Source vintage: June 2026 State license required Official-board verification

Solar Installer License in Minnesota - Exam Required

Use Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry official lookup to confirm an active solar installer license before signing a contract.

Requirements recorded for this license

ExamRecordedExperienceRecordedBondNot recordedInsuranceRecordedContinuing educationRecorded
A recorded screen is not a substitute for the current board rule.

Installs photovoltaic systems, solar panels, and related electrical equipment

✓ License Required in Minnesota

License Type

Solar Contractor License (+ Electrical)

NABCEP certification highly recommended. Electrical license often also required.

Requirements at a Glance

📝

Exam Required

Yes, Exam Required

⏱️

Experience Required

2 years minimum

🛡️

Surety Bond

No bond required

🏦

Liability Insurance

Minimum $500K coverage

📚

Continuing Education

10 hours required per renewal

💰

License Fee

$150-$400

The bond, insurance, and fee figures above reflect an industry-typical baseline for solar installer licensing, per-state statutory research for this trade is still in progress, so this is not yet a confirmed dollar figure specific to Minnesota. Confirm the exact current requirement with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry before relying on a specific number.

How to Apply

  1. 1 Document at least 2 years of relevant work experience
  2. 2 Pass the required licensing exam, contact the board for approved testing centers
  3. 3 Purchase general liability insurance with at least $500K coverage
  4. Submit application and pay the license fee ($150-$400) to Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

Compare Solar Installer Requirements Across States

25 of 51 states require a solar installer license. See how Minnesota compares.

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What the Minnesota Solar Installer Record Shows

Minnesota requires solar installer contractors to hold a Solar Contractor License (+ Electrical) before performing licensed work. Of 25 US states that license solar installer work, Minnesota's regime applies a partial screen, combining some but not all of the exam, bond, and insurance requirements seen in peer states. Licensing is administered through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, which issues the credential, maintains the public license roster, and adjudicates consumer complaints.

The specific entry requirements for solar installer contractors in Minnesota are: a qualifying exam, 2 years of documented work experience, no surety bond, liability insurance with at least $500K in coverage, and 10 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle. License fees in this classification run $150-$400. Additional notes from the licensing board: NABCEP certification highly recommended. Electrical license often also required.

For homeowners in Minnesota, verification is straightforward: use Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's official license lookup to confirm the license number is active, matches the contractor's legal business name, and has no disciplinary history attached. Ask for a copy of the license and the certificate of insurance before signing a contract, and request the surety bond provider if bonding is required. If defective work or non-performance occurs, the state complaint process is the formal path to recovery, file promptly, document everything, and retain copies of contracts, invoices, and correspondence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of license do solar installer contractors need in Minnesota?

Minnesota requires solar installer contractors to hold a Solar Contractor License (+ Electrical). A licensing exam is required. Contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for the most current application process.

How much does a solar installer license cost in Minnesota?

License fees for solar installer contractors in Minnesota are typically around $150-$400 (an industry-typical baseline; per-state fee research for this trade is still in progress). Additional costs may include exam fees, bonding premiums, and insurance. Fees are subject to change, verify current amounts with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

Is insurance required for solar installer contractors in Minnesota?

Yes, Minnesota requires solar installer contractors to carry liability insurance with a typical minimum coverage of $500K (an industry-typical baseline, not yet a confirmed state-specific figure). Even where not legally required, hiring an insured contractor protects homeowners from liability for on-site accidents.

How do I verify a solar installer contractor's license in Minnesota?

Minnesota offers a free online license verification tool through its licensing board website. You can search by the contractor's name or license number to confirm active status and check for any disciplinary history.

What licenses does a solar installer need?

Solar installers typically need a solar contractor license plus an electrical contractor license since solar connects to your electrical system. NABCEP certification is a nationally recognized credential. Always verify both licenses before signing a solar contract.

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Other Trades in Minnesota

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Disclaimer: Requirements shown are from state licensing boards and NCSL. Always verify current requirements directly with Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

States With Similar Solar Installer Licensing Strictness

Other states that license solar installer contractors with a similar exam/bond/insurance/CE requirement profile to Minnesota's.

Data sourced from official state contractor licensing board records. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainHireCheck Editorial

Every figure on PlainHireCheck is rendered directly from state licensing board source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on state licensing board source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.