A Solar PV Maintenance Technician is a professional tasked with the upkeep and performance optimisation of solar photovoltaic systems. There are around 214,000 maintenance fitters working in different industries around the UK. Common job titles used by Solar PV Maintenance Technicians include: Operations and Maintenance Technician, Ground Maintenance Technician, and Roof Maintenance Technician.
The information in our job profiles aims to give a general overview of the role and a guideline to what it involves. The content is not intended to be exhaustive and roles will vary depending on the organisation and sector. The salary ranges are a guide only, as these are dependent on the size and location of the organisation.
A qualified Electrician can expect to earn
£33k – £50k.
A Solar PV Maintenance Technician would typically expect to earn more than an electrician.
How does this role align to the green agenda?
A Solar PV Maintenance Technician supports the net-zero push by ensuring solar systems operate efficiently, maximising the generation of green energy for the electricity grid. Their work extends system lifespan, promotes clean energy adoption, and contributes to emissions reduction all vital steps in achieving a net-zero carbon future.
Skills and capabilities
Technical knowledge
- Knowledge of building and construction
- Good product knowledge of the panels being maintained
- Electrical / technical knowledge
- The ability to work at height.
Transferable skills
- Good attention to detail
- Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- Ability to work well with others
- Excellent customer service skills.
A day in the life
A typical Solar PV Maintenance Technician’s day will involve cleaning installed solar panels, checking the power output, and identifying then either rectifying or reporting any faults or problems found. If working with utility-scale solar, tasks may include operating drones or using other rapidly developing technology to monitor the site. Solar PV Maintenance Technicians must be qualified to work with solar installations and pay great attention to safety concerns. They work at heights every day and will travel around their assigned area.
Their core responsibilities include inspecting and cleaning solar panels, conducting performance tests, repairing and replacing faulty or outdated components, monitoring system performance, maintaining detailed records, and prioritising safety protocols during maintenance activities. By ensuring the continued efficiency of solar installations, these technicians help clients maximise the benefits of their renewable energy production.
Entry routes
Potential career progression
After gaining experience in solar PV maintenance, it’s possible to progress by becoming a Solar PV Panel Installer and / or a fully qualified Maintenance Electrician, as detailed in the career progression route for Solar PV Installer.
Solar PV Maintenance Technicians may move into work as a self-employed Electrician or set up their own electricity business.
There are other, associated areas of work that Solar PV Maintenance Technicians can choose to specialise in.
Relevant sectors
Solar PV Installers are needed across a wide range of sectors, but typically within:
You can also view our dedicated Solar Energy sector page, or the Solar Roadmap, produced by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero in June 2025.
Learn about the green agenda across different sectors
Information kindly supplied by:
Solar Energy UK
Solar Energy UK represents 350+ member companies operating in the UK energy sector and beyond. In partnership with key players across the value-chain, Solar Energy UK is working to increase the UK solar capacity five-fold to 70GW by 2035.
