Alternative Energy System Contracting

Summary

In Virginia, licensed contractors (Class A, B, C) may declare a specialty called a "Alternative Energy System Contracting (AES)" as defined by the Board for Contractors. The AES is not a license. The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) defines the AES specialty as a "service which provides for the installation, repair or improvement, from the customer's meter, of alternative energy generation systems, supplemental energy systems and associated equipment annexed to real property. No other classification or specialty service provides this function. This specialty does not provide for electrical, plumbing, gas fitting, or HVAC functions." There is no related exam to receive an AES designation. An electrical license (for photovoltaic systems) or a plumbers license or HVAC license (for solar hot water systems) is required. Customers interested in installing a system should check their contractors licensing on the DPOR License Lookup web site (select "Contractor Businesses" and "Individual Licenses and Certifications" and enter the company name).