Beware of crating a bureaucratic monster.  Bureaucracy likes to create fiefdoms that make it harder not easier to get people into a rapidly expanding field, like solar electric or solar thermal power.  No one likes the painful truth- but roofing work is the most important part of being a solar contractor when you put your work of art- the solar array on top of someones nest.  The number one concern of homeowners and business is that they don't want to spread buckets around when it rains.  Any solar contractor license- dog tag- or collar has to include roofing work, or have a licensed roofer make the attachments.  I can train a licensed experienced electrician in 8 hours how to install any type of light commercial or residential commercially available solar electric equipment.  These carbon based life forms called electricians are real smart bipeds or they get zapped.  Government agencies or Energy Center can be helpful in training however they can be a real bottle neck to getting enough belly buttons through the certificate meter if they insist on weeklong training courses like we have in Florida. 
    A specific solar license would have to include roofing work, electrician contracting and could include a course on solar site selection as per shading.
    The manufacturer's Siemens, BP, Astropower- if they sell systems dealer direct which the market place may force them too- instead of distributors selling a magnetic of components- better have their own training and certification due to liability.  Contracting is a business - in solar electric contracting for a full service there is no distinct between designing and contractor - except where you choose to get involve from concept to completion of the contract.  We are happy to install other people's equipment as long as the do it to code And our requirements for excellence.  Wel will give them a shopping list by design and they can buy from whomever.  We charge for time and knowledge.  The grid connect system with no batteries require little knowledge and design as delivered by a manufacturer. 
    The Siemens EarthSafe System for example - I can train a good electrician who wants and desires to learn in one hour all he needs to know except roofing.
    Government Agencies outside  of state contracting licenseing boards create fiefdoms and more hurdles to getting more warm bodies in this field quicker.  Each state contactor association needs to offer training in their fields - roofers in installing the equipment, electricians in wiring it.  A solar contractor should have a speciality state license or a roofing and electrician license if the solar license doesn't exist or you cannor offer home owners completed operating insurance on what your license does not qualify you to do.  Contracting involves permitting each state has its own requirements each manufacturer of a somplete systems needs to authorize and train their dealers- or they will find themselves in legal trouble.  Personally, I will not salute any government agency in providing training and certification.  Private industry can do without crating another fiefdom.  The Solar Energy Industry Association can offer training.  Licensed electrician contractors will pay you to show them the ropes as individuals or as a group.  Experience is really what counts.  P.S. sorry if I went on to long, its 105* i n the swamp and 90% humidity - and a racoon got one of my chickens today at our office - a damn good layer. 
                                                                                               -- Gator Tom
     
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