Mass. Electrical Licensing Ruling Causes Solar Industry Flare-up

Boston Business Journal (9/11, Noblett) – A state licensing board’s interpretation of the electrical licensing law has some solar companies scrambling to hire more licensed electricians to install panels on rooftops, and recent graduates of local solar job training programs looking at a long road to reach their goal. Any and all aspects of solar photovoltaic system installation must be done by licensed electricians because the systems generate electric current, according to a Board of State Examiners of Electricians ruling announced in January. The clarification of Massachusetts licensing law means that electricians must handle all parts of the solar panel integration process, from making the wiring connection to bolting the panels on rooftops.

“The difficulty with the approach is it really doesn’t recognize the mix of skills or expertise needed to install PV systems in a variety of applications,” said Steve Weisman, spokesman for the Solar Energy Business Association of New England, a regional trade group. “We believe installation can be done by companies that are led by licensed construction managers using licensed electricians…” Yet supporters of the law, namely electrical contractors and union groups, say having electricians on the job in every aspect of generation is necessary to safely install these power-generating units.