Solar Hot Water Contractor Licensing

Summary

Arkansas offers several limited, specialty licenses for solar thermal installers under the general plumbing license. There are three specialty classifications available for solar thermal installers: a Restricted Solar Mechanic license, a Supervising Solar Mechanic license, and a Solar Mechanic Trainee classification. Installers with a Restricted Solar Mechanic license can install and maintain systems used to heat domestic hot water, but are not allowed to perform any other plumbing work. Individuals holding a Supervising Solar Mechanic license are able to supervise, install and maintain solar and hydronic heating systems for the purpose of solar heating of domestic hot water. A Solar Mechanic Trainee classification is granted to individuals that are learning and working with a licensed Restricted Solar Mechanic. Trainees are gaining experience to become a licensed Restricted Solar Mechanic.

In order to obtain one of these specialty licenses, installers must meet the following criteria. The applicant for a Restricted Solar Mechanic license must provide the Arkansas Department of Health with evidence of relevant training and experience with plumbing related to solar water heating systems. Applicants for a Restricted Solar Mechanic license must have served four years as a registered Restricted Solar Mechanic Trainee. Applicants for a Supervising Solar Mechanic license must have at least five years of solar mechanic plumbing experience or its equivalent, with a least one year as a licensed Restricted Solar Mechanic. In order to progress towards a Restricted Solar Mechanic license, Solar Mechanic Trainees must register with the Department of Health to document the training and experience gained.

More information can be found here.