Solar Hot Water Contractor Licensing

Arkansas offers several limited, specialty licenses for solar thermal installers under the general plumbing license. There are three specialty classifications available for solar thermal installers: a Restricted Solar Mechanic license, a Supervising Solar Mechanic license, and a Solar Mechanic Trainee classification. Installers with a Restricted Solar Mechanic license can install and maintain systems used to heat domestic hot water, but are not allowed to perform any other plumbing work. Individuals holding a Supervising Solar Mechanic license are able to supervise, install and maintain solar and hydronic heating systems for the purpose of solar heating of domestic hot water. A Solar Mechanic Trainee classification is granted to individuals that are learning and working with a licensed Restricted Solar Mechanic. Trainees are gaining experience to become a licensed Restricted Solar Mechanic.

In order to obtain one of these specialty licenses, installers must meet the following criteria. The applicant for a Restricted Solar Mechanic license must provide the Arkansas Department of Health with evidence of relevant training and experience with plumbing related to solar water heating systems. Applicants for a Restricted Solar Mechanic license must have served four years as a registered Restricted Solar Mechanic Trainee. Applicants for a Supervising Solar Mechanic license must have at least five years of solar mechanic plumbing experience or its equivalent, with a least one year as a licensed Restricted Solar Mechanic. In order to progress towards a Restricted Solar Mechanic license, Solar Mechanic Trainees must register with the Department of Health to document the training and experience gained.

More information can be found here.