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 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

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