Solar installation technician requirements vary greatly between states, so it is essential that anyone seeking to work in this field make sure they have the necessary requirements of their state.
As we become more and more conscious of what this planet requires to survive, solar energy is becoming more popular.
Some states even give contractors special perks for installing solar elements in their constructions.
While a strong electrical background is necessary for solar installation technicians, there are also special skills that are needed in the field.
While there are a few different certification agencies in the solar field, the two main ones are NABCEP, or the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, and the Solar Rating Certification Corporation, or SRCC.
Having a certification from one of these is normally enough for employment, but some states also have added requirements.
It can take a bit of work to find out who sets down the regulations for solar installers in each state because this is still a developing occupation and is listed under different titles in each place.
A call to your local courthouse or construction union may be most helpful in finding out who to contact.
Let’s explore what it takes to be recognized as a solar installation technician in the various states.
Keep in mind that this is a growing field, and requirements can change, so it is important to check with the individual state ruling organizations to make sure they are still the same.
States Requiring NABCEP or SRCC Licensing (or other Licensing)
Alabama
Requires NABCEP or SRCC licensing
Arizona
Requires anyone installing or repairing a solar device to be certified as a solar contractor.
In Arizona, photovoltaic (PV) installers must possess an electrician’s license, specifically the A-17, C11, L11, or K11 license.
Solar contractors in Arizona must be properly licensed to install, repair, or service a solar PV system.
The licensing body responsible for overseeing solar contractor licensing requirements in Arizona is the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
California
Requires a California solar contractor’s license OR an A/B General Building Contractor’s License.
To qualify for the C-46 license, applicants must meet CSLB’s experience requirements, which may include a mix of education, on-the-job experience, and apprenticeship.
Additionally, passing a CSLB-administered licensing examination, which assesses knowledge of pertinent laws, regulations, and industry practices, is usually required.
The licenses for solar contractors are issued by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Solar PV installers need a C-46 license specifically designed for solar contractors.
Licensing for contractors in California falls under the scope of the Contractor State Licensing Board (CSLB)
Connecticut
Requires that at least one employee has NABCEP certification, and that a licensed contractor holding a PV-1 or E-1 license needs to register their business with the state’s Department of Consumer Protection
Delaware
NABCEP license is preferred to be eligible for rebates.
Solar installers in Delaware need an electrician’s license to do PV work, and a NABCEP certification is needed to qualify for rebates.
Florida
In Florida, solar PV contractors must hold one of the following licenses:
- Certified Solar Contractor License (CVC): This is a certified solar contractor license that covers residential and commercial solar water heating, solar pool heating, and photovoltaic (solar electric, or PV) systems.
- Certified Electrical Contractor License (EC): Electrical contractors in Florida are also eligible to perform solar PV installations, as the electrical work is often a critical component of solar panel installation and requires an EC license. However, they may need to subcontract roofing work to a licensed solar contractor if required by the local building department.
All contractor licenses in Florida require four years of field experience, including one year of supervisory experience.
However, up to three years of college experience may be counted as experience.
Obtaining a solar contractor license in Florida also requires passing a solar PV trade exam and a Business and Financial Management exam.
The Florida solar contractor licensing bodies are the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) and the Electrical Contractor’s Licensing Board.
Hawaii
Requires a solar energy systems contractor license, which is already granted to a licensed general contractor in Hawaii.
You can also get a C-60 license, which is specifically for solar PV installation.
Idaho
Requires NABCEP or similar licensing plus an Idaho solar photovoltaic license.
Louisiana
Requires contractors to hold a license from an approved body.
Contractors must hold a license with the classification(s) of Building Construction, Electrical Work (Statewide), or Mechanical Work (Statewide) to be approved by the Board of Training to install solar energy equipment.
Missouri
While there is no state requirement, Frontenac and Clarkson Valley require NABCEP certification.
Contractors must register their businesses with the Missouri Secretary of State and have a sales tax ID# issued by the Department of Revenue to operate a business.
There may also be county-specific requirements.
New York
NABCEP certification or IBEW-NECA training required.
Although New York State doesn’t have a solar license, some Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) require solar contractors to have an electrical or home improvement license.
Most AHJs all have reciprocal agreements and recognize contractor licenses from other jurisdictions.
However, the contractor licensing requirements vary by county.
In New York City, solar PV contractors are required to have an electrical permit issued to an NYC-licensed Master Electrician and a construction work permit issued to an NYC General Contractor.
All licenses in New York are given at the county level.
Pennsylvania
NABCEP, IBEW, NECA, ISPQ, or IREC certification required.
There are no state-level requirements, but individual counties may have certain regulations.
Vermont
Requires a certified solar partnership.
No license is required to install solar panels in Vermont, but you’ll need to install systems that meet the clearance requirements of 2012 NFPA 1 section 11.12.
Virginia
Requires a state alternative energy systems specialization
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation offers a specialty known as Alternative Energy Systems (AES).
Virginia solar contractors seeking this specialty on their license must pass a special exam. Licensed contractors of Class A, B, or C are eligible to declare the AES specialty.
States That Don’t Require a Special License
Alaska
The Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development’s Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing oversees contractor licensing.
Must be an Electrical Contractor or Electrician registered with the Department of Community & Economic Development or the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
This requires 8000 hours of experience.
Arkansas
There are many different licenses for which Arkansas contractors can apply, but luckily, they all go through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB).
You can work for a licensed contractor without carrying a license of your own.
However, you will have to register.
You’ll also need an electrician’s license and be either a master electrician yourself or work under the supervision of a master electrician.
Georgia
Georgia doesn’t have a specific state-level license to install solar panels.
However, contractors working on solar projects in Georgia typically need to hold a valid contractor’s license issued by the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors.
Companies must only follow the NEC 2005 edition, with the electrical code amendments.
Illinois
Illinois does not have a state-level license specifically for solar contractors.
However, contractors working on solar PV projects in Illinois typically need to hold a valid contractor’s license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
They must pass a licensing exam evaluating knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry practices.
Everyone who installs distributed generation facilities must be licensed by the Illinois Commerce Commission and comply with the National Electrical Code.
Indiana
No state requirements to install solar in Indiana.
Iowa
Everyone making over $2000 a year on construction work must register with the Division of Labor.
You must also have either an electrical contractor’s license or a journeyman’s license for solar PV.
Contractors in Iowa must follow the NEC 2005 edition of the electric code.
Kansas
There are no state-level licenses or certifications required to operate in Kansas, although your local municipality may have some.
Kansas uses the NEC 2008 edition of the electric code.
Mississippi
You’ll need a classification of Solar and Wind Construction from the MS State Board of Contractors to quote or work on solar projects valued at over $50,000.00 to work in Mississippi.
Montana
There are no specific requirements in Montana besides projects exceeding 90 volts, which require a licensed electrician to complete the work.
Nebraska
You must be licensed by the Nebraska State Electrical Division to do any solar or electrical work in Nebraska.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma requires that all electricians be licensed by the Department of Health and must follow the 2008 National Electrical Code at a minimum.
Oregon
Everyone installing solar panels must hold a trade license (either an Electrical Journeyman’s License or a Limited Renewable Energy License), which will be necessary to renew every three years.
Wisconsin
There are no requirements for PV installation in Wisconsin, but building plans might need to be submitted for review by the Division of Safety & Buildings, depending upon which municipality you are in.
States With Specialized Criteria in Addition to National Certification
Colorado
While some counties, including El Paso, have solar licensing requirements, the state as a whole does not.
Denver contractors need to go through the Community Planning and Development department for their licenses.
Plus, all businesses need to register with the state.
Kentucky
While a licensed electrician needs to be involved with aspects of solar installation, there are no requirements as to who can perform the installation.
The NEC 2011 edition of the electrical code is used in Kentucky.
Maine
Requires electricians to install solar panels.
You will need an electrician’s license from the Electricians’ Examining Board.
Maine follows the NEC 2011 edition of the electric code.
Maryland
While a licensed electrician needs to be involved with aspects of solar installation, there are no requirements as to who can perform the installation.
There are also a few counties in this state with more requirements.
Massachusetts
Requires electricians to install solar panels.
Every step of the solar installation process, including permits and interconnection, must be handled by an electrician.
Michigan
Requires state-specific licensing.
The state requires all PV equipment to be installed as per the manufacturer’s instructions, which may require a certification or license.
Nevada
Requires a state contractor license.
In Nevada, solar energy contractors are required to be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board.
Licensing for PV work falls under Classification C-2 of electrical contracting, specifically subclassification C-2g for photovoltaics.
New Hampshire
Someone with a Master Electrician’s license is required to install or oversee solar PV installation in New Hampshire.
New Jersey
In addition to the HIC registration, solar contractors may also need to obtain an Electrical Contractor License.
This license is issued by the New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors and is required for contractors who perform electrical work as part of their solar installations. Renewal is every three years.
New Mexico
The state contractor license covers solar installation.
Only being a journeyman or working under one qualifies you.
North Carolina
Requires an electrician license, NCGS 87-43, which requires that people who install, repair, or maintain solar systems be licensed electrical contractors.
The State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors oversees solar licensing requirements for contractors in North Carolina.
North Dakota
You’ll need a Master Electrician, Journeyman, or Class B Electrician’s license to do any electrical work in North Dakota, but other tasks, such as mounting panels, don’t require a license.
Ohio
State contractor, electrician, or HVAC license required.
Rhode Island
A State Electrical Contractor’s License, Certificate A, is required with an electrician’s license and a Journeyperson’s License, Certificate B as well.
This will need to be renewed biannually.
South Carolina
Requires a licensed electrician to be available at every job site to do the work, and every solar company must have a Certificate of Authorization in electrical work in South Carolina.
South Dakota
Requires an electrician’s license
Tennessee
Requires a Master Electrician or Journeyman’s license for permitting.
Texas
Requires an electrician’s license.
In Texas, solar PV contractors must hold a Texas Electrical Contractor license issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and employ Texas-licensed electricians.
Utah
You’ll need to take a 25-hour course to obtain a Solar Photovoltaic Contractor’s license and register with Utah’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
Washington
Requires an electrician’s license.
They do not have any solar PV-specific license.
West Virginia
Requires an electrician’s license in order to be placed in the electrical grid.
Wyoming
You must be a licensed electrical master, journeyman, or apprentice employed by a licensed Wyoming electrical contractor.
Wyoming employs the 2008 National Electrical Code.
