Oregon Solar License Requirements (2026)

Oregon solar contracting has separate business and individual electrical-licensing layers. A business contracting for solar construction generally needs a CCB construction-contractor license and, for electrical installation, an Oregon BCD electrical-contractor credential. A Limited Renewable Energy Contractor (CLR) is a narrowly scoped electrical business credential; it must continuously employ a qualifying renewable-energy technician and is limited to renewable generation work within the statutory scope. The Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT) is an individual credential, not the company’s construction-contractor license. Under ORS 479.630, an LRT who is employed by a licensed electrical contractor or CLR may perform specified electrical work on qualifying wind, solar, microhydroelectric, photovoltaic, and fuel-cell systems of no more than 50 kW AC. Larger or broader electrical work needs a credential with the necessary scope. Every project also needs the applicable electrical/building permit and inspection from the state or participating local authority.

Regulatory Body

Licensing for this trade is governed by Oregon Construction Contractors Board, Oregon Building Codes Division, and local authorities (CCB / BCD / Local AHJ), the agency that issues and regulates the credential under ORS Chapter 701; ORS 479.510–479.945; OAR 918-282. CCB licenses construction-contractor businesses. BCD licenses electrical businesses and individual electrical workers. Cities and counties issue permits and administer inspections where they operate an approved program.

• Official portal: https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/Pages/electrical-licensing.aspx
• Address: Building Codes Division, PO Box 14470, Salem, OR 97309
• Phone: BCD: (503) 378-4133; CCB: (503) 378-4621

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Check the current application for identification and tax-number requirements. Neither CCB nor BCD identifies an Oregon-residency prerequisite on the cited licensing materials. CCB uses a Disclosure of No Social Security process when an applicant has not been issued an SSN; use BCD’s current application instructions for individual electrical-license identification requirements.

Good moral character

Licenses are issued under the applicable CCB and BCD statutes, rules, applications, and qualification standards. This guide does not add an unsourced solar-specific character test.

Background investigation

Use the current CCB and BCD applications for required disclosures. Do not assume that a CCB business credential replaces the qualification review for an individual electrical credential.

Experience and Education

At least 2 years of For the individual LRT credential, ORS 479.630 requires completion of a two-year apprenticeship program and passage of a board-approved exam. BCD’s current application instructions identify completion of an approved Oregon apprenticeship for LRT. This is not simply two years of informal PV-installation experience. has to be evidenced and confirmed. Retain payroll, tax, project, or supervisor records, since the board may audit the experience claimed.

Accepted proof of experience or eligibility

• BCD electrical-license application and approved-apprenticeship completion for the individual LRT route
• BCD examination authorization and passing result
• BCD contractor-business application and proof that the CLR continuously employs a qualifying renewable-energy technician
• CCB application, endorsement-specific bond, insurance certificate, RMI training/exam materials, and workforce filings

Education substitution

Do not assume NABCEP certification or generic solar coursework substitutes for Oregon’s LRT apprenticeship requirement. Use BCD’s current application instructions and board rules before pursuing an alternate credential route.

Exam Requirements

Testing provider or authority: BCD authorizes an approved applicant to take the required electrical examination; the applicant selects a preferred testing location and must take the exam within 60 days of BCD’s letter of authorization. CCB separately uses PSI for its contractor exam.. The following examination requirements cover the pathways described in this guide; follow each part's classification, waiver, and local-scope conditions. Unpublished format details do not remove an examination requirement:

• BCD board-approved LRT electrical examination — question count: confirm with the authority, timing: confirm with the authority, passing score: confirm in the current candidate bulletin
• Oregon CCB contractor exam for the RMI — 80 questions, 180 minutes, passing score 70%

Examination fee: CCB’s contractor exam is $60 and the CCB two-year license fee is $400. Oregon’s LRT directory lists a $50 license fee; the Limited Renewable Energy Contractor directory lists $375. Confirm the current BCD application/exam charges before filing because the cited directory does not treat the $50 LRT listing as an exam-fee schedule.

Retake policy: Follow BCD’s current electrical-exam instructions after authorization. CCB allows a failed RMI exam to be rescheduled after paying the exam fee; the CCB license application must be filed within 24 months of a passing score.

Insurance and Bonds

A $20,000 surety bond, in the form prescribed by the CCB / BCD / Local AHJ, must be posted as a condition of licensure.

General liability

CCB bond and liability amounts depend on the construction endorsement, not on a single “solar” category. For example, a residential specialty contractor has a $20,000 bond and $300,000 per-occurrence liability requirement; commercial specialty levels have different bond and insurance amounts. The BCD electrical business credential is separate from CCB’s contractor bond and insurance filing.

Workers' compensation

CCB requires workers’ compensation when the business has employees and states commercial contractors must have it. A CLR also must continuously employ the qualifying renewable-energy technician required by statute. Confirm coverage and worker status with Oregon before contracting.

Additional financial requirements

The cited CCB materials require endorsement-specific bond and liability-insurance filings. This guide does not claim an unsourced solar financial-statement requirement.

Fee Schedule

To turn these board fees into a realistic year-one budget — bond premium, liability insurance, and exam prep included — open the cost calculator preloaded for Oregon solar.

Renewal and Continuing Education

The Oregon Solar Contractor Licensing — CCB plus BCD Electrical Credential must be renewed every 2 years. The fee to renew is presently $400. CCB, BCD individual licenses, BCD contractor credentials, and local permits have separate requirements and dates. Preserve the qualification and employment relationship required for the electrical work.

Continuing education: CCB residential and commercial continuing education is determined by endorsement, license history, and exemption status. LRT renewal is every three years on October 1; Oregon electrical-license CE requirements apply. Renewable energy contractors may be listed among CCB CE exemptions, so verify the exact current status for the business rather than assuming an exemption.

Reciprocity

Oregon honors the NASCLA Accredited Examination toward this classification.

Do not treat an out-of-state solar credential, NABCEP certification, or a CCB license as automatic LRT, CLR, or electrical-contractor reciprocity. Oregon’s official materials require the applicable BCD credential and qualification; confirm any current BCD reciprocal pathway directly with the division.

Weighing more than one jurisdiction? The national hub compares published Solar license requirements by state — exam, bond, fee, and experience thresholds side by side.

Solar Licensing in Neighboring States

Contractors working near a state line, or weighing where to qualify first, should compare Oregon's requirements against the bordering jurisdictions before committing to an application:

• California Solar License Requirements — California Class C-46 — Solar Contractor
• Idaho Solar License Requirements — Idaho Limited Electrical Contractor — Solar Photovoltaic
• Nevada Solar License Requirements — Nevada Solar Contractor License — C-2 Electrical and C-2g Photovoltaics
• Washington Solar License Requirements — Washington Solar Contractor Requirements (Electrical Contractor License, Construction Registration, and Local Permits)

Step-by-Step Application Roadmap

1. Map the project and electrical scope. Determine whether the company is only arranging construction or is making electrical installations. Calculate the renewable system’s rated AC capacity and identify any work that exceeds the LRT/CLR statutory scope or connects to the structure’s wiring.
2. Choose the BCD electrical-business credential. For a limited renewable-energy electrical business, apply for the CLR and continuously employ a qualifying renewable-energy technician. Use an Oregon electrical-contractor credential with adequate scope for broader electrical work.
3. Qualify individual electrical personnel. An LRT completes the approved Oregon two-year apprenticeship and the board-approved examination, then works for a licensed electrical contractor or CLR. A general journeyman or supervising electrician may be appropriate for work within that credential’s scope.
4. Obtain the CCB construction-contractor license. Select the residential and/or commercial endorsement that matches the construction work. The RMI normally completes 16 hours of approved training and passes the Oregon contractor exam.
5. File CCB bond, insurance, and workforce materials. Submit the endorsement-specific surety bond, liability certificate, application, and $400 two-year CCB fee; establish workers’ compensation when required.
6. Secure electrical and building permits before work. The state or participating city/county authority administers permits and inspections. An electrical installation requires the applicable permit and code compliance.
7. Keep both license layers current. Track CCB’s two-year license cycle separately from the BCD individual and contractor credentials. LRT renewal is every three years on October 1; complete required CE before renewal.

Application Checklist

Ahead of submission to CCB / BCD / Local AHJ, confirm every item on this short list:

• Project electrical scope and system AC capacity reviewed
• Appropriate BCD electrical-business credential selected: CLR for its limited renewable scope or a broader electrical contractor credential
• Qualifying LRT/general electrician/supervising electrician engaged as required
• Individual LRT apprenticeship, application, and board-approved exam completed where using that route
• CCB residential and/or commercial endorsement selected
• CCB RMI training and Oregon exam completed unless an approved alternative applies
• CCB bond, liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and $400 application submitted
• Electrical and building permits and inspections confirmed with the state or local AHJ

Progress is saved in this browser, so you can return to this checklist while your application is in flight.

Common Filing Mistakes

The errors below are the ones that most frequently cost Oregon Solar applicants time, drawn from the cited board guidance.

Calling the LRT a company license

The LRT is an individual credential. The company needs its own CCB contractor license and the appropriate BCD electrical-business credential.

Using LRT scope for a larger or broader electrical installation

The statute limits LRT renewable work to qualifying systems no greater than 50 kW AC and does not authorize every building-wiring connection. Use a credential with adequate scope.

Replacing the apprenticeship with informal experience

BCD’s current LRT instructions identify completion of an approved Oregon apprenticeship. NABCEP or general PV experience is not stated as a substitute.

Assuming CCB registration authorizes electrical work

CCB construction-contractor licensing and BCD electrical licensing are separate. A solar business needs the right layer for the work it actually performs.

Skipping local permits and inspections

The applicable state or local authority administers permit and inspection requirements; the business and individual credentials do not replace them.

Study and Reference Materials

The list below collects the board's cited references and the materials applicants typically study from. CLR is not paid to recommend any of them.

• ORS 479.630 renewable energy contractor and technician scope — Oregon Legislature. Primary source for the limited renewable-energy business and individual technician scope.
• BCD electrical-license application instructions — Oregon Building Codes Division. Primary current application reference for the LRT qualification route.
• Oregon CCB license guidance — Oregon CCB. Primary source for RMI, contractor exam, endorsement, bond, insurance, fees, and renewal requirements.

Other Oregon Trade Licenses

CLR maintains guides for additional Oregon trades; the published ones are listed here:

• Oregon General Contractor License Requirements
• Oregon Electrician License Requirements
• Oregon Plumber License Requirements
• Oregon HVAC Technician License Requirements
• Oregon Roofing Contractor License Requirements
• Oregon Painting Contractor License Requirements
• Oregon Landscaping Contractor License Requirements
• Oregon Masonry Contractor License Requirements
• Oregon Concrete Contractor License Requirements
• Oregon Carpentry Contractor License Requirements
• Oregon Low-Voltage Technician License Requirements
• Oregon Fire Sprinkler Contractor License Requirements
• Oregon Home Inspector License Requirements
• Oregon Pool Contractor License Requirements
• Oregon Handyman License Requirements
• Oregon Pest Control License Requirements
• Oregon Septic Contractor License Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Oregon issue a solar contractor license?

Oregon does not use one single solar credential. A contracting business generally needs CCB construction-contractor licensing plus the appropriate BCD electrical-business credential for electrical installation. The CLR is a limited renewable-energy electrical-business credential.

Is an LRT the contractor license for a solar company?

No. The LRT is an individual electrical credential. It must be employed by a licensed electrical contractor or CLR; the business’s CCB and BCD credentials are separate.

What work can an LRT perform?

Within employment by the required licensed business, ORS 479.630 authorizes specified work on qualifying renewable systems—such as solar PV—of no more than 50 kW AC. The statute limits the connections and does not cover every connection to a structure’s wiring system.

Can two years of solar experience qualify someone for LRT?

The statute requires a two-year apprenticeship and a board-approved exam, and BCD’s current application instructions identify completion of an approved Oregon apprenticeship. Do not rely on informal experience or an industry certification as a substitute.

Who issues solar permits in Oregon?

Electrical and building permits and inspections are handled by the state or a participating local jurisdiction. The project’s authority having jurisdiction determines its permit process.

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