Solar Contractor Licensing
When hiring a solar installer in Utah, verify they hold the proper state license: S200/S201 for general electrical contractors installing solar PV, S202 for solar photovoltaic specialists, or S215 for solar thermal systems. This licensing requirement ensures your installer meets training and experience standards set by Utah's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
To obtain an S202 (Solar Photovoltaic) or S215 (Solar Thermal Systems) license in Utah, you must have at least two years of employment experience within the past 10 years with a licensed contractor in that classification, plus for S202 you must hold current NABCEP certification. General electrical contractors with S200 or S201 licenses may also install solar PV systems without a solar-specific license.
Utah's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing administers mandatory contractor licensing for solar installations through four pathways: S200/S201 (general electrical), S202 (solar PV), and S215 (solar thermal). The S202 classification requires NABCEP certification and covers PV panels, battery storage, inverters, and electrical components; S215 covers thermal system installation through the system shut-off valve. Experience requirements span the past 10 years with minimum two-year employment in the relevant contractor classification.
Program details
- Program ID
- 436
- Last updated
- 12/17/2024
Eligibility
- Sectors
- installers/contractors
- Technologies
- solar water heat solar space heat solar thermal electric solar thermal process heat solar photovoltaics
Program summary
Utah's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing requires installers of solar energy systems to be licensed contractors. General electrical contractors carrying an S200 or an S201 license are authorized to install solar photovoltaic systems. The Division has also established solar-specific license classifications. License classification S202 is for Solar Photovoltaic Contractors, and S215 is for Solar Thermal Systems Contractors. A Solar Photovoltaic Contractor is licensed for the fabrication, construction, installation, and replacement of photovoltaic cell panels and related components including battery storage systems, distribution panels, switch gear, electrical wires, inverters, and other electrical apparatus for solar photovoltaic systems. A Solar Thermal Systems Contractor is licensed for the construction, repair, and/or installation of solar thermal systems up to the system shut off valve or where the system interfaces with any other plumbing system.
To become either a S202 or S215 contractor, one must have within the past 10 years a minimum of two years of experience as an employee of a contractor licensed in the license classification applied for, or the substantial equivalent of a contractor licensed in that license classification. Additionally, Solar Photovoltaic Contractors must hold a current certificate by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
In 2013, Utah enacted S.B. 208 to exempt certain solar installers from electrician licensure requirements. Contractors who were issued a specialty license for electrical work related to solar PV installation, repair, or maintenance from 2009 through 2011 are not required to obtain an electrician license.
Contact & resources
- Contact email
- dmeservy@utah.gov
- Additional resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.
