I am hoping that someone can answer a question related to California rules about Class B license holders' ability to install solar. Is it correct that a Class B license holder can sell and install a solar energy system without a C-10 or C-46 speciality license? For example, if the Class B license holder is only selling solar without any other trade, is that permissible for them to do? And, can they self-perform or subcontract the work under the existing rules?

Hi Sarah ~

In CA, it is completely appropriate for B-General Building contractors to self-perform, or subcontract out, a solar system installation project as long as it is in connection to a structure (building). As one of the general contractor classifications, B-General Building contractors are licensed to self-perform work in a wide range of trades with only the B classification on their license. Here is the current list of contractor license classifications that can perform solar and their limitations.

At this time the only classifications that may perform solar are: A - General Engineering, B - General Building, C4 - Boiler, Hot-Water Heating and Steam Fitting, C10 - Electrical, C36 - Plumbing, C46 - Solar, C53 - Swimming pool contractors and C61/D35-Pool and Spa Maintenance contractors.

"A" – General Engineering contractors are authorized to install solar energy systems that require specialized engineering.

"B" – General Building contractors are authorized to install solar energy systems in connection to a structure, within the definition of B&P Code Section 7057, since an solar energy system constitutes the use of two unrelated building trades or crafts as required by Section 7057.*

C-4 – Boiler, Hot-Water Heating and Steam Fitting contractors are authorized to perform projects including solar heating equipment associated with systems authorized by this classification.

C-10 – Electrical contractors are authorized to perform any solar projects which generate, transmit, transform or utilize electrical energy in any form for any purpose.

C-36 – Plumbing contractors are authorized to perform any project using solar equipment to heat water or fluids to a suitable temperature.

C-46 – Solar contractors install, modify, maintain, and repair thermal and photovoltaic solar energy systems. A licensee in this classification shall not undertake or perform building or construction trades, crafts or skills, except when required to install a thermal or photovoltaic solar energy system.

C-53 – Swimming Pool contractors are authorized to include the installation of solar heating in swimming pool projects.

C61/D35-Pool and Spa Maintenance contractors are authorized to repair existing solar systems that heat pools.

* § 7057 General Building Contractor (a) Except as provided in this section, a general building contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built, for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or movable property of any kind, requiring in its construction the use of at least two unrelated building trades or crafts, or to do or superintend the whole or any part thereof.

Thanks! Would the same be true for ground mounted solar systems? What about solar carports?

SarahT415 said:

Thanks! Would the same be true for ground mounted solar systems? What about solar carports?

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If the ground mounted or carport mounted solar PV system is providing power generated by the system to a building, it is in connection to that building and is appropriate.