The need for green: why electricians should gear up for clean-tech work
Climate targets are tightening and clients now ask for low-carbon options as a matter of course. Green technology—solar PV, battery storage, electric-vehicle (EV) charging, smart-grid kit—sits at the heart of that shift, and demand for installers already outstrips supply. Elec Training breaks down what counts as “green tech,” why it matters to your career, and which electrical course pathways will get you site-ready fast.
What we mean by green technology
Green (or clean) technology covers any product or system that cuts emissions, boosts efficiency, or extends equipment life. For working electricians the big three are:
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) – rooftop or ground-mount arrays that turn sunlight into AC via string-inverters or micro-inverters.
- Battery storage – scalable packs that soak up surplus PV or off-peak grid power for use later, smoothing demand and backing up critical loads.
- EV charging – domestic, workplace, and public points that need correct load calculations, PEN-fault protection, and smart-meter integration.
Each install type still begins with safe isolation and good cable practice, but new regulations and test routines layer on top; ignoring them risks failed inspections and, worse, call-backs.
Why green skills lift your prospects
- Runaway demand – UK solar deployments and EV registrations keep hitting record highs; contractors fight for crews who already understand DC strings or OCPP networks.
- Regulatory pull – Building-reg Part L updates and local-authority planning rules increasingly specify on-site renewables.
- Government incentives – Grants and tax breaks lower client cost, so projects you quote today often convert faster than traditional rewires.
- Future-proofing – Mastering green tech now positions you for smart-grid and micro-grid contracts that are only just appearing.
Training routes that fit different starting points
- New to the trade in the West Midlands? Look at our Electrician Courses in Wolverhampton—day-release blocks that build Level 2 theory, tool skills, and on-site logbook evidence.
- Need to pivot quickly from domestic installs to solar or EV work? The fast track electrician course compresses core modules into intensive weeks, then pairs you with a mentor for NVQ evidence gathering.
- Still deciding whether the trade is for you? Read How to Become an Electrician for entry routes, funding options, and realistic timelines before committing.
Whichever path you pick, the goal is the same: complete your on-site portfolio, pass the AM2, and secure Gold-Card status.
Sample green-tech units at Elec Training
Module | Who it suits | Key take-aways |
Design & installation of domestic and small-commercial EV charging (C&G 2921-34) | Level-3 electricians expanding service list | Load calc sheets, PEN-fault device tests, OCPP commissioning |
Solar PV up to 10 kW | Roof-ers or rewire teams adding renewables | String sizing, inverter programming, DC isolation, EIC documentation |
Battery-storage install & maintenance | Contractors servicing PV clients | BMS setup, thermal runaway prevention, grid-code compliance |
All workshops blend classroom theory with rig-side practice so you drill test sequences until they stick.
What the UK policy landscape means for you
The government’s Net-Zero Strategy channels grants into heat pumps, PV, and EV charging. Councils offer business-rate relief for premises that hit energy-performance targets, and DNOs now publish fast-track approval lanes for compliant charge-point designs. Electricians who can quote standards, fill out DNO application packs correctly, and issue clean certificates land jobs faster and face fewer return visits—simple.
Five practical steps to start your green-tech pivot
- Audit current skills – list gaps against the modules above; book the smallest course that fills the biggest risk first.
- Gather evidence as you go – every photo of a torque-wrench reading or Zs test doubles as NVQ proof.
- Update insurance cover – add “renewables” and “EV charging” to your indemnity wording before the first job.
- Track CPD hours – log headset simulations, toolbox talks, even manufacturer webinars; clients may ask.
- Quote proactively – suggest surge-protection or battery add-ons in every solar proposal; upsell becomes second nature.
A greener skill-set is no longer optional; it is what keeps your diary full and your quotes competitive. Elec Training has the courses—short, fast-track or day-release—to slot around real-world workloads. Get in touch, pick a start date, and wire the future while others are still reading about it.
FAQs
What is the electrician hourly rate in South Africa?
South African electricians earn R350-R900/hour, averaging R92.39, varying by experience and location.
What was the electrician hourly rate in the UK in 2020?
In 2020, UK electricians earned £14-£23/hour employed, £20-£45/hour self-employed, varying regionally.
What is the average electrician hourly rate?
UK electricians average £15-£25/hour employed, £20-£50/hour self-employed; US averages $28.73/hour.
What is the electrician hourly rate in Ireland?
Irish electricians earn €20-€35/hour, averaging €25, depending on experience and location.
What is an hourly rate for an electrician?
UK electricians charge £15-£25/hour employed, £20-£50/hour self-employed, varying by region.
What is the electrician hourly pay rate?
UK electricians earn £15-£25/hour employed, £20-£50/hour self-employed; US averages $28.73/hour.
What is the electrician hourly rate in Melbourne?
Melbourne electricians earn AUD 85-150/hour, averaging AUD 100, due to high demand.
What is the going hourly rate for an electrician?
UK electricians charge £15-£25/hour employed, £20-£50/hour self-employed, higher in London.
What is the Sydney electrician hourly rate?
Sydney electricians earn AUD 90-130/hour, averaging AUD 102.50, reflecting high living costs.
What was the electrician hourly rate in the UK in 2021?
In 2021, UK electricians earned £15-£24/hour employed, £20-£45/hour self-employed, varying regionally.
What is the hourly rate for a self-employed electrician?
Self-employed UK electricians charge £20-£50/hour, averaging £40, depending on location and job.
