Solar Hot Water Contractor Licensing
This program doesn't directly benefit homeowners as it establishes licensing requirements for solar water heating contractors rather than offering rebates or incentives. Arkansas contractors who install solar hot water systems must hold a Restricted Solar Mechanic or Supervising Solar Mechanic license, ensuring the work you hire is done by qualified professionals.
Arkansas offers three specialty license classifications under its plumbing license: Restricted Solar Mechanic (install and maintain domestic hot water systems only), Supervising Solar Mechanic (supervise and install solar and hydronic heating systems), and Solar Mechanic Trainee (learn under a licensed Restricted Solar Mechanic). To qualify for a Restricted Solar Mechanic license, you must complete four years as a registered trainee and provide evidence of relevant training and experience; for Supervising Solar Mechanic, you need at least five years of solar mechanic plumbing experience with at least one year as a licensed Restricted Solar Mechanic. Registration with the Arkansas Department of Health is required.
Arkansas Department of Health administers three specialty solar thermal contractor licenses under the general plumbing framework, creating a pathway from trainee to restricted to supervising mechanic. The program documents training and experience for installers specializing in solar domestic hot water and hydronic heating systems, protecting consumers through professional qualifications rather than direct financial incentives. Eligibility requires documented training, specific years of experience, and health department registration.
Program details
- Program ID
- 4284
- Last updated
- 5/10/2024
Eligibility
- Sectors
- installers/contractors
- Technologies
- solar water heat
Program summary
Arkansas offers several limited, specialty licenses for solar thermal installers under the general plumbing license. There are three specialty classifications available for solar thermal installers: a Restricted Solar Mechanic license, a Supervising Solar Mechanic license, and a Solar Mechanic Trainee classification. Installers with a Restricted Solar Mechanic license can install and maintain systems used to heat domestic hot water, but are not allowed to perform any other plumbing work. Individuals holding a Supervising Solar Mechanic license are able to supervise, install and maintain solar and hydronic heating systems for the purpose of solar heating of domestic hot water. A Solar Mechanic Trainee classification is granted to individuals that are learning and working with a licensed Restricted Solar Mechanic. Trainees are gaining experience to become a licensed Restricted Solar Mechanic.
In order to obtain one of these specialty licenses, installers must meet the following criteria. The applicant for a Restricted Solar Mechanic license must provide the Arkansas Department of Health with evidence of relevant training and experience with plumbing related to solar water heating systems. Applicants for a Restricted Solar Mechanic license must have served four years as a registered Restricted Solar Mechanic Trainee. Applicants for a Supervising Solar Mechanic license must have at least five years of solar mechanic plumbing experience or its equivalent, with a least one year as a licensed Restricted Solar Mechanic. In order to progress towards a Restricted Solar Mechanic license, Solar Mechanic Trainees must register with the Department of Health to document the training and experience gained.
More information can be found here.
Contact & resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.
