California Solar (C-46) Contractor License

The California Solar (C-46) contractor license allows you to work on thermal and photovoltaic solar energy systems. A licensee classified in this section shall not undertake or perform building or construction trades, crafts, or skills, except when required to install a thermal or photovoltaic solar energy system.

How to get the Solar (C-46) contractor's license in California?

Determine Eligibility: Each license requires a qualifier who directly supervises and controls the construction operations conducted under the license. Must be at least 18 years old and have four years minimum journeyperson, foreperson, supervising employee, or contractor work experience, in the last 10 years, in the Solar (C-46) trade.
Verifying Work Experience: After meeting the basic eligibility requirements, the qualifier could be randomly selected to provide documentation that they meet the minimum work experience requirements. Having this documentation ready beforehand can make this process easier if your application is selected for review. The experience listed on the application must be verifiable, and people with firsthand knowledge of that experience must certify the accuracy of the information provided to CSLB on the Certification of Work Experience form.
Complete Application: Must fill out the Original Contractor, Additional Classification, or Replacing the Qualifying Individual application form.
Submit Application and Required Fees: For the current list of fees visit the California CSLB Fees page .
Fingerprint Requirement after CSLB Review of Application: For information on fingerprinting, visit the CSLB Fingerprinting Requirement page.
Schedule the Exams: Once the application is submitted the CSLB will send you a 'Notice to Appear for Examination." Upon receipt, the business exam and a Solar (C-46) exams must be scheduled and passed.
Contractor Bond: All applicants must submit to CSLB a contractor bond or cash deposit payable to CSLB in the amount of $15,000. CSLB does not issue bonds.

The CSLB will either issue your license or contact you if they need further information.

California Solar (C-46) Contractor License Exam Prep Courses

California Solar (C-46) Contractor License Exam

Below are the specifications (test type, academic content, etc.) for each exam needed to get the Solar (C-46) contractor's license in California.

California Solar (C-46) Exam

Testing Method: Computer-based testing; closed book
Testing Company: CSLB
Types of Questions: Multiple choice
Subjects Involved:
- Planning and Estimating (21%)
  - Evaluate client needs and site feasibility
  - Design and engineer systems
  - Interpret plans
  - Estimate job costs
- Solar Collector Installation (15%)
  - Install roof mount collectors
  - Install ground mount collectors
  - Make weatherproof penetrations
- Solar Thermal Installation (9%)
  - Install hot water systems
  - Install pool heating systems
- Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation and Commissioning (22%)
  - Install basic PV systems
  - Install energy storage systems (ESS)
  - Interface with the utility grid
  - Install standalone PV systems
  - Label PV components
  - System testing, configuration, and monitoring; educating the client
- Service and Maintenance (18%)
  - Evaluate PV systems
  - Evaluate thermal systems
  - Repair and replace components
- Safety (15%)
  - Protect the public from safety hazards
  - Identify and correct unsafe working conditions
  - Handle hazardous materials
CSLB Solar (C-46) Study Guide

California Law and Business Exam

Testing Method: Computer-based testing; closed book
Testing Company: CSLB
Types of Questions: Multiple choice
Subjects Involved:
- Business Organization (10%)
  - Company organization
  - Project organization
- Business Finances (15%)
  - Cash management
  - Budget and planning
  - Taxes
  - Financial reporting
- Employment Requirements (12%)
  - Employment regulations
  - Evaluation and record-keeping
  - Payroll
- Bonds, Insurance, and Liens (10%)
  - Bonds
  - Workers’ compensation insurance
  - Liens and other remedies
  - Other insurance
- Contract Requirements and Execution (23%)
  - Bidding
  - Cost control
  - Contracts
  - Payments
- Licensing Requirements (8%)
  - Business license
  - Contractor’s license
  - Activity regulation
- Safety (15%)
  - Training and reporting requirements
  - General safety
  - Hazardous/unknown materials
- Public Works (7%)
  - Prevailing wage requirements
  - Bonding requirements
  - Insurance requirements
CSLB Law and Business Study Guide

California (C-46) Contractor Book Set

The book set includes all source references for the California (C-46) Contractor exams. You can use these books to study for the exams but you are not allowed to bring these books in with you to the testing center. These tests will be closed-book. Orders placed before 2 PM are shipped the same day via UPS and a tracking number is emailed before 3 PM.

CALIFORNIA SOLAR (C-46) - BOOK SET WITHOUT TABS INCLUDES ALL BOOKS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS EXAMS

Sales price: $2,471.60
CALIFORNIA SOLAR (C-46) - BOOK SET WITH TABS INCLUDES ALL BOOKS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS EXAMS

Sales price: $2,571.60