What a C-46 license allows
CSLB defines the C-46 Solar Contractor classification as follows: “A solar contractor installs, modifies, maintains, and repairs thermal and photovoltaic solar energy systems. A licensee classified in this section shall not undertake or perform building or construction trades, crafts, or skills, except when required to install a thermal or photovoltaic solar energy system.” Source: cslb.ca.gov licensing classifications.
C-46 licenses in California by the numbers
As of September 2026, CSLB lists 1,051 current licenses that include C-46. 62% have workers' comp on file, 34% are filed exempt, and 44 were issued in the last 12 months.
Ownership: 28% sole owners, 63% corporations, 8% LLCs. Suspensions today: 13 for workers' comp, 25 for bonds.
Insurance and bonds a C-46 contractor needs
- $25,000 contractor license bond — required for every active license.
- Workers' comp — A license with employees must carry workers' comp. With no employees you can currently file an exemption; from January 1, 2028 (SB 1455), CSLB will require workers' comp for all active licenses except joint ventures.
- LLC licenses — liability insurance of at least $1 million (up to $5 million by member count) plus a $100,000 employee/worker bond.
- General liability and commercial auto — not required by CSLB for most licenses, but required by nearly every GC, owner and public agency contract.
Solar underwriting asks about residential vs. commercial, roof-mount vs. ground-mount, battery storage, and whether you subcontract the roofing or electrical portions.
Get a quote
Asena Capital Insurance Services compares multiple markets for solar contractors and requests additional insured endorsements for you when a contract calls for them. Call (858) 925-9555 or request a quote — only your name, phone and email are required. CA License #6008596.