The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is authorized to issue licenses for solar-thermal work, solar-electric work and wind-electric work. "Solar thermal work" is defined as "the installation, erection, repair, replacement, alteration, or maintenance of active, passive and hybrid solar systems that directly convert ambient energy into heat or convey, store or distribute such ambient energy." Solar electricity work is defined as "the installation, erection, repair, replacement, alteration, or maintenance of photovoltaic or wind generation equipment used to distribute or store ambient energy for heat, light, power or other purposes to a point immediately inside any structure or adjacent to an end use." (Note that the definition of "solar electricity work" contains "wind electricity work.") License applications and instructions are available on the program web site. The DPC has adopted regulations governing the following types of licenses:
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A person who holds a PV-1 Limited Solar Electric Contractor license may perform only work limited to solar-electric systems (and wind-energy systems). The requirements to qualify for this license examination are two years (4,000 work hours) as a solar journeyperson (apprentice) and 144 hours of school/year or equivalent experience and training.
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A person who holds a PV-2 Limited Solar Electric Journeyperson license may perform solar-electric work (including wind-energy work) only while in the employ of a licensed electrical contractor. The requirements to qualify for this license examination are the completion of a registered apprenticeship program or one year equivalent experience and training.
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A person who holds a ST-1 Solar Thermal Contractor license may perform only work on solar thermal work systems. The requirements to qualify for this license examination are two years as a solar journeyperson or equivalent experience and training.
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A person who holds a ST-2 Solar Thermal Limited Journeyperson license may perform only work on solar thermal systems. The requirements for this exam are an apprenticeship program which included instructions in solar thermal work or equivalent experience and training.
In addition, the DCP may issue a solar-thermal apprentice's permit for the performance of solar-thermal work for the purpose of training. Such work may be performed only under the supervision of a licensed solar thermal contractor or journeyman. Any apprenticeship program established to provide education and training for those seeking licensure for plumbing and piping work or for heating, piping and cooling work must provide all people entering the program with education and training in solar thermal work.
It should be noted that an individual licensed as "E-1" or "E-2," (electrical licenses) does not require an additional PV license. That said, the individuals with E-1 or E-2 licenses are not exempt from the additional requirements required under the state's
residential solar investment program and, for purposes of the program, they must still be experienced or qualified to site and install PV systems.
The DCP is authorized to issue a solar thermal work "certificate" to any person who holds a Plumbing & Piping License (P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4), or Heating, Piping & Cooling License (S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4) as long as that person has also completed an approved solar thermal installation training course and has passed an approved solar thermal work exam. There are approved
DCP courses available. Training and apprentice programs are available through independent trade schools, labor unions, and the Connecticut State Technical High Schools. Individual companies are approved to serve as apprentice hosts. Information on apprenticeships can be found at
Connecticut Office of Apprenticeship Training (CT Department of Labor).
Further information can be found here.