Florida Solar Contractor License

Florida Solar contractors can legally engage in contracts which involve working on:

Solar panels for potable solar water heating systems
Swimming pool solar heating systems
Photovoltaic systems
Residential (one family, two family, or three family residences not exceeding two stories in height) solar equipment
Work incidental to the installation of residential solar equipment
- Electrical work:
  - Branch circuit supplying the electric water heater
  - The receptacle outlet for a cord-and-plug-connected solar controller
  - The swimming pool pump motor
  - The premises wiring on the load side of the premises service disconnecting means shall be in accordance with the National Electric Code
  - If installation, alteration, removal, replacement, or upgrading of this circuit is necessary, the work shall be performed by a licensed electrical contractor
- Solar Water Heating Systems:
  - Disconnect and reconnect the existing branch circuit wiring at the water heater
  - Install new or replace existing control attached to a cord-and-plug-connected solar controller
  - Install new or replace existing direct current power wiring between the photovoltaic panel and the pump motor For a photovoltaic pump controller
  - All work shall be done in accordance with the National Electric Code
- Solar Pool Heating Systems:
  - Install new or replace existing power wiring on the load side of an existing pump motor disconnect
  - Install new or replace existing control wiring connected to a solar pool controller
  - All work shall be done in accordance with the National Electric Code
- Solar photovoltaic systems:
  - Install new or replace existing power and control wiring in photovoltaic (PV) source circuits
  - PV output circuits
  - Battery storage system circuits, and power conditioning unit
  - In an interactive system that operates parallel with a primary source of electrical energy, this work is limited to the PV supply side of the power conditioning unit
  - In a stand-alone, or non-grid connected system, the work above-referenced shall be limited to the PV supply side of the power conditioning unit and shall not include wiring integral to the building premises
  - All work shall be done in accordance with the National Electric Code
- Plumbing:
  - Domestic solar water heating system
  - Solar pool heating systems
  - Connecting the solar hot water system to the existing cold water supply and hot water lines at the existing domestic water heater location
- Roofing:
  - Roofing work directly related to the installation of a domestic solar water heating system
  - Solar pool heating system, or photovoltaic system
  - Cut roof openings and penetrations
  - Install flashings
  - Attach equipment mounting brackets and solar panels
  - Roofing work by solar contractors shall be limited to an area within 18 inches of each roof penetration or attachment and shall be performed in accordance with NRCA roofing practices

Any work falling outside of the scope of what is "incidental" to the installation of residential solar equipment, must be subcontracted to a properly licensed specialty contractor.

How to Get a Solar Contractor's License in Florida

Be 18 years of age.
Pass all parts of the exam(s) (within four years of the first attempt).
If an applicant has a Bachelor's degree in building construction or a related field, as well as a 3.0 GPA or higher, the applicant is only required to take the business exam.
Pay the fee for the Application.
Complete the application form using the Online Services, or the Printable Application.
Be of good moral character.
Obtain worker's compensation and general liability coverage.
Demonstrate financial responsibility by submitting a Credit Report:
- 660 FICO credit score or higher (applicant must submit a bond or irrevocable letter of credit if below 660 - FICO derived).
- If FICO score is less than 660, the applicant must take a 14-hour financial responsibility course.
- If applicable, provide proof of satisfaction of liens, judgments, and bankruptcy discharge.
Background check with Electronic Fingerprints.
Obtain public liability and property damage insurance.
- Obtain workers' compensation or exemption from workers compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license.
Satisfy one of the experience requirements set forth by the CILB:
- A combination of Experience and Education
  - One year proved experience that applies to the category for which you are applying and a four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to 3 yrs. experience), or
  - No less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses, and One year of experience as a foreman, or
  - Two years of credits from accredited college-level courses, one year experience as a foreman, and One year experience as a worker, or
  - One year of experience as a foreman, one year of credits from accredited college-level courses, and two years of experience as a worker, or
  - Four years of experience as a foreman or worker of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.
  - The board expects the applicant to have experience in the following areas of the Solar trade:
    - Swimming Pool/Spa Solar Heating Systems
    - Domestic Water Solar Heating Systems
    - Photovoltaic Systems
- Military Service
  Note: As part of the application applicant must submit the Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification for licensure
  - One year of experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, and three years of military service.
  - One year of experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, one year of experience as a foreman, and two years of military service.
  - Two years of experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, and one year of military service.
Pass the Solar and Business & Finance exams.
Submit the complete Solar application form to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

Florida Solar Contractor Exams

Florida Solar Contractor License Exam

Testing Method: Computer-based testing
Testing Company: Pearson Vue©
Number of Questions: 80
Types of Questions: Multiple Choice
Time Allowed: 300 Minutes
Minimum Passing Score: 70%
Subjects Involved:
- Swimming Pools (25%)
  - Site Survey and Collector Orientation
    - Shading effects (e.g., current, future)
    - Site selection tools
    - Collector layouts
    - Ability to match design to site conditions
    - Design temperature
  - Designing pool and spa heating systems
    - Temperature requirements
    - Length of swim season
    - Physical location of equipment
    - Proper location of solar components in relation to other components (e.g., chlorinators)
    - System and pool hydraulics (e.g.,multi and variable speed pumps, piping, appropriate sizing)
    - Integrating solar system with circulation control systems
    - Potential system pressures (positive and negative)
    - Requirements for isolated systems (e.g., pressure relief valves)
    - Impact of adding solar to existing system (e.g., electrical, plumbing)
    - System sizing for application (e.g., pipe size, array size)
    - Energy yield, and economic analysis
    - Industry collector ratings and system approvals (e.g., SRCC, IAPMO, FSEC)
  - Installing solar collectors
    - Collector types (e.g., low, medium temperature)
    - Different types of roof sealants and waterproofing
    - Roof penetration methodologies
    - Mechanical roof attachments for different types of roofs
    - Wind loading requirements
    - Mounting systems (e.g., ballasted, ground mounted)
  - Piping system
    - Potential harm to property if improperly installed
    - Connection methods (e.g., compression fittings, threaded, solvent welding)
    - Securing piping (e.g, hanging, burying)
    - Galvanic corrosion
    - Materials and fittings
  - Attaching system plumbing components
    - Ability to properly install and design components for the higher temperatures normally associated with solar
    - High temperature limit cut off requirements
  - Connecting electrical control systems
    - Alternating and direct current systems
    - GFCI requirements
  - Activating, inspecting and troubleshooting systems
    - All system components ability to inspect subcontracted work
  - Demonstrating system operation to owners
    - Freeze protection requirements and methods
  - Complying with safety procedures and building codes
    - Code requirements (e.g., SVRS (suction, vacuum, release systems) requirements)
    - Dangers associated with higher temperatures (e.g., above 104 degrees)
    - Permitting requirements
    - OSHA
- Domestic Hot Water (25%)
  - Site Survey and Collector Orientation
    - Shading effects (e.g., current, future)
    - Site selection tools
    - Collector layouts
    - Ability to match design to site conditions
    - Design temperature
  - Designing solar domestic hot water systems
    - Collector types (e.g., low, medium, high temperature)
    - Potential system pressures (positive and negative)
    - Requirements for isolated systems (e.g., pressure relief valves)
    - Impact of adding solar to existing system (e.g., electrical, plumbing)
    - System sizing for application (e.g., pipe size, pump size, array size)
    - Energy yield, and economic analysis
    - Active and passive heat dissipation methods
    - Storage tanks
    - Industry collector ratings and system approvals (e.g., SRCC, IAPMO, FSEC)
  - Installing solar water heating systems
    - Different types of roof sealants and waterproofing
    - Roof penetration methodologies
    - Mechanical roof attachments for different types of roofs
    - Wind loading requirements
    - Mounting systems (e.g., ballasted, ground mounted)
  - Piping system
    - Connection methods (e.g., soldering, brazing, compression fittings, threaded, solvent welding)
    - Pipe selection, securing and insulating, UV protection
    - Thermal expansion effects
    - Drain capabilities
    - Galvanic corrosion
    - Materials and fittings
  - Addressing problems caused by water conditions
    - Water chemistry (e.g., scaling, erosion)
    - Affects of high temperature on system component
  - Installing components unique to indirect (closed loop) systems
    - Capacities
    - Pressures
    - Hazards of glycol systems
    - Cleaning system
    - Pressure testing
    - Heat exchangers
    - Heat transfer fluids and labeling requirements
    - Measuring specific gravity and pH
  - Commissioning systems
    - All system components ability to inspect subcontracted work
    - Programming controls, monitoring/metering equipment
  - Servicing Systems
    - Maintenance requirements
    - Performance verification
    - Recommissioning requirements
    - Troubleshooting
    - Anode rods
  - Demonstrating system operation to owners
    - Labeling requirements and manuals to be delivered
  - Using tools and equipment
    - Multi-meters
    - Thermometers
    - Pressure gauges
    - Flow meters
    - Infrared cameras
  - Connecting electrical control systems
    - Proper sensor placement
    - Wiring (e.g., sizing, shielding, connections, securing, UV protection, grounding)
  - Complying with safety procedures and building codes
    - Code requirements
    - OSHA
    - Dangers associated with higher temperatures (e.g., tempering valves, pressure relief)
    - Permitting requirements
- Photovoltaics (50%)
  - Site Survey and Module Orientation
    - Shading effects (e.g., current, future)
    - Site selection tools
    - Array layouts
    - Ability to match design to site conditions
    - String sizing to local site conditions (e.g., geographic temperatures)
  - Designing photovoltaic systems to meet enduse requirements
    - System performance projections
    - Match design to customer expectations
    - System sizing for application
    - Energy yield, and economic analysis
  - Designing Grid Tied systems
    - Utility interconnection
    - National Electrical Code
    - Battery back-up
    - Inverters (e.g., string, micro, AC panels)
    - Module types (e.g., single or poly crystal, thin film)
    - Balance of systems (BOS)
  - Designing Standalone/Non-grid Connected Systems
    - System types (e.g., pumping, lighting, remote power)
    - Battery sizes, types, storage and installation
    - Charge and load controllers
  - Designing with hybrid systems
    - Multiple power sources (e.g., wind, hydro, generator)
    - Programming systems
    - Balancing power sources
  - Installing photovoltaic systems
    - D.C. circuits
    - Wire sizing and types
    - Voltage drops
    - Grounding
    - DC/AC disconnects
    - Different types of roof sealants and waterproofing
    - Penetration methodologies
    - Mechanical roof attachments for different types of roofs
    - Wind loading requirements
    - Mounting systems (e.g., ballasted, ground mounted)
    - Labeling requirements
    - Wire termination and torque requirements
  - Commissioning systems
    - All system components
    - Ability to inspect subcontracted work
    - Programming controls, monitoring/metering equipment
    - Expected voltages and currents
    - Testing of wiring, insulation and connections
    - Documentation requirements (e.g., system start up data)
  - Using photovoltaic tools and equipment
    - Tools and measuring devices
    - Multi-meters
    - Infrared cameras
    - Pyranometers
    - Measuring specific gravity (batteries)
    - Ktorque wrenches, crimping tools
  - Maintaining PV Systems
    - Module cleaning requirements
    - Battery equalization methods and controller settings
    - System performance monitoring
  - Complying with safety procedures and building codes
    - OSHA
    - Permitting requirements
    - PPE
Official list of subjects for the Solar contractor exam

Florida Solar Business and Finance Exam

Testing Method: Computer-based testing
Testing Company: Pearson Vue©
Number of Questions: 120
Types of Questions: Multiple Choice
Time Allowed: 390 Minutes
Minimum Passing Score: 70%
Subjects Involved:
- Establishing the Contracting Business (11%)
  - Determining the Business Organizational Structure
    - Business structure laws and regulations
    - Fiduciary responsibilities of officers and directors
    - Open vs. closed corporations
    - Organizational charts and chain of responsibilities
    - State and local licensure requirements
    - Tax advantages and/or liabilities for various business structures
  - Develop the Business Plan
    - Accounting practices
    - Local marketplace
    - Scope of contractor license
  - Establish Relationships with Other Professionals
    - Accountant specialization
    - Attorney specialization
    - Insurance types and limitations
    - Underwriting requirements for bonding
  - Acquire Fixed Assets
    - Advantages/disadvantages of business location
    - Advantages/disadvantages of lease vs. purchase
  - Obtain Insurance
    - knowledge of accounting practices
    - Advantages/disadvantages of various types of insurance
    - Coverages and limitations of insurance
- Managing Administrative Duties (26%)
  - Develop the Business
    - Availability of staffing for business operation
    - Income sources
    - Markets and market share.
  - Determine Outsourced Services
  - Determine Business Overhead
    - FICA
    - Advertising costs (business cards, dues, printing, etc.)
    - Communication costs (cell phones, land lines, etc.)
    - Cost of sales (travel expenses)
    - Federal unemployment (FUTA)
    - General liability rates
    - Lease expenses
    - Loan financing expenses (interest, etc.)
    - Medicare rates
    - Rent costs
    - State unemployment (SUTA)
    - Utility costs
    - Worker’s compensation
  - Preparing Bids/Proposals
    - Accounting principles
    - AIA documents
    - Business projections/goals current status
    - Company overhead
    - Contract documents
    - Contract law
    - Cost of financing projects
    - Costs associated with growth
    - General conditions costs of projects
    - How to review contracts
    - How to write offer
    - Insurances associated with labor rates
    - Labor productivity
    - Statute of frauds
    - Taxes associated with labor rates
    - Components of valid contract
  - Purchase Materials/Supplies
    - Depreciative costs
    - Fundamentals of Uniform Commercial Code
    - Inventory system operation (FIFO, etc.)
    - Invoice approval systems
    - Negotiating skills
    - Purchasing systems
    - Receiving systems
    - State sales tax laws
    - Statute of frauds
    - Vendors in area
  - Prepare Invoices/Draw Requests
    - Basic math skills
    - Calculation of percentage of work completed
    - Contract/subcontract documents
    - How to prepare invoices/draw requests
    - Lien laws
  - Develop a Safety Program
    - Drug testing regulations
    - MSDS sheets
    - OSHA regulations
  - Maintain Insurance
    - General terms and definitions used in policies
    - Insurance policies
    - Limits of insurance
    - Various types of insurance
    - Various types of risk
  - Managing Contracts
    - Contract law
    - Contract scope
    - Job completion schedules
    - Lien laws
    - Mediation and arbitration processes
    - Local building code requirements
    - Tort law
    - Risk management
- Managing Trade Operations (10%)
  - Schedule Trade Operations
    - Critical path method (CPM)
    - Delivery times
    - Manufacturing times
    - Requests for information (RFI)
    - Sequencing trades
    - Submittals/approval/fabrication process
  - Maintain OSHA/Safety Records
    - Document/record retainage requirements
    - Penalties for non-compliance with OSHA
  - Purchase/Order Materials & Supplies
    - Accounting skills
    - Basic math skills
    - Job schedules
    - Negotiation skills
    - Organizational skills
    - Plan reading skills
    - Quality control
    - Quantity take-offs
    - Terms and abbreviations on invoices
    - Types of building materials
  - Leasing/Purchasing Equipment
    - Cost of operation of equipment
    - Depreciation
    - Equipment operation
    - Forecasted use of purchased equipment
    - Interest costs for financing
    - Maintenance
    - Salvage resale values
    - Support equipment required for equipment
    - Tax credits associated with purchases
    - Training needs for equipment
    - Transportation costs for equipment
  - Manage Material/Tool/Equipment Inventory
    - Equipment maintenance procedures
    - Inventory methods
- Conducting Accounting Functions (32%)
  - Manage Accounts Receivable
    - Accounting principles
    - Basic math skills
    - Computer skills
    - Lien laws
  - Manage Accounts Payable
    - Accounting principles
    - Basic math skills
    - Computer skills
    - How to calculate discounts
    - Lien laws
  - Manage Cash Flow
    - Accounting
    - Banking
    - Basic math skills
    - Financial ratios
  - File Tax Forms & Returns
    - Accounting principles
    - Basic math
    - Federal tax laws
    - Property tax laws
    - Record keeping requirements
    - Sales tax laws
    - State tax laws
  - Track Job Costs
    - Accounting principles
    - Basic math
  - Calculate Employee Payroll
    - Accounting
    - State & federal tax laws
    - Basic math
    - Employment laws
    - Employment/labor laws
    - Hierarchy of garnishments
- Managing Human Resources (6%)
  - Hire New Employees
    - Employment laws
    - Discrimination laws
    - Interviewing skills
    - Required forms for new hires
    - Background checks
  - Develop Human Resource Policies & Procedures
    - Employment/labor laws
    - OSHA
    - Chain of custody (drug tests)
    - Insurance regulations
  - Evaluate Employees
    - Employment/labor laws
- Complying with Government Regulation (15%)
  - Comply with Federal Laws & Regulations
    - FEMA (immigration components)
    - OSHA
    - Tax laws
    - National Pollution Discharge
    - Elimination System (NPDES)
    - Environmental laws
  - Comply with State Laws& Regulations
    - Chapter 455 F.S.(Business & Professional Regulation)
    - Chapter 713 F.S. (Liens)
    - 61G4 F.A.C.
    - Worker’s Compensation
    - Laws/DOR Sales/Use Tax
    - Chapter 489, Part 1 F.S (Construction Contracting)
    - Required continuing education
    - CEU credit records
    - License holder responsibilities
Official list of subjects for the Business and Finance exam

Florida Solar Contractor Classes

You can take Solar Contractor Classes in Tampa, Fort Myers, Orlando, Miami, or Online. You can sign up for your classes at any time and receive access to lecture videos, practice questions, tabbing and highlighting instructions, as well as to step-by-step explanations on how to solve typical Solar Contractor Exam Problems. The Solar Contractor Classes prepare you for the trade and business exams. Florida Solar Contractor Testing Schedule. You must pass all exams before applying for the Solar Contractor’s License in Florida. To sign up for the Florida Solar Contractor classes, simply click on the "enroll" button below and checkout; this will allow you to receive immediate access to the Florida Solar Contractor Classes online, and will also enable you to attend in-person Exam Prep classes. All students have access to both online and in-person classes for an unlimited amount of time (until passing all the Florida Solar Contractor exams needed to get the Solar license!). The in-person classes are not mandatory and can be taken at the student's discretion. For a list of upcoming classes for the Florida Solar Contractor Exams click on the link within the course description below.

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FLORIDA SOLAR CONTRACTOR (PEARSON VUE©) COURSE

Login credentials emailed upon enrollment

Unlimited access (no time limits)

Lecture videos

Practice questions

Key concepts

Step-by-step solutions to math problems

In-person review
classes

$699.00
$699.00
indicador

FLORIDA BUSINESS AND FINANCE (CONSTRUCTION) (PEARSON VUE©) COURSE

Login credentials emailed upon enrollment

Unlimited access (no time limits)

Lecture videos

Practice questions

Key concepts

Step-by-step solutions to math problems

In-person review
classes

$399.00
$399.00

Florida Solar Contractor Books

The set of books includes all required references for both the Solar and Business and Finance exams. Orders placed before 2 PM are shipped the same day via UPS and a tracking number is emailed before 3 PM.