Solar Panel Installations: What North Carolina Electricians Need to Know to Protect Their License
Solar panel installations are becoming increasingly common in North Carolina as homeowners look for energy independence and sustainable alternatives to traditional power sources. For electricians, this growing demand brings both new opportunities and added regulatory responsibility. If you’re asked to install a solar energy system on a residential property, it’s essential to understand how both the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC) and the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) view these projects. Because solar installations involve high-value equipment and modifications to a homeowner’s property, both Boards closely oversee permitting and compliance to protect the public.
Understanding Your Electrical License Limits
Under North Carolina law, every solar photovoltaic (SPVP) system installation requires a licensed electrical contractor. The NCBEEC treats SPVP installations as electrical work—meaning anyone performing or contracting for such work must hold the appropriate electrical classification and stay within its financial limits:
Limited License – up to $60,000 per contract
Intermediate License – up to $150,000 per contract
Unlimited License – no limit on contract amount
Electricians should verify that their license classification covers the total contract value, including any subcontracted work. Exceeding those limits may expose the contractor to Board discipline and delay or denial of permits.
Permitting Requirements for Solar Projects
In North Carolina, a building permit is generally required for any project costing more than $40,000 under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-138(b5)—the same dollar amount that triggers the need for a general contractor license under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 87-1.
In addition to the building permit, a separate electrical permit is always required for solar work, regardless of project value, because it involves electrical wiring and equipment. This dual-permit structure raised an important question: Can a licensed electrician pull the building permit for a solar installation, or must a general contractor do so?
Joint Board Guidance: Who Can Pull the Permit?
To resolve confusion, the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), NCLBGC, and NCBEEC jointly published Solar Panel Installation Licensing & Permitting Guidelines. According to those Guidelines:
The Boards consider SPVP installations for residential or commercial buildings to be electrical work unless the scope of work includes non-electrical improvements exceeding $40,000 that would typically fall under a general contractor’s license.
In plain terms:
Licensed electricians can pull the building permit for a solar panel installation—even when the total project cost exceeds $40,000—so long as the non-electrical work (like roof mounting or reinforcement) does not exceed $40,000.
If structural or other non-electrical improvements exceed $40,000, a licensed general contractor must perform that portion of the work.
However, the electrician may still act as the prime contractor and pull the building permit, with the general contractor working as a subcontractor—a significant clarification that gives electricians more flexibility in project management.
Note: Although the joint guidance is now official, local enforcement remains inconsistent.
Electricians should always confirm local building department practices before starting a project. Submitting clear documentation of cost breakdowns—showing the electrical and non-electrical components separately—can help avoid permitting delays.
Key Legal Takeaways for North Carolina Electricians
Electrical License Always Required
Every SPVP installation—residential or commercial—requires a licensed electrical contractor under NCBEEC authority.Building Permit and Value Thresholds
A building permit is generally required for most projects exceeding $40,000. Projects with non-electrical components over $40,000 require a licensed general contractor for that portion.Electricians Can Pull Building Permits
Licensed electricians can now pull building permits for solar projects, even above $40,000 total, as long as the non-electrical portion stays below $40,000.General Contractors as Subcontractors
When non-electrical improvements exceed $40,000, the general contractor must handle that work—but may subcontract under the licensed electrician who pulled the permit.Local Rules Differ
Enforcement varies by jurisdiction; electricians should check local interpretations of the OSFM/NCLBGC/NCBEEC guidance.Compliance and Documentation Are Key
Staying within license limits, keeping accurate cost records, and confirming permit requirements with local authorities can help avoid disciplinary action or project delays.
Final Thoughts
Although the different Boards game some guidance, practical differences in how local authorities interpret those rules mean that electricians should remain vigilant. If you are unsure whether your project scope or contract value requires a general contractor—or if you are facing a licensing or permitting dispute—consulting with legal counsel familiar with North Carolina professional licensing law can help you stay compliant and protect your license.
This is not legal advice. If you do need legal representation call the office at: 919-616-3317