Construction / Solar Contractor License / California
- California
- Solar Contractor
- C-46 Specialty
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your California C-46 Solar Contractor License
What California’s C-46 Solar classification covers, the two exams you’ll take, and the steps from experience to license.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from California Contractors State License Board requirements
Application fee
$450
Plus $51.43 per PSI exam and a $200–$350 initial license fee
Exam time
Not stated
C-46 trade exam + Law & Business
Time to get license
Varies
Depends on the required experience
Continuing ed
Not stated
Not listed in our sources
Overview
Do you need a California solar contractor license?
In California, solar contracting falls under the C-46 Solar Contractor classification. You qualify with the required experience, then pass the C-46 trade exam and the California Law & Business exam.
License required when
- Installing thermal and photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems
- Modifying existing solar energy systems
- Maintaining and repairing thermal and PV solar systems
Common exceptions
- A C-46 doesn’t cover other building trades, except work required to install a thermal or PV solar system
- Our sources don’t list exemptions for solar work, so ask the CSLB before you bid
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our sources don’t list specific penalties. In general, the CSLB can take action against people who contract without the right license, so get your C-46 before you bid solar jobs.
Your fast-track California solar contractor license checklist
The California application, one page
- Documented solar experience
- Completed CSLB application
- Board pre-approval to test
- Passing C-46 trade exam
- Passing Law & Business exam
Types
California solar contractor license types and classifications
Solar is one of California’s C-class specialty contractor licenses.
C-46
Specialty
Solar Contractor
Installs, modifies, maintains and repairs thermal and photovoltaic solar energy systems. Other trade work only when needed for the solar install.
Exam
C-46 + Law & Business
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
California solar contractor license requirements, class by class
Here’s what our sources confirm for the C-46. Anything marked “Not stated” should be checked with the CSLB.
| Requirement | C-46 Solar Contractor |
|---|---|
| Experience | Required (amount not stated) |
| Trade exam | C-46 Solar |
| Law & Business exam | Required |
| Exam format | Closed book |
| Exam pre-approval | Required from the Board |
| Application fee | $450, plus $51.43 per PSI exam |
Steps
How to get your California solar contractor license, step by step
- Get the required experienceBefore you apply
Build hands-on solar experience. You can start the license process once you have the experience the Board requires. - Apply to the CSLBBefore the exam
Submit your application. You’re scheduled for exams only after the Board pre-approves you. - Schedule your examsAfter pre-approval
Schedule your two exams with PSI and pay the $51.43 fee for each one. - Pass the C-46 trade examExam day
Closed book. Covers planning and estimating, panel and collector installation, PV installation and commissioning, solar thermal, service and maintenance, and safety. - Pass the Law & Business examExam day
Closed book. Covers business organization, finances, employment, bonds, insurance and liens, contracts, licensing and public works. - Receive your licenseAfter you pass
Finish any remaining Board requirements and get your C-46 license.
Exam
What to expect on the California solar contractor exam
You need to pass two closed-book exams: the C-46 Solar trade exam and the California Law & Business exam.
Format
Closed book
Questions
Not stated
Passing score
Not stated
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- C-46: planning and estimating, solar panel and collector installation
- C-46: PV system installation and commissioning, solar thermal installation
- C-46: service, operation and maintenance, and safety
- Law & Business: business organization and finances, employment requirements, bonds, insurance and liens
- Law & Business: contract requirements, licensing requirements and public works
Retake policy
- Fail an exam and you can retake it after 21 calendar days
- Each attempt costs the $51.43 PSI exam fee, paid when you reschedule
- You have 18 months from application acceptance to pass both exams, or you reapply with new fees
Exam references · Closed book
The state hasn’t published a reference list for this exam in our sources. Check the candidate bulletin from the exam vendor before you buy books.
Prep
Best California solar contractor exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a California solar contractor license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $450 |
| Exam fees (paid to PSI) | Fixed | $51.43 per exam ($102.86 for Law & Business + trade) |
| Initial license fee | Fixed | $200 sole owner; $350 partnership, corporation or LLC |
| Fingerprinting (DOJ $32 + FBI $17) | Fixed | $49, plus the Live Scan site’s rolling fee |
| Bonds and insurance | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Sole owner: application, two PSI exams and initial license fee; excludes fingerprinting, bonds and insurance | $752.86 |
Fees from the CSLB List of All CSLB Fees and PSI’s CSLB examination information guides, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does California accept out-of-state solar contractor licenses?
Our sources don’t list any reciprocity agreements for the C-46 Solar license.
No reciprocity agreements
Our sources don’t list any, so plan to apply as a new applicant and pass both exams. Ask the CSLB if your out-of-state license helps.
Local
Do California cities and counties have their own solar contractor licensing rules?
Your C-46 license is issued by the state. Cities and counties still handle permits and inspections for solar installs.
State handles
- C-46 licenses and classifications
- Application review and exam scheduling
- Discipline of licensees
City & county handle
- Building and electrical permits for solar systems
- Inspections
- Local business licenses where required
Governance
Who regulates solar contractors in California
Licensing authority
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Contact details aren’t listed in our sources; check the CSLB website
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues C-46 and other contractor licenses
- Reviews experience and pre-approves exam candidates
- Schedules the trade and Law & Business exams
- Disciplines licensed contractors
Maintenance
How to renew your California solar contractor license and keep it active
An active C-46 renewal is $450 for a sole owner or $700 for other entities. Check with the CSLB for your renewal cycle and any other requirements.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
Not stated
Renewal fee
$450 sole owner; $700 other entities (active)
Late penalty
$675 sole owner; $1,050 other entities (active, fee plus penalty)
FAQ
California solar contractor license FAQs
What license do I need to install solar panels in California?
The C-46 Solar Contractor license. It covers installing, modifying, maintaining and repairing thermal and photovoltaic solar energy systems.
How many exams do I take for the C-46?
Two: the C-46 Solar trade exam and the California Law & Business exam.
Is the California solar exam open book?
No. Both California exams are closed book.
Can I schedule the exam myself?
Not until the Board pre-approves your application. Then you schedule each exam with PSI and pay the $51.43 exam fee.
Can a C-46 contractor do other construction work?
Only when it’s required to install a thermal or PV solar system. Other building trades need their own license.
What’s on the C-46 trade exam?
Planning and estimating, panel and collector installation, PV installation and commissioning, solar thermal installation, service and maintenance, and safety.
Sources
Official sources for the California solar contractor license
- California Contractors State License Board, C-46 Solar Contractor classification
- California Contractors State License Board, Law & Business examination
- California Contractors State License Board, List of All CSLB Fees
- PSI, CSLB Law and Business Licensing Examination Information Guide
- California Contractors State License Board, My Original Exam Application was Accepted
- PSI, CSLB Solar (C-46) Licensing Examination Information Guide
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the California Contractors State License Board.