Solar Contractor Licensing
Quick Summary
If you're installing active solar water heating, space heating, pool heating, or photovoltaics in California, look for a contractor holding a C-46 Solar Contractor license or other appropriate specialty licenses (such as C-10 for electrical work on PV systems). The California Contractors State License Board maintains the official list of licensed contractors and license classifications.
AI-generated summary • Updated 7/12/2026
Program Details
- Program ID
- 379
- Last Updated
- 12/19/2024
Eligibility
Program Summary
The California Contractors State License Board administers contractor licenses. The C-46 Solar Contractor license covers active solar water and space heating systems, solar pool heating systems, and photovoltaic systems. C-46 requirements include four years of experience and passing the business and law exam and the trade exam. Independent license schools offer courses to prepare for license exams. Other contractor licenses for solar include: A. General Engineering B. General Building C-4. Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting (for solar thermal systems) C-10. Electrical (for photovoltaics only) C-20. Warm-Air, HVAC (HVAC systems that utilize solar energy) C-36. Plumbing (solar thermal systems) C-53. Swimming Pool (for solar pool heating) Complete descriptions of the contractor classifications are available here. The state publishes a guide to becoming a California contractor and a reference book for California license law.
Contact & Resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.