C-46 Solar Contractor license in California

Updated November 1, 2026 · Official name from CSLB's classification list

• 1,184licenses hold C-46
• 96.2%Clear (CA addresses)
• 34.2%workers' comp exempt (all: 49.6%)
• 99.9%contractor's bond on file
• 14 yrsmedian time licensed
• 71.6%businesses, not sole owners

C-46 contractors install, modify, maintain and repair solar thermal and photovoltaic systems. They can do other building trades only when needed to install that solar system.

Batteries have their own rule. Under the 2024 CSLB regulation, a battery storage system is not part of a PV system. A C-46 may add one only as incidental to a solar install and only up to 80 kWh. A standalone battery needs a C-10. Our solar license guide compares the options.

Typical work under C-46

• Rooftop solar PV systems
• Ground-mounted solar arrays
• Solar water heating systems
• Solar pool heating
• Batteries up to 80 kWh installed with a new PV system
• Repair and maintenance of existing solar systems

Work that needs a different license

• A battery added on its own, with no new solar: C-10 Electrical
• Replacing the roof before panels go on: C-39 Roofing
• A main panel upgrade not needed for the solar install: C-10 Electrical

Tips before hiring

• If a salesperson signs you up, check their Home Improvement Salesperson registration on the CSLB lookup.
• Ask whether the roof under the panels has enough life left to outlast the system.
• Get the panel, inverter and battery models in the contract, along with the size in kW and kWh.
• Down payment on a home solar contract is capped at $1,000 or 10% of the price, whichever is less, unless the contractor has a blanket bond on file.

Where C-46 contractors are

The cities with the most C-46 license holders in CSLB's current file:

1. Solar Contractors in San Diego: 33
2. Solar Contractors in Fresno: 23
3. Solar Contractors in Sacramento: 21
4. Solar Contractors in Bakersfield: 20
5. San Jose: 19
6. Los Angeles: 18
7. El Cajon: 17
8. Riverside: 17
9. Escondido: 15
10. San Francisco: 14

All solar contractors lists

Cities with at least 20 C-46 license holders, largest first:

• San Diego (33)
• Fresno (23)
• Sacramento (21)
• Bakersfield (20)

How to verify a C-46 license

1. Search the business or license number here and confirm C-46 is listed on the profile.
2. Check the same number on CSLB's Instant License Check.
3. Read our full guide to checking a contractor license.

Related license types

• C-10 Electrical Contractor
• C-39 Roofing Contractor
• B General Building Contractor
• C-53 Swimming Pool Contractor

Source: CSLB public data · Updated November 1, 2026 Status can change at any time. Verify on CSLB's Instant License Check.

More license types: ← C-45 Sign Contractor · C-47 General Manufactured Housing Contractor →