Solar Contractor Licensing

Michigan requires contractors installing your solar water or space heating system to hold either a solar heating specialty license or a standard mechanical contractors license. You can verify your contractor's credentials through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to ensure they meet state requirements.

Michigan's solar heating contractor specialty license requires three years of hands-on experience installing solar equipment under a licensed solar contractor's supervision, plus passing a state examination—trade school graduates can count one year toward this requirement. HVAC-licensed contractors can work on solar thermal systems without the specialty license. Apply through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Michigan administers a solar heating contractor specialty license pathway (not available for PV) that recognizes three years of supervised installation experience or equivalent trade school training plus exam passage. The program is enforced through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs under Michigan's mechanical contractors licensing framework, focusing on thermal solar installations where mechanical licensing applies.