61G4-15.021. Certification of Solar Contractors  


Effective on Sunday, March 1, 1992
  • 1(1) Scope of Rule. The purpose of this rule is to provide for the certification of solar contractors.

    19(2) Definition.

    21(a) Solar Contractor. A solar contractor is a contractor whose contracting business consists of the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge and skill to install, alter, repair, maintain, relocate, or replace solar panels for potable solar water heating systems, swimming pool solar heating systems, and photovoltaic systems and any appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith. Such contractor shall subcontract with a qualified contractor in the field concerned all other work which is specified herein as being the work of a trade other than that of a solar contractor. The scope of work of the solar contractor shall apply to private and public property, and shall include all work incidental thereto as specified in subsection (3).

    141(b) Residential. For purposes of this section the term residential refers to systems installed in connection with one family, two family, or three family residences not exceeding two stories in height.

    172(3) Minor work incidental to the installation of residential solar energy equipment. The following work incidental to the installation of residential solar equipment shall be considered to be within the scope of work of a solar contractor. Unless otherwise indicated, the solar contractor shall be permitted to perform such work without subcontracting to a trade other than that of a solar contractor.

    234(a) Electrical work. The branch circuit supplying the electric water heater, the receptacle outlet for a cord-and-plug-connected solar controller, the swimming pool pump motor, and the premises wiring on the load side of the premises service disconnecting means shall be in accordance with the National Electric Code. If installation, alteration, removal, replacement, or upgrading of this circuit is necessary, the work shall be performed by licensed electrical contractors only.

    303(b) Solar Water Heating Systems. Solar contractors may disconnect and reconnect the existing branch circuit wiring at the water heater. Solar contractors may install new or replace existing control attached to a cord-and-plug-connected solar controller. For a photovoltaic pump controller, solar contractors may install new or replace existing direct current power wiring between the photovoltaic panel and the pump motor. All work shall be done in accordance with the National Electric Code.

    375(c) Solar Pool Heating Systems. Solar contractors may install new or replace existing power wiring on the load side of an existing pump motor disconnect. Solar contractors may also install new or replace existing control wiring connected to a solar pool controller. All work shall be done in accordance with the National Electric Code.

    429(d) Solar photovoltaic systems. Solar contractors may install new or replace existing power and control wiring in photovoltaic (PV) source circuits, PV output circuits, battery storage system circuits, and power conditioning unit. In an interactive system that operates parallel with a primary source of electrical energy, this work is limited to the PV supply side of the power conditioning unit. In a stand-alone, or non-grid connected system, the work above-referenced shall be limited to the PV supply side of the power conditioning unit and shall not include wiring integral to the building premises. All work shall be done in accordance with the National Electric Code.

    534(e) Plumbing. The solar contractor shall perform all work required for the installation of a domestic solar water heating system and solar pool heating system, including connecting the solar hot water system to the existing cold water supply and hot water lines at the existing domestic water heater location. Such work shall be performed in accordance with applicable codes and standards.

    595(f) Roofing. Solar contractors may perform roofing work directly related to the installation of a domestic solar water heating system, solar pool heating system, or photovoltaic system, including cutting roof openings and penetrations, installing flashings, attaching equipment mounting brackets and solar panels. Such work shall be limited to an area within 18 inches of each roof penetration or attachment and shall be performed in accordance with National Roofing Contractors Association roofing practices.

    667Specific Authority 669489.105(12), 670489.108, 671489.113(6), 672489.115(4) FS. 674Law Implemented 676120.53, 677489.105(3)(o), 678(12), 679489.113(6) FS. 681History–New 3-1-92, Formerly 21E-15.021.