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Solar Owner Help In California

The Contractors State License Board Solar Smart page says that in solar energy, California leads the nation. If your installer has closed or stopped answering, or you owned a SunPower system (see Help For SunPower Customers), here is where a California owner can turn.

Who Licenses Solar Contractors

The Contractors State License Board licenses contractors. Its Contractors State License Board Solar Smart page lists the classifications allowed to do solar work, including A (General Engineering), B (General Building), C-10 (Electrical), and C-46 (Solar), which it describes as contractors who install, modify, maintain, and repair solar energy systems. The same page says solar salespeople generally must be registered as Home Improvement Salespersons, and tells consumers not to use a contractor who is not licensed for solar work.

How To Check A License

The CSLB Check A License page lets you look up a contractor license or salesperson registration by number, including complaint disclosure. Ask any company for its license number before it visits, then check that the license is active and in a classification that covers solar.

Where To File A Complaint

The CSLB complaint page offers a dedicated Solar Complaint Form, online or on paper, in addition to its general complaint form. For limited damages, it points to a small claims guide and its phone line at (800) 321-CSLB (2752), and for larger damages it suggests consulting an attorney. It also says CSLB can suspend the license of a contractor that fails to pay final judgments related to its construction work, with sufficient proof.

Net Metering Status

The California Public Utilities Commission net energy metering page says that since April 15, 2023, customers applying for interconnection have taken service on the Net Billing Tariff under Decision D.22-12-056. It says the main difference from the older NEM 2.0 tariff is that exported power is credited at a rate reflecting its value to the grid. If your system went in before that date, ask your utility which tariff your account is on, how long it lasts, and whether changing or expanding the system would affect it.

Lease And PPA Owners

The CSLB page notes that lease and power purchase payments may include an escalator clause, and that selling a home during the term can become challenging because the contract may require a buyout or an assumption by the buyer. If the company that owns your system is gone, read Solar Lease Or PPA When The Company Is Gone.

Steps For Any Orphaned System

1. Gather your contract, permit, equipment list, warranty papers, and any loan or lease documents.
2. Call each equipment maker with your serial numbers. EnergySage guide to installer bankruptcy (updated January 7, 2026) says manufacturer warranties remain valid regardless of installer status, and that the manufacturer can often point you to installers certified on its equipment. It also quotes a service coordinator warning that if an installer is not certified on your equipment, those warranties could be determined to be void, so ask the manufacturer before you hire.
3. If you lease or have a power purchase agreement, contact the company that owns the system before hiring anyone. See Solar Lease Or PPA When The Company Is Gone.
4. Check any new company's license with the agency above before you sign, and get the scope and price in writing.

Agency rules, rates, and contact details change. Treat the dates on the sources here as a snapshot and confirm on the agency's own site.

If you want a local service company to look at your system, describe it in the system check form. We name the one company before anyone contacts you.

Related: Installer Went Out Of Business, Solar Warranty Help, Solar System Not Producing.