§2156.3. Installation of solar energy equipment and systems

A. No licensed contractor shall install solar energy equipment or solar energy systems on or after February 1, 2015, unless he is in compliance with the provisions of this Section and any rules adopted by the board in accordance with the provisions of this Section.

B.(1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no later than January 1, 2015, the board shall adopt rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act regulating the installation of solar energy equipment or solar energy systems by licensed contractors. Such rules shall, at a minimum, include the requirement of passage of a separate written examination that evidences the contractor's knowledge and understanding of best practices as related to the installation and maintenance of solar energy equipment or solar energy systems by any contractor who does not hold a current Solar PV Installer certification for solar electric systems, or a current Solar Heating Installer certification for solar thermal hot water systems as issued by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.

(2) Any contractor licensed in this state as of August 1, 2014, holding the major classification of Building Construction, Electrical Work (Statewide), or Mechanical Work (Statewide), shall be deemed to have met the examination requirement pursuant to this Subsection.

C. Contractors applying for the classification of Solar Energy Equipment, shall, in addition to all other application or licensing requirements, meet the following requirements prior to issuance of this classification:

(1) Hold one or more of the following major classifications:

(a) Building Construction.

(b) Electrical Work.

(c) Mechanical Work.

(d) Residential Building Contractor.

(2) Complete training in the design of solar energy systems by an entity and course approved by the board.

D. Any work performed to connect wiring or hookups for any photovoltaic panel or system wherein the panel or system is of a value, including labor, materials, rentals, and all direct and indirect project expenses, of ten thousand dollars or more shall be performed only by a contractor or subcontractor who holds the classification of Electrical Work or who may perform electrical work pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 37:2156.2(B).

E. Any work performed to connect piping or equipment for any solar thermal system wherein the system is of a value, including labor, materials, rentals, and all direct and indirect project expenses, of ten thousand dollars or more shall be performed only by a contractor or subcontractor who holds the classification of Mechanical Work or who may perform mechanical work pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 37:2156.2(B).

F. The provisions of this Section shall be applicable to entities engaging in the business of selling, leasing, installing, servicing, or monitoring solar energy equipment. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to impose civil or criminal liability on homeowners or on any third party whose involvement is financing to the homeowner, financing for installation, or purchasing the tax credits described in this Section from any homeowner or contractor. Entities engaged in the business of arranging agreements for the lease or sale of solar energy systems or acquiring customers for financing entities shall not be exempt from the provisions of this Section.

Acts 2014, No. 862, §1.