How to Become a Solar Contractor  

Interested in a career as a solar contractor? A solar contractor, according to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, is a contractor whose services “consist of the installation, alteration, repair, maintenance, relocation, or replacement of solar panels for potable solar water heating systems, swimming pool solar heating systems, and photovoltaic systems and any appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection with these systems.” 

There are two different solar contractor categories: a certified solar contractor (CV) and a residential solar water; and a heating specialty contractor (CW). In the state of Florida, solar contractors are required to have a Florida contractor’s license. If the person is installing, altering, repairing, maintaining, relocating or replacing any type of solar thermal or PV system, he or she needs a state certification/licensure. If a person is working under a licensed contractor, they are not required to be licensed. 

If a solar water or pool heater needs to be installed, it must be installed by a CV or CW license holder or a plumbing contractor. Also, a photovoltaic system must be installed by a CV license holder or an electrical contractor, but not a CW license holder. If one of these systems is not installed by the listed contractors, people are not eligible for Florida’s established rebate program for residential and commercial solar water heaters, solar electric systems, and residential solar pool heaters. 

Some jurisdictions have a solar contractor certificate of competency that is considered an RX license; these contractors are limited to the installation of solar water or pool heaters. 

A solar photovoltaic installer receives a salary anywhere from $32K to $48K per year, depending on experience and knowledge. 

Read the requirements to get a Florida solar contractor’s license here: Florida solar contractor’s license.  

If you’re thinking about a career as a solar contractor and looking to get your Florida contractor’s license, let our team at Licenses Etc. help you. We are a license contracting company and we do the application process for you; we make it easy and fast. To start the process, click our Florida contractor’s license page or call us at 239-777-1028.