North Carolina electrical contracting license question. Please help! (Stem: credit, construction)

[kristine22]

Hello,

My company recently obtained an unlimited electrical contracting license in north carolina. Are we also required to obtain the general contracting license? We are a solar installation company.

[emelvee]

I think only the electrical license is required in NC, but make sure to verify this. This is based on this information.


How do I know when or if I am required to hold a license to practice general contracting?
North Carolina General Statute 87-1 defines the practice of general contracting; refer to NCGS 87-1 to determine whether these requirements apply in your case.

Originally Posted by NCGS 87-1

Chapter 87.

Contractors.

Article 1.

General Contractors.

§ 87-1. "General contractor" defined; exceptions.
(a) For the purpose of this Article any person or firm or corporation who for a fixed price, commission, fee, or wage, undertakes to bid upon or to construct or who undertakes to superintend or manage, on his own behalf or for any person, firm, or corporation that is not licensed as a general contractor pursuant to this Article, the construction of any building, highway, public utilities, grading or any improvement or structure where the cost of the undertaking is thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) or more, or undertakes to erect a North Carolina labeled manufactured modular building meeting the North Carolina State Building Code, shall be deemed to be a "general contractor" engaged in the business of general contracting in the State of North Carolina.
(b) This section shall not apply to the following:
(1) Persons, firms, or corporations furnishing or erecting industrial equipment, power plan equipment, radial brick chimneys, and monuments.
(2) Any person, firm, or corporation who constructs or alters a building on land owned by that person, firm, or corporation provided (i) the building is intended solely for occupancy by that person and his family, firm, or corporation after completion; and (ii) the person, firm, or corporation complies with G.S. 87-14. If the building is not occupied solely by the person and his family, firm, or corporation for at least 12 months following completion, it shall be presumed that the person, firm, or corporation did not intend the building solely for occupancy by that person and his family, firm, or corporation.
(3) Any person engaged in the business of farming who constructs or alters a building on land owned by that person and used in the business of farming, when the building is intended for use by that person after completion. (1925, c. 318, s. 1; 1931, c. 62, s. 1; 1937, c. 429, s. 1; 1949, c. 936; 1953, c. 810; 1971, c. 246, s. 1; 1975, c. 279, s. 1; 1981, c. 783, s. 1; 1989, c. 109, s. 1; c. 653, s. 1; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 840, s. 1; 2011-376, s. 1.)

North Carolina - Requirements for Solar Power Installation

Licensing requirements for Solar Installers in North Carolina

North Carolina has no specific licensing requirements for those wishing to install solar power systems except that solar power installations must be performed by accredited electrical contractors licensed in North Carolina. Solar installations must comply with all relevant local and national standards such as NEC, IEEE and UL.

Equipment Standards or Certification

North Carolina has no specific standards that solar power equipment must comply with; however different programs from different Utilities may require certain standards or certification. It is important that potential solar power customers check with their Utility to find out if a level of certification is required.

Interconnection Regulations (small generator)

North Carolina has interconnection rules very similar to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions (FERC) and consists of a three tiered interconnection system. Solar power systems up to 10kW in size (tier 1) are entitled to a simplified interconnection process. Those looking to install solar power systems should look for the interconnection regulations on their utilities web site.

MEMORANDUM
FROM: NC STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
TO: ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS AND SOLAR
INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES
RE: STATE LAW – LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLAR
PHOTOVOLTAIC ELECTRICAL ENERGY SYSTEMS