Solar Contractor Licensing

Utah's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing requires installers of solar energy systems to be licensed contractors. General electrical contractors carrying an S200 or an S201 license are authorized to install solar photovoltaic systems. The Division has also established solar-specific license classifications. License classification S202 is for Solar Photovoltaic Contractors, and S215 is for Solar Thermal Systems Contractors. A Solar Photovoltaic Contractor is licensed for the fabrication, construction, installation, and replacement of photovoltaic cell panels and related components including battery storage systems, distribution panels, switch gear, electrical wires, inverters, and other electrical apparatus for solar photovoltaic systems. A Solar Thermal Systems Contractor is licensed for the construction, repair, and/or installation of solar thermal systems up to the system shut off valve or where the system interfaces with any other plumbing system.

To become either a S202 or S215 contractor, one must have within the past 10 years a minimum of two years of experience as an employee of a contractor licensed in the license classification applied for, or the substantial equivalent of a contractor licensed in that license classification. Additionally, Solar Photovoltaic Contractors must hold a current certificate by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

In 2013, Utah enacted S.B. 208 to exempt certain solar installers from electrician licensure requirements. Contractors who were issued a specialty license for electrical work related to solar PV installation, repair, or maintenance from 2009 through 2011 are not required to obtain an electrician license.