Solar & Battery Regulation & Incentive Programs

Renewable Energy Professional Certification

Program Overview


Category:
Regulatory Policy
Program Type:
Solar/Wind Contractor Licensing
Implementing Sector:
State
State:
Rhode Island
Eligible Storage Technologies:
Solar - Passive, Geothermal Electric, Solar Thermal Process Heat, Solar Photovoltaics, Wind (All), Biomass, Landfill Gas, Wave, Ocean Thermal, Wind (Small), Hydroelectric (Small), Fuel Cells using Renewable Fuels
Website:
http://www.energy.ri.gov/renewable/REP/
Applicable Sectors:
Installers/Contractors
Last Updated:
07/18/2020

Summary

H.B 8200 enacted in June, 2014 requires all ancillary non-electrical renewable energy work such as advertising, distribution and installation be performed by a person, firm or corporation holding a Renewable Energy Professional (REP) Certificate . All the renewable energy electrical work, including installation, connecting, testing, mounting of modules and inverters are to be performed by a licensed electrician.  Except for electrical work, the contractors require REP certification for installation, mechanical fastening and conjoining of listed solar sheathing system that are 10 kW or less. REP certification is also required for to any person, firm or corporation who is engaged in the business of solar thermal technologies. REP certification holders may advertise and bid for solar thermal work provided that they contract with professionals licensed with solar thermal plumbing or mechanical work.  

Department of Labor and Training issues Renewable Energy Professional (REP) Certificate to any individual who is currently registered contractor in RI and fulfills at least one of the qualifications:

  1.     The applicant holds certificate from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV installation or solar hot water. 
  2.     Certification from United Illuminating's or Everblue's PV installer certification program.
  3.     Associate or higher degree in renewable or solar energy from accredited school. 
  4.     Certification from manufacture of a specific technology for installation of that specific technology
  5.     SEI solar professionals certification

Solar

A State Electrical Contractor’s License, Certificate A, is required as well as an electrician’s license and a Journey person's License, Certificate B.

Testing: must pass an exam to become a journeyperson electrician

Duration: two years; license expires on the holder’s birthday


Authorities

NameEnacted DateEffective DateExpired Date
RI General Law
H.B. 820006/16/201406/16/2014