What is a Solar Panel Contractor?
A solar panel contractor is hired to install solar arrays on behalf of a home or business owner. State regulations vary, but typically solar panel contractors are licensed electricians or contractors.
Key Takeaways:
- Solar panel contractors are hired to install and maintain solar panels for homes and businesses.
- Regulation and licensing in the industry hasn’t yet caught up with how fast things are changing and there are few states with specific licenses for solar panel contractors.
- There are various types of solar panel contractors that vary from basic installers to more full-service operations.
Understanding Solar Panel Contractors
Solar arrays for home and business use are growing at a fast rate, this has caused a boom in businesses such as solar panel contractors who are hired to install solar arrays on behalf of a home or business owner.
One of the challenges of such a fast-growing industry is that states have been left to play catch up on regulations and licensing requirements. More and more jurisdictions have started to define what it means to be a practicing solar installation professional, however the definitions vary by state – and often county to county.
In general, a solar panel contractor is someone who installs solar panels on structures for the purpose of converting sunlight into photovoltaic energy. Solar panel contractors are a critical piece of the process of installing solar panels in your home or business.
Some solar panel contractors work with other solar designers or engineering companies to simply install the photovoltaic array as designed by someone else, while others will work with the end user from end to end to help with the entire process from design to permitting to installation.
These types of full-service solar panel contractors are often called solar engineering, procurement, and construction companies, or EPCs. Solar installers that operate as solar EPC companies will offer a full-service suite of offerings that will help the customer determine their needs, design the ideal photovoltaic system, perform the installation, and even conduct regular maintenance as needed.
As a general rule, if a state does not have specific licensing requirements for solar panel contractors, then it would fall back to general licensing requirements that would apply to all electrical work.
Related Terms
Solar Dealer – A company that sells solar equipment and infrastructure for installation on homes and businesses.
Solar Installer – A solar installer is someone who installs solar panels on structures for the purpose of converting sunlight into photovoltaic energy.
Solar Shingles – Solar shingles are small photovoltaic modules designed to look and function similar to a standard asphalt or slate roofing material while also producing photovoltaic energy.