirements now will be best placed to succeed as expectations continue to tighten.

Whether you are: