The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (LLR) requires licenses and certifications for solar installations. For information on obtaining these licenses, as well as information about reciprocity with other states, please visit the LLR Website.
Residential Installations Only
For all residential solar electric systems, installers must have a residential builder’s specialty registration with an electrical classification (or residential builder’s license).
If the solar electric system is roof mounted, the installer is required to have a residential builder’s specialty registration with roofing classification (or residential builder’s license). If additional structural framing members (for wind or seismic loading) are required, the installer must have a residential specialty registration with carpenter classification.
If the solar electric system is ground mounted, the installer is only required to have an electrical license.
Commercial or Commercial/Residential Installations
Contractors licensed with the SC Contractor’s Licensing Board are permitted to perform work related to commercial and residential systems.
Installers must have a valid mechanical contractor’s license with an electrical classification to perform work related to solar electric systems.
If the solar electric system is roof mounted, the installer is required to have a general contractor’s license with either a General Roofing or Specialty Roofing classification, whichever is applicable to the roof type, or the Building classification. If additional structural framing members (for wind or seismic loading) are required, the installer must have a general contractor license with a Structural Framing classification.
If the solar electric system is ground mounted, the installer is required to have a general contractor’s license with a Structural Shapes classification.
Additional information about licensure classifications with the SC Contractor’s Licensing Board can be found in South Carolina Code of Laws, Section 40-11-410.
Additional Licenses
Additionally, each local city, town, or county may require a business license to conduct business within that jurisdiction.
Note that the licensed commercial contractor must hold a license that covers 51% or more of the regulated work to be the prime contractor. The prime contractor can subcontract the remaining regulated work to properly licensed subcontractors. A residential contracting company must be licensed as required for all aspects of the residential work. Please be aware that performing, or offering to perform, solar installations without these licenses may result in penalties.