Solar Contractor Licensing

July 18, 2020

Summary

Nevada law requires that solar energy system installers be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board. Contractors may be licensed under License Classification C-37 (solar contracting for solar water heating and space heating and air conditioning). Contractors may also perform solar work under License Classification C-1* (plumbing and heating), sub-classification (d) for solar water heating installations, or sub-classification (f) for solar air heating. Contractors may also perform solar work under License C-2 (electrical contracting), sub-classification (g) for photovoltaics used to generate electricity; or C-21 (Refrigeration and air-conditioning), sub-classification (e) for solar air conditioning. Work on utility scale solar projects must be completed by a contractor with a Classification A - General Engineering license. 

In June 2005, Assembly Bill 3 amended the Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 618, to create a mandatory licensing program for contractors installing and maintaining photovoltaic systems, beginning January 1, 2007. Under these rules, a PV installer must hold a license as a photovoltaic installer, issued by the Department of Business and Industry, Division of Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety and Health. A PV installer is defined as a person who is directly engaged with the electrical connection and wiring of a photovoltaic system project in a capacity other than as an inspector, management planner, consultant, project designer, contractor or supervisor for the photovoltaic system project.

To apply for a license, a PV installer will need to submit an application to the Division, pass an exam administered or approved by the Division, and pay a fee. If the person is a contractor, they must provide proof to the Division that they have been issued a license of the appropriate classification by the State Contractors’ Board, pursuant to Chapter 624 of Nevada Administrative Code.

Note that a person is not required to obtain a license from the Division to install or maintain a photovoltaic system on their own residence.

More information can be found on the Interstate Renewable Energy Council website.


* Prior to August 26, 2008, License Classification C-1 had a sub-classification (J) which allowed contractors to install solar water heating and solar space heating systems. LCB File No. R095-07 amended the sub-classifications under C-1, stating that contractors previously holding a C-1j license for solar water heating shall be deemed to hold a C-1d license, and contractors previously holding a C-1j license for solar space heating shall be deemed to hold a C-1f license.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector: State
Category: Regulatory Policy
State: Nevada
Incentive Type: Solar/Wind Contractor Licensing
Web Site: http://www.nscb.state.nv.us
Administrator:
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:
  • Solar Water Heat
  • Solar Space Heat
  • Solar Thermal Electric
  • Solar Thermal Process Heat
  • Solar Photovoltaics
  • Solar Pool Heating

Authorities

Name: NAC 624.190; 624.200; 624.380; 624.540
Name: NRS §618.910 et seq.
Date Enacted: 6/17/2005
Effective Date: 1/1/2007

Contact

Name: Customer Service Representative
Organization: Nevada State Contractors Board - Reno
Address: 9670 Gateway Drive, Suite 100
Reno NV 89511
Phone: (775) 688-1141
Name: Customer Service Representative
Organization: Nevada State Contractors Board - Henderson
Address: 2310 Corporate Circle, Suite 200
Henderson NV 89074
Phone: (702) 486-1100
Name: Information Specialist
Organization: Department of Business and Industry
Address: 400 West King Street, Suite 400
Carson City NV 89703
Phone: (775) 684-7260

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.