How to become a Licensed Solar Installer in New Jersey

To become a licensed solar installer in New Jersey, you are required to register as a home improvement contractor or be a licensed plumber or electrician.

Despite being one of the top 5 states for solar installations in the USA, New Jersey rather unusually has no reciprocity agreement with any other states.

Licensing

You have three solar installation licensing options in New Jersey:

1. home improvement contractor
2. plumber
3. electricians

Home improvement contractor

To become a home improvement contractor, you are required to register with New Jersey Consumer Affairs.

To become registered, a contractor must:

• Complete and submit an application on the form provided by the Division, including copies of all documents required;
• Complete the Disclosure Statement page of the application;
• File proof that it has secured and maintains, in its name as the insured, a policy of commercial general liability insurance in a minimum amount of $500,000 per occurrence; and
• Pay a fee of $110.00

Bond & Insurance

Provide proof that you have secured and maintain a policy of commercial general liability insurance in a minimum amount of $500,000 for each occurrence

Criminal background check

Like all other states, all home improvement contractors are required to undergo a criminal background check.

Having a criminal history doesn’t necessarily preclude you from being a registered contractor.

According to NJ Consumer Affairs, no individual will be disqualified from registration or have his or her registration revoked on the basis of any conviction if that person can demonstrate to the Division clear and convincing evidence of that person’s rehabilitation.

Plumbers

The license duration for a plumber is 2 years.

Licensing can be done through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

Electricians

The license duration for an electrician is 3 years.

Licensing can be done through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.