Licensed Solar Contractor in Michigan: How to Verify Before You Hire

Michigan's solar market is growing steadily, and the state's licensing requirements for solar installation are more specific than many homeowners realize. A solar installation involves at least two separate licensed trades in Michigan, and verifying both before you hire is the difference between a compliant, insured project and one that can't be connected to the grid.

Does Michigan require a license to install solar panels?

Yes. Solar panel installation in Michigan requires a Residential Builder license from LARA (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) when the installation involves roof penetrations, structural modifications, or structural attachment points. All electrical work — wiring panels to inverters, connecting to the electrical panel, and grid interconnection — requires a separate Michigan Electrical Contractor license. Both licenses are issued by LARA and both must be verified before work begins.

The Residential Builder license covers any work on one-to-four family residential structures, which includes roof-mounted solar installations. The electrical component requires a separately licensed Electrical Contractor. Many solar companies hold both licenses. Ask for both license numbers and verify each independently at michigan.gov/lara.

How do you verify a Michigan solar contractor's licenses?

Search Michigan licenses at michigan.gov/lara using the "License Search" tool. You can search by business name, individual name, or license number. Verify the Residential Builder license for the solar company and the Electrical Contractor license for the electrician separately. Both should show as "Active" with a current expiration date.

Michigan has approximately 50,000 licensed electrical contractors in its database. Search by the solar company name first to see what licenses they hold. If the company holds an Electrical Contractor license as well as the Residential Builder license, they can perform both trades with a single company. If they subcontract electrical work, get the subcontractor's license information and verify it.

Is NABCEP certification required in Michigan?

NABCEP certification is not required by Michigan law. However, NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) certification is the industry's leading voluntary credential for solar installers. Contractors who participate in Michigan's Saves solar incentive program or work with the Michigan Saves loan program may have additional credential requirements.

Asking whether a Michigan solar contractor employs NABCEP-certified professionals is a useful quality screen. It indicates investment in ongoing training and technical competency beyond the baseline license requirements. It is not a substitute for verifying the required state licenses, but it is a meaningful differentiator among licensed contractors.

What bond and insurance does Michigan require for solar contractors?

Michigan requires Residential Builders to maintain a $10,000 surety bond. For solar installation, this is the state minimum backstop. Require the contractor to carry general liability insurance of at least $300,000 per occurrence — $500,000 is more appropriate for a typical $15,000 to $30,000 solar installation. Workers' compensation coverage is required for contractors with employees.

Solar installers work on roofs, a high-risk environment for falls and injuries. Workers' comp coverage is non-negotiable. Request a Certificate of Insurance for both general liability and workers' comp, and call the insurer to confirm both policies are active before the crew arrives.

What permits are required for solar installation in Michigan?

Michigan requires a building permit for solar installation (for roof-mounted systems) and an electrical permit for the wiring and interconnection. These are issued by local building departments and inspected by state-licensed electrical inspectors. Michigan utilities (DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, etc.) must approve the grid interconnection before the system can be activated.

Michigan has specific requirements for utility-interactive inverters and interconnection standards. A licensed solar contractor will be familiar with your utility's interconnection requirements and manage the application process. Systems installed without proper interconnection approval cannot legally export power to the grid and may be ordered disconnected.

What are the risks of hiring an unlicensed solar contractor in Michigan?

An unlicensed Residential Builder or Electrical Contractor in Michigan cannot enforce their contract. More critically, unpermitted solar installation work may be ordered removed by the local building department. Electrical work performed without a license creates safety hazards and may void your homeowner's insurance coverage. LARA actively investigates complaints against unlicensed contractors and pursues criminal misdemeanor charges.

Verify both the Residential Builder license and the Electrical Contractor license before hiring any Michigan solar installer. Use CheckLicensed.com for instant verification of Michigan contractor license status and any disciplinary history.