Florida Solar Contractor Licensing Practice Test

For candidates preparing for the Florida Solar License exam, several critical resources are essential:

Official Exam Documentation

• Detailed Exam Content Information: Florida Solar Contractors Exam Content
• Candidate Bulletin: Official Candidate Information
• Exam Reference List: Solar Exam Reference Materials

Exam Scheduling and Additional Requirements

• Exam Scheduling: Pearson Vue Testing Center
• Business and Finance Exam Preparation: Florida Business and Finance Exam Practice

In Florida, a Certified Solar Contractor license (designated by CV) is mandatory for anyone looking to install, alter, repair, maintain, relocate, or replace solar contractors or solar energy equipment. This regulation ensures installations adhere to state safety codes and performance standards, safeguarding consumers and upholding industry quality. Whether your focus is on solar water heating, pool heating, or photovoltaic (PV) systems, securing this license is essential to operate legally.

The Florida Solar Contractor exam is specifically designed to test your ability to locate pertinent information within a set of approved reference materials under timed conditions. While it’s an open-book test, effective time management and book navigation are paramount.

Exam Format and Structure

• Duration: 5 hours (300 minutes)
• Number of Questions: 80 multiple-choice questions
• Passing Score: A minimum score of 70% is required to pass.
• Administration: The exam is computer-based and administered by Pearson VUE. You can find testing locations and schedule your exam directly through their website: https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/test-takers.html

It’s important to note that passing this technical exam is only one part of the requirement. Candidates must also pass the Florida Business and Finance Exam. You can find more information and prepare for that specific exam here: Practice the Florida Business and Finance Exam.

For complete, official details regarding exam procedures, rules, and what to expect on test day, consult the Florida Construction Candidate Information Bulletin

Key Content Areas

The exam questions are drawn from specific knowledge domains related to solar installations in Florida. The official Examination Content Information (ECI) outlines the following breakdown.

• Swimming Pools (25%): This section covers site surveys, designing pool and spa heating systems, proper installation of solar collectors, piping systems, attaching system plumbing components, connecting electrical control systems, activating, inspecting, and troubleshooting systems, demonstrating system operation to owners, and ensuring compliance with safety procedures and building codes.
• Domestic Hot Water (25%): Focuses on site surveys and collector orientation, designing solar domestic hot water systems, installing solar water heating systems, piping system specifics, addressing problems caused by varying water conditions, installing components unique to indirect (closed loop) systems, commissioning systems, servicing systems, demonstrating system operation, correct use of tools and equipment, connecting electrical control systems, and adhering to safety procedures and building codes.
• Photovoltaics (50%): The largest portion covers site surveys and module orientation, designing PV systems to meet end-use requirements, specifics of designing Grid-Tied systems, designing Standalone/Non-grid Connected Systems, designing with hybrid systems, installing photovoltaic systems correctly, commissioning systems, using specialized photovoltaic tools and equipment, maintaining PV systems, and complying with safety procedures and building codes.

Key Reference Books

• Walker’s Building Estimator’s Reference Book
• OSHA Regulations
• National Electrical Code Handbook
• Photovoltaic System Design Manual
• Solar Water & Pool Heating Manual
• Photovoltaic Systems Manual

Roofing Manuals

• NRCA Roofing Manuals
  • Membrane Roof Systems
  • Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems
  • Steep-Slope Roof Systems

Building Codes

• Florida Building Code – Plumbing
• Florida Building Code – Residential

Knowing the solar principles is essential, but passing the Florida Solar License exam demands more: speed, accuracy, and efficient navigation through 11 dense reference books. Our practice exam is meticulously designed to hone these specific skills.

What Our Practice Exam Offers

• Extensive Question Bank: Access over 325 questions mirroring the style and difficulty of the state exam, covering all key content areas.
• Realistic Simulation: Experience the pressure of the actual exam with our timed format – 80 questions allotted 300 minutes, requiring a 70% score to pass.
• Targeted Practice: Identify your weak spots and focus your study efforts effectively.
• Book Navigation Training: Learn to quickly locate answers within the approved reference materials – the most critical skill for this open-book test.

The Importance of Book Navigation and Time Management

Our practice exam’s primary goal is teaching you how to efficiently use your reference books during the exam. While these aren’t the exact questions from the state test, they represent the types of questions and the areas of focus you’ll encounter.

Remember, with only 300 minutes for 80 questions, you have less than four minutes per question. This tight timeframe includes reading, comprehending, locating the specific reference, and selecting the answer. Field experience is invaluable, but this exam specifically tests your ability to find the answers in the books. Our practice test is the ideal tool to develop this crucial skill.

Who needs a license to install solar?

Any individual or business performing contracting work involving solar water heating, pool heating, or photovoltaic systems in Florida needs a Certified Solar Contractor (CV) license issued by the state.

How do I become a licensed solar installer in Florida?

Meet the state’s eligibility criteria (experience/education), submit an application to DBPR, pass both the Solar Contractor and Business/Finance exams, and provide proof of required insurance.

What qualifications do I need to be a solar installer?

Beyond passing the exams, you typically need to document several years of relevant experience (often 4 years, potentially offset by education) and demonstrate financial stability. Always check the official DBPR requirements.

How much money can I make as a Solar Installer in Florida?

Earnings vary significantly based on experience, role (installer vs. designer vs. owner), location, and company. Entry-level installers might start around $40k-$50k, while experienced licensed contractors managing projects or running their own business can potentially earn well over $100k annually.

Can an electrical contractor install solar panels in Florida?

Yes, a licensed Electrical Contractor (EC) in Florida is permitted to install PV panels and related electrical components. However, the installation of solar water heating or pool heating systems typically falls under the scope of the Certified Solar Contractor (CV) license.

Do I need a permit to install solar panels in Florida?

Absolutely. Permits from the local city or county building department are required for virtually all solar panel installations (PV, water heating, pool heating) in Florida to ensure code compliance and safety. The licensed contractor typically manages this process.

Below are examples of questions similar to those you might encounter on the exam:

• Question: What is the minimum slope required for a roof-mounted solar collector to ensure proper drainage?
  Answer: 1/4 inch per foot (Reference: NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep-Slope Roof Systems)

• Question: According to the Florida Building Code, what is the maximum allowable working pressure for PVC pipe used in solar pool heating systems?
  Answer: 160 psi at 73°F (Reference: Florida Building Code – Plumbing)

• Question: What is the minimum clearance required between PV modules and the roof surface for fire safety?
  Answer: 3 inches (Reference: National Electrical Code 2020, Article 690)

To enhance your exam preparation, we recommend exploring our other practice exams related to the Florida Solar License:

• Free Walkers Building Estimators Exam
• The NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roof Free Exam
• Free Florida Business and Finance Exam

Remember, the key to success lies in understanding how to efficiently navigate reference materials. The actual exam allocates less than 4 minutes per question, making familiarity with the reference books critical. Field experience alone isn’t sufficient—the exam specifically tests book knowledge and the ability to locate information quickly.

Our practice exam with over 325 questions provides comprehensive preparation for mastering the Florida Solar License exam and launching your career in this growing industry.