Get your license through the GYL® Licensing and Professional Career College Resource Directory,
an extensive research and reference tool leading to licensure and certification services. Get involved here.
Solar energy is rapidly improving in popularity and technological development in the 2000s due to the rising cost
and projected of fossil fuels combined with dire predictions concerning Global Warming. While there
have been jobs in the solar industry for decades, it has been in the
2000s, and even more so in 2009, in which several states now must deal with licensing issues concerning solar installation.
California has become the leader in the rapid expansion of solar power and alternative energy, but a controversy has developed
as to whether the existing solar installation contractor licensing meets the requirements
of electrical licensing. For now both C-10 and C-46 contractors are allowed to do such solar electrical
installation with the California Contractors Board handling such licensing decisions. A change in that the classification and
related solar contractor exam is in the works with at the Contractor's State License Board in Sacramento.
In Oregon all contractors who install any kind of electrical system mycst have an Electrical Contractor
License as well as a Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license. In addition Oregon issues two types of
licenses for solar electric installers: General Electrical Contractor and Limited Renewable Energy
Contractor. Oregon also mandates that solar hot water system installers have a plumbing business
registration. Electrical Contractors that install solar electric systems must use only licensed
electricians with one of these certifications: General Journeyman, Limited Renewable Energy Tech
or Limited Residential Electrician.
As more and more state contracts are awarded to solar companies, expect more discussion regarding
how solar installation interfaces with other types of contracting, which could mean revision
of existing laws. Combine all of these facts with the Obama Administration's vow to increase alternative/green energy solutions
and the opportunities that are ahead for licensed solar contractors in across the United States and California are endless.
Nationwide, some figures seem to reflect the green energy industries optimism. Photovoltaic installations were up 75 percent last year,
and a recent industry report says solar, along with wind and biofuels, had another banner year, even in the face of brutal economic times.
But that storm has dropped stock prices of green companies 60 percent to 70 percent last year, and the current credit crunch has made
it even harder for companies to finance new technologies. But, the ones that do will be be rewarded soon.
To have one of our contractor license specialists contact you please click here.
