Solar Training Courses In California
Meet the requirements to install solar systems in California!
California requires a contractor’s license. There are several choices of license’s in California. The list includes the following including specialty classifications.
Licensing (general):
- AC-46 Solar Contractors License
- General Contractors License
- 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.
Specialty classifications:
- C-4 Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting (this is for solar thermal systems only)
- C-10 Electrical (this is for photovoltaics only)
- C-20 Warm-Air, HVAC (HVAC systems that utilize solar energy)
- C-36 Plumbing (this is for solar thermal systems only)
- C-53 Swimming Pool (this is for solar pool heating only)
Education and testing requirements:
Includes 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)
Some of the various training establishments in California include:
- Sun Pirate Solar Training: They offer online training that is IREC accredited and approved by NABCEP. Their core courses include Photovoltaic System Design & Installation and Fundamentals of Solar Hot Water. An additional course is being offered Electric & Safety Basics which in conjunction with their core PV course qualifies students to sit for the NABCEP ENtry Level Exam at computer based testing centers located nation wide. This training covers the training hours required for both the NABCEP PV and Thermal installer exam requirements.
Electric code:
The electrical code from the NEC with California amendments are standards that must be followed so additional training in this is required. It is recommended you familiarize yourself with the sections within the NEC book that relate to solar.
Licensing authority:
California Contractors State License Board
Reciprocal relationships:
Arizona, Nevada (C-37), and Utah
Permitting notes:
Permitting requirements vary by City – check local rules and regulations.
Resources
California Contractors State License Board
California Contractors State License Board/C46 Solar Contractor
Blueprint for Becoming a California Licensed Contractor (2006)
