C-46 – Solar Contractor

A solar contractor installs, modifies, maintains, and repairs active solar energy systems. An active solar energy system consists of components which are thermally isolated from the living space for collection of solar energy and transfer of thermal energy to provide electricity and/or heating and cooling of air or water. Active solar energy systems include, but are not limited to, forced air systems, forced circulation water systems, thermosiphon systems, integral collector/storage systems, radiant systems, evaporative cooling systems with collectors, regenerative rockbed cooling systems, photovoltaic cells, and solar assisted absorption cooling systems.

A licensee classified in this section shall not undertake or perform building or construction trades, crafts or skills, except when required to install an active solar energy system. The C-46 classification will be issued after development of an examination. (Note: Development of the examination has been completed.)

The Solar (C-46) examination is divided into six major sections. These sections are:

1. Solar Design Engineering (18%)

• Evaluate client needs and site feasibility
• Design system
• Read and draw plans
• Estimate job cost

2. Safety (18%)

• Protect public from safety hazards
• Identify and correct unsafe working conditions
• Handle hazardous materials

3. Solar Collector Installation (18%)

• Install roof mount collectors
• Install ground mount collectors
• Weatherproof penetrations

4. Service and Maintenance (16%)

• Evaluate PV systems
• Evaluate thermal systems
• Repair and replace components

5. Solar Thermal Installation (15%)

• Install domestic hot water systems
• Install pool heating systems
• Install radiant and forced air systems

6. Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation (15%)

• Install basic PV systems
• Install battery back-up systems
• Interface with utility grid

*Percentages are approximate*