Solar Panel License vs. Certification

solar panel license

In order for a solar company to legally install solar panels, they’ll need to obtain a solar license or certification. While homeowners can install solar panels themselves, many states require professional, licensed, or certified installation companies to perform the installation.

Installing solar panels without the necessary knowledge, experience, or technical competency can leave people with technology that doesn’t work or is generally unsafe.

With solar energy becoming more readily available for the average household, solar companies need proper certifications now more than ever– but what’s the difference between a solar panel installation license and solar panel certification?

What is a Solar Panel License?

A solar contractor license is a legal license initially developed to allow contractors to install solar panels for solar water heaters. Initially created in the 1980s, several states and territories around the country require all solar contracting companies to have solar contractor licenses to install solar panels of all kinds.

What is a Solar Panel Installation Certification?

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners offers solar panel installation certification programs, which are voluntary, experience-oriented courses explicitly designed to provide contractors with nationally-recognized certification for installing photovoltaic solar panels. 

The program works similarly to any experience-based licensing program but is not government funded. Houston solar installers with NABCEP Solar Certification must retake their certification exam once every three years. 

Solar Panel License – The Main Difference

A few things set solar panel licenses apart from solar panel certifications, the first being that licenses are government-issued. Like other state-provided licenses, a solar panel installation license may have different requirements based on state. However, the NABCEP certification has a clear set of requirements that all residential and commercial solar companies must adhere to so they can stay certified.

Solar Panel License – States that Require Certification

Many states require solar licenses for commercial and private solar installation, but there are also a few states that require certification as well, including:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Hawaii 
  • Idaho
  • Louisiana
  • Missouri
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Vermont
  • Virginia

Solar Panel License and Certifications – Why get Certified?

Although the state does not require solar licenses or certifications for installations, the best solar companies in Texas will still benefit from investing in a solar license or certification simply because it adds hours of experience to any technician’s repertoire. 

Please contact us today to learn more about solar panel licensing and certification.

Texas Plastic

Sunshine Renewable Solutions to Help Formosa Plastics of Point Comfort, Texas, Achieve Sustainability Goals

Formosa Plastics is a major producer of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride resins, which are widely used in various industries worldwide. Recognizing its role in environmental stewardship, Formosa Plastics sought to collaborate with a reputable sustainability consultant who can provide solutions to reduce its impact on the environment.

Sunshine Renewable Solutions is a leading sustainability consulting firm that specializes in renewable energy and environmental sustainability. The company has a team of experts who help clients identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and implement sustainable practices through solar power.

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Sunshine Renewable Solutions proudly partners with a leading Texas-based plastic manufacturer, embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to fortify its commitment to sustainability.

By integrating solar energy solutions, we're revolutionizing their environmental impact. Our collaborative efforts aim to construct a robust solar infrastructure, harnessing renewable energy to power their operations efficiently.

Together, we're spearheading a transformative shift towards renewable practices, demonstrating how solar power can drive industrial progress while prioritizing environmental responsibility. Sunshine Renewable Solutions is honored to work hand-in-hand with this industry leader, fostering a brighter, greener future through the strategic implementation of solar energy solutions.

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Creating The Foundation

As the foundational step in our partnership, the construction of concrete piers for the solar panel structure marks a pivotal milestone in our solar energy initiative. These concrete piers serve as the bedrock of support for the entire solar infrastructure, providing stability and durability essential for the efficient functioning of the solar array.

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Precision And Accuracy Are Paramount

Our engineering team meticulously plans and designs the layout of the piers, ensuring they are strategically positioned to uphold the solar panel array's weight and withstand environmental factors such as wind and inclement weather. We adhere to industry standards and best practices to create a robust foundation that guarantees the longevity and resilience of the solar installation.

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A Solid Foundation

Environmental considerations are taken into account throughout the construction process, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding ecosystem. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond energy production to encompass responsible construction practices.

By establishing these concrete piers foundations, we are ready to start Phase 2, erecting the metal support bars. Enabling the subsequent installation of solar panels will power the plastic manufacturer's operations while significantly reducing their carbon footprint.

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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

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Follow The Build

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

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Follow The Build

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

Slide
Follow The Build

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

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