Solar Training in Colorado

Requirements to install solar systems in Colorado

Licensing (general)

• Colorado does not issue a contractor’s license specific to solar at the state level. However, there are local solar specific requirements in some counties (such as El Paso County). All contractors should check with the Authority Having Jurisdiction for solar specific requirements.
• Colorado issues licenses for electricians and plumbers at the state level.

Licensing (Photovoltaic)

• All work performed on the AC side of the inverter must be done by an electrical contractor who employs a licensed Journeyman Electrician or a licensed Residential Wireman who will do the work.

Incentive Notes

• Effective July 1, 2011 – NABCEP certification (or equivalent) is required: electrical work related to PV installations, the installation of PV modules, and the installation of PV module mounting equipment is subject to on-site supervision by a Certified Photovoltaic Energy Practitioner as designated by NABCEP or other nationally recognized professional organization designated by the Colorado State Electrical Board.
  • The performance of all photovoltaic electrical work, the installation of photovoltaic module mounting equipment shall be subject to on-site supervision by a certified photovoltaic energy practitioner as designated by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) or another nationally recognized professional organization designated by the Colorado State Electrical Board by rule.

Electric code:

The electrical code from the NEC 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. Standards for Colorado follow the 2007 edition as of last check but you should consult local building code to make sure.

Licensing Agency:

State Electrical Board

Reciprocal Relationships:

Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming

Education and testing requirements:

Colorado requires NABCEP Certified or equivalent in order to install systems. The below list of courses count for the training section of the requirements to sit for the NABCEP Installer Exam:

• 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.

Resources

House Bill 10-1001 concerning the incentives for installations. The specifics for installer requirements begin on Page 10.