Are solid-state batteries about to change the world? What electricians need to know 

Solid-state batteries have been hyped as the next big jump in energy storage. They swap the flammable liquid electrolyte found in most lithium-ion cells for a solid one, which could mean higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety. For working and aspiring electricians, the real question is simpler: when this tech scales, what changes on site—and how do you prepare? Here’s a practical overview from Elec Training, plus the skills map to stay ahead. 

What “solid-state” actually changes 

A conventional lithium-ion cell relies on a liquid e lectrolyte that lets ions shuttle between the cathode and anode. Replace that liquid with a ceramic, polymer or glassy solid and three things become possible: 

1. Better safety: remove most of the flammable solvent, reduce fire risk and thermal runaway scenarios.

    

2. More energy in the same volume: denser packing and the option to use high-capacity anodes (like lithium-metal) promises longer runtimes or range.

    

3. Faster charging and longer life: in theory, lower internal resistance and less chemical degradation over cycles. 

Those gains explain why automotive, consumer-electronics and stationary-storage firms are investing heavily. But the road from lab to van-ready product runs through manufacturing scale, cost control, and years of reliability testing. 

Where you’ll see it first 

Electric vehicles. Carmakers will likely deploy solid-state in premium models and fleets first, where weight, range and rapid charging justify higher early costs. For electricians, that points to more EV charging installs, load-management upgrades and smarter, bi-directional systems (V2H/V2G). 

Consumer electronics. Expect slimmer devices with longer life. This won’t change wiring practice, but it will influence client expectations around battery safety in homes and offices. 

Home and commercial storage. If solid-state reduces fire propagation risk and improves cycle life, more clients will consider storage alongside solar. That means AC/DC coupling know-how, protection coordination, and better commissioning routines. 

What stays the same on site 

Even with safer chemistries, fundamentals don’t move: 

• Safe isolation and verification precede any work. 

• Cable sizing, volt drop, fault levels and discrimination still decide your design. 

• Inspection, testing and documentation remain the backbone of quality and compliance. 

If a nything, higher-energy packs and smarter BMS increase the importance of correct protection and rock-solid test results. 

Skills map: from first steps to specialist 

Whether solid-state arrives this year or next, the best hedge is competence that travels with any battery or EV system. 

1. Build strong foundations 
   If you’re new to the trade, progress beyond entry basics so you can contribute on day one. The level 3 electrical installation diploma deepens science, design, and hands-on rig work—ideal preparation for modern energy projects.

    

2. Get independently recognised 
   Employers and clients pay for electricians who can install and sign off. The nvq level 3 electrical fast track route turns your real jobs into portfolio evidence and moves you toward full qualified status.

    

3. Add inspection and testing early 
   Storage and EV jobs live or die on documentation. With 2391 City and Guilds you can deliver EICRs, commission systems, and complete clean, audit-ready handovers. That’s often the quickest way to raise your day rate after qualification.

    

4. Understand the pathway into the trade 
   Still deciding where to start? Read our step-by-step guide on how to become an electrician and map the route that fits your life. 

Installation realities with next-gen batteries 

Protection and coordination. Higher energy density packs can deliver very high fault currents. Expect tighter attention to upstream device selection, time-current curves, and surge/arc-fault protection where required. 

Environmental placement. Solid-state may widen acceptable temperature ranges, but manufacturers will still specify ventilation, clearances, and ambient limits. Mounting, IP ratings and mechanical protection remain non-negotiable. 

BMS and comms. Smarter packs demand clean t erminations, correct earthing, and reliable data links (RS485, CAN, Ethernet). You’ll need to be comfortable bridging electrical and IT—addressing devices, updating firmware, and logging data for the handover pack. 

Commissioning discipline. Pre-start checks, insulation resistance where applicable, polarity, functional tests, earth-fault monitoring and documentation will be scrutinised. Many projects now ask for trend logs and acceptance test reports as standard. Good testing habits are a career moat, not a chore. 

Prefab, modular and factory-built: what changes for you 

As more components arrive pre-assembled—from battery cabinets to EV cabinets—site work pivots toward integration and certification. That means: 

• verifying torque settings and terminations, 

• confirming protective devices match the design, 

• testing performance against manufacturer data, 

• issuing clear certificates that survive external audits. 

Factory wiring doesn’t remove the electrician; it elevates the electrician who can commission and sign confidently. 

Safety: fewer fires doesn’t mean fewer rules 

Solid-state reduces some thermal risks, but regulations won’t relax. Clients, insurers and local authorities will still expect: 

• correct cable routing and containment, 

• coordination with fire strategies, 

• signage and labeling that speeds future maintenance, 

• records that prove the system was safe on day one. 

If you can explain these requirements in plain English, you become the trusted voice on site and in the client’s inbox. 

Pricing and opportunity 

Early-stage technologies usually carry higher material costs and tighter specs. Electricians who can quote accurately, schedule lead times, and communicate change-control keep projects on track and protect margin. Over time, as prices fall and volumes rise, demand typically widens—especially for retrofits that combine solar + storage + EV. Position yourself now with the skills clients will value for years. 

A realistic career plan for the next five years 

Year 1—2: complete the diploma, start/finish your NVQ evidence, and pass your inspection & testing qualification. Focus on domestic and small commercial work to build speed and confidence. 

Year 3—4: add EV charging, small-scale storage and PV integration. Become the person who can install, commission and document without calling a third party. 

Year 5+: step into design verification, site supervision or specialist commissioning on larger systems. Your blend of testing discipline and modern energy knowledge will set your rate. 

Key takeaways 

• Solid-state batteries promise safer, denser, longer-lasting storage—but manufacturing scale and cost will decide timing. 

• Whatever the chemistry, competence wins: safe isolation, correct design, and clean test results. 

• Not sure where to begin? Read how to become an electrician and choose the route that fits your timeline. 

Solid-state may well change the world. With the right training, you’ll be the one wiring it in, testing it safely, and handing over documentation clients trust. That is where real careers—and better pay—are built at Elec Training.