California
Licensing (general) A contractor’s license is required: a C-46 Solar Contractors License or “A” General Contractors or“B” General Building Contractors License C-46 is the Solar Contractor licensing classification for solar (PV and thermal) installations and maintenance. The C-46 Solar Contractor license covers active solar water and space heating systems, solar pool heating systems, and photovoltaic…
Licensing (general)
- A contractor’s license is required: a C-46 Solar Contractors License or “A” General Contractors or“B” General Building Contractors License
- C-46 is the Solar Contractor licensing classification for solar (PV and thermal) installations and maintenance. The C-46 Solar Contractor license covers active solar water and space heating systems, solar pool heating systems, and photovoltaic systems
- Education/testing requirements: include written examinations (Law and Business as well as the trade examination) and 4 years experience; (note: technical training, apprenticeship training and education may be credited instead of experience, however at least 1 year needs to be practical experience. See CSLB guidelines for maximum allowable credit from training)
Licensing (PV and Solar thermal): California offers the following specialty classifications:
- C-4. Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting (for solar thermal systems)
- C-10. Electrical (for photovoltaics only)
- C-20. Warm-Air, HVAC (HVAC systems that utilize solar energy)
- C-36. Plumbing (solar thermal systems)
- C-53. Swimming Pool (for solar pool heating)
Electric code: All jurisdictions in the State of California, are required to adopt and enforce the following codes:
- 2007 California Building Code (Incorporates by adoption and reprints the 2006 International Building Code with California amendments)
- 2007 California Fire Code (Incorporates by adoption and reprints the 2006 International Fire Code with California amendments)
Reciprocity: Arizona, Nevada (C-37), and Utah
Permitting notes: Permitting requirements vary by City – check local rules and regulations
Resource(s): California Contractors State Licensing Board