Solar Contractor Licensing

Michigan offers a solar heating contractor specialty license to individuals who have at least three years of experience installing solar equipment under the direction of a licensed solar contractor and have passed the state examination. Students or graduates of a recognized trade school can count one year of school toward the three year requirement. Contact the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to apply. There is no equivalent specialty license for solar-electric (PV) installers. When solar equipment is installed as a heating element a mechanical contractors license is required in accordance with the state of Michigan Forbes Mechanical Contractors Act.

• Contractors licensed in HVAC systems are able to work on solar thermal systems without the need for a specialty license.

More information can be found on the Interstate Renewable Energy Council website.