What low-carbon installers can expect in 2026 – and how to get trained
As the low-carbon electrical industry continues to grow, Mark Krull from Logic4training gives an overview of what installers need to know and how to make sure they are qualified and ready to take on new challenges in the year ahead.
With the new year upon us, many electrical engineers will be planning for new opportunities for the months ahead. Whether you are newly qualified, established in the trade or considering upskilling to meet demand for low-carbon electrical work, 2026 brings great opportunities for anyone with electrical skills.
What’s on your radar?
New policies due this year will lead to an increased focus on creating warm and energy-efficient homes with low-carbon technologies, such as solar PV, becoming mandatory on new builds and subsidised for many retrofit projects. Other technologies to watch include air-to-air heat pumps, battery storage and smart home controls.
Future Homes Standard – Due to be published any day now, the Future Homes Standard (FHS) will mandate solar PV on virtually all new builds alongside insulation and heat pumps. The omission of battery storage has been called a ‘significant missed opportunity’ by MCS, but nevertheless, the technology will likely benefit under the FHS, building on recent growth of 122% and falling costs.
Warm Homes Plan – ECO4 ends in March and the Warm Homes Plan is expected to be in place to directly replace it, providing grants for energy-efficiency upgrades and low-carbon installations.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme – The BUS has recently been expanded to include air-to-air heat pumps, which work like an air-conditioning unit to provide space heating, and heat batteries, which use electricity to store heat.
Smart home integration – Homes are becoming increasingly connected with a variety of low-carbon technologies working together to maximise energy-efficiency. From app-controlled EV chargers to solar systems that communicate with battery storage and heating controls, staying current with smart home technologies will set you apart from competitors.
Emerging EV charging trends – Bidirectional charging, which enables EVs to act as energy storage for homes, is a technology to watch in 2026 with the Government seeking to establish pathways to encourage early adoption.
Changing pre-requisites – Candidates for solar PV, battery storage and EV charge point installation have changed with these upskill courses now only available to qualified electricians. LCL Awards has adopted the changes, known as TESP Electrician Plus, and installers should ensure core competencies are up to date and they are ready to capitalise on upskilling opportunities.
Which pathway should I choose?
From long-term plans to quick wins, here are three clear pathways to low-carbon electrical work:
1. EV charge point installation
If you’re looking for immediate results, EV charging is your best starting point. With battery electric vehicles making up one-fifth of all new registrations in 2024 and charging locations now outnumbering petrol stations, demand for qualified charge point installers is growing.
Experienced electricians can complete the qualification in just two days, learning to design, install, commission and test charging equipment across domestic, commercial and industrial settings.
2. Solar PV
Solar PV sits at the heart of the UK’s net zero plans, with modern systems becoming increasingly sophisticated and policy shifting to incentivise uptake.
Candidates must hold core qualifications in accordance with TESP Electrician Plus, including 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, a Level 3 Electrotechnical qualification and a Level 3 qualification in Initial Verification and Certification of Electrical Installations.
The Level 3 qualification in the Installation and Maintenance of Small Scale Solar PV Systems covers everything you need to know, from systems design, installation, testing and maintenance, to working safely at height.
While MCS certification isn’t legally required, most customers, lenders and energy companies expect MCS-certified installations, so ensure your training qualifications are compliant.
3. Solar PV + battery storage
The most effective solar systems now include electrical energy storage systems (EESS), allowing homeowners to store excess generation and capitalise on time-of-use tariffs. For installers, offering battery integration represents a major value add.
Building on a foundation in solar, the Level 3 qualification in EESS Installation and Maintenance covers battery technologies, system design and sizing, integration with existing PV, and all aspects of installation, testing and commissioning.
Hit the ground running
With growing demand and supporting policies in the pipeline, there has never been a better time to invest in low-carbon training. Choose a provider who delivers strong practical training on purpose-built rigs to ensure you can hit the ground running in 2026.
