The original instrument was prepared by Michelle Ducharme. The following
digest, which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared
by Ann S. Brown.
DIGEST
Proposed law provides that 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
proposed law and any rules adopted by the board.
Proposed law provides that 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.
Proposed law further provides that 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.
Proposed law provides that 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 $10,000 or more shall be performed only
by a contractor or subcontractor who holds the classification of Electrical Work or who may
perform electrical work under certain provisions of law.
Proposed law provides that 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 $10,000 or more shall be performed only by a contractor or
subcontractor who holds the classification of Mechanical Work or who may perform mechanical
work under certain provision of law.
Proposed law shall be applicable to entities engaging in the business of selling, leasing,
installing, servicing, or monitoring solar energy equipment.
Proposed law shall not 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 from any homeowner or contractor.
Proposed law also provides that 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 proposed law.
Effective August 1, 2014.
(Adds R.S. 37:2156.3)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer
Protection, and International Affairs to the original bill
1. Provides that on or after February 1, 2015, no licensed contractor shall install
solar energy equipment or solar energy systems unless he is in compliance with
the law.
2. Provides for the minimum requirements of rules adopted by the State Licensing
Board for Contractors relative to a written examination for the installation and
maintenance of solar energy equipment or solar energy systems.
3. Provides for licensure requirements and solar energy equipment classification
requirements.
4. Removes references to solar electric systems and solar thermal systems.
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Adds the residential building contractor as one of the major classifications that
meets licensing requirements.
2. Clarifies which entities shall be affected by the provisions of proposed law. 3. Technical amendments.