Limited Solar Electric Contractor (PV-1)

The PV-1 covers photovoltaic and wind generation installation — scope ends at the building entry point

Connecticut's Limited Solar Electric Contractor license (PV-1), issued by the Department of Consumer Protection through the Electrical Work Examining Board, authorizes the installation, erection, repair, replacement, alteration, and maintenance of photovoltaic and wind generation systems, including storage and distribution of that energy for heat, light, or power to a point immediately inside a structure or adjacent to an end use. The DCP Electrical License Types and Scope of Work guidance defines this boundary geographically — work connecting to the existing building electrical system beyond that entry point requires an E-1 unlimited electrical contractor license.

Two years as a journeyperson is the floor, and the exam is required

Before sitting for the PV-1 examination, applicants must hold a Connecticut PV-2 Limited Solar Electric Journeyperson license for at least two years — or document equivalent experience and training. The exam is administered through the state's licensing system. Candidates who take the equivalent-experience path must supply documentation that establishes both the duration and the specific character of their solar electric work; employer letters with dates and work descriptions are the standard vehicle. There is no NABCEP certification required by DCP for licensure, though the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund separately requires at least one permanent employee at approved PV contractors to hold a passing NABCEP entry-level PV exam score.

Application and renewal are both $150, paid through eLicense

The application fee is $150 (non-refundable) and the annual renewal fee is $150, both paid through the Connecticut eLicense portal at elicense.ct.gov. All electrical licenses, including the PV-1, expire annually on September 30. Required documents at application include proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance, exam results, and experience verification.

Continuing education is required for PV-1 license holders: 4 credit hours of approved CE per year, due before the September 30 renewal deadline — verify the current submission date with DCP, as the CE calendar may vary by license type. Certificates of completion must be retained for at least four years in case of a DCP audit. If this is your first PV-1 renewal, you are not required to complete any CE credits for that cycle.

Reinstatement is available if a completed reinstatement form and all applicable fees are submitted no later than three years after the expiration date. Beyond that window, applicants must reapply and retest.

Operating without a valid PV-1 is a Class B misdemeanor under CGS § 20-341

Connecticut General Statutes § 20-341 makes it a Class B misdemeanor to willfully perform solar electric work without a valid license, to employ or supply an unlicensed worker for such work, to misrepresent qualifications, or to continue working after a license has expired. A Class B misdemeanor carries a maximum of six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Civil penalties stack on top: up to $1,000 for a first violation, $1,500 for a second, and $3,000 for violations occurring within three years of a second or subsequent offense. Each instance is a separate violation, and unlicensed work also constitutes an unfair or deceptive trade practice under CUTPA, opening additional civil exposure.