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Why do you need a certificate of competence?


For solar panel installations in the Walloon Region:

Every company that designs, installs and commissions a photovoltaic system is required to have at least one person who has a certificate of competence in the ‘Photovoltaic solar systems’ category. This requirement is set out in the Walloon Government Decree of 11 January 2023. This means that:

  • An independent installer must have a certificate of competence to design, install and commission solar panel installations.
  • A company that designs, installs and commissions solar panel systems is required to have at least one member of staff who has the certificate of competence for this category.


The main advantages of a certificate of competence are as follows:

  • Link between certificates of competence and subsidies in the different regions

Flemish Region

Walloon Region

Brussels-Capital Region
  • Link to heat pump subsidy (from 1 July 2017)
  • Link to the subsidy for asbestos removal from unheated buildings with solar panel installation
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  • Link to green certificates (from 1 January 2026) [1]
  • Proof that a certified person has the necessary skills to design and install renewable energy systems.
  • Quality guarantee: added value for the employer or customer.
  • Recognition in the three regions and in other European countries.
  • May be required for public procurement.
  • The scheme is voluntary to start, but subsidies could eventually be linked to these certificates.
  • Important criterion from 2014 for the labelling of installation companies.



[1] As part of the certification process for a green electricity generation facility with a view to obtaining green certificates (see: Decree of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region of 17 December 2015 on the promotion of green electricity and energy from renewable sources – Article 5(2) – the applicant must, from 1 January 2026, attach a copy of the certificate demonstrating that the installer is a certified installer in accordance with the system for certifying RES installers for small-scale installations referred to in Article 2.5.6 of the Brussels Code for Air, Climate and Energy Management.


Last change: 2/10/2026