License check
How to check a solar installer's license in Suffolk or Nassau
A license number takes a minute to check and tells you the company can legally do the work. Here is who issues it in each county, where to look it up, and what else to ask, from the official pages we read on 2026-11-03.
What New York State and federal rules say
- Section 770 of New York's General Business Law names solar energy systems in its definition of home improvement.
- NYSERDA says every contractor participating in its NY-Sun program is vetted by the agency, and contractors can also earn a NYSERDA Quality Solar Installer designation.
In Suffolk County
- In Suffolk, the electricians who wire solar systems get their licenses from county Consumer Affairs, which lists Master Electrician as a license type.
- Suffolk carves the electrical field out of its home improvement law, so the wiring on a solar installation is not home improvement work there.
- 1Step 1Search the electrician on a solar installation in Suffolk's License and Complaint Violation Look Up under Master Electrical License, by name or license number.
- 2Step 2Solar installers' Suffolk licenses are verified by phone through Consumer Affairs at (631) 853-4600.
In Nassau County
- Nassau County Consumer Affairs puts solar panel installation on its list of who must be licensed for home improvement work.
- The electrician on a Nassau solar installation is licensed by a city, town or village, because county Consumer Affairs says local governments there license electricians.
- 1Step 1Look up a solar panel installer in Nassau's Valid Business License Search by entering its company name, license number or street address in one field, then clicking Search.
Towns with a license of their own
- Town of Smithtown: Smithtown's residential solar panel permit instructions ask for a Suffolk County license and insurance.
- Town of Shelter Island: Shelter Island's notice to contractors says every contractor or subcontractor working on the island, landscapers included, needs a town license.
Beyond the license
- Ask for a certificate of insurance sent to you by the insurer, naming you as the certificate holder.
- Ask who files the permit and books the inspections, and get it in the contract.
- Get the price, the scope, the start and finish dates and the payment schedule in a written contract.
Related
Questions homeowners ask
Do I need a permit for solar panels on Long Island?
Generally yes: the town or village approves the installation, and the utility must approve the connection to the grid. The town pages below quote each town's rules.
Should I replace my roof before installing solar?
If the roof is near the end of its life, it usually makes sense to replace it first, since the panels have to come off for a later roof replacement.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from these official pages. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the office before you file anything.
- New York State Senate, General Business Law section 770 (home improvement contract definitions) (read 2026-11-03; page dated revision of 2020-05-29)
- NYSERDA, NY-Sun Residential and Small Commercial Solar Contractors (read 2026-11-03)
- Suffolk County Consumer Affairs, Licensing and Enforcement (read 2026-11-03)
- Suffolk County Consumer Affairs, Home Improvement License Law (PDF) (read 2026-11-03; page dated 5/25)
- Suffolk County, License and Complaint Violation Look Up (read 2026-11-03)
- Nassau County Consumer Affairs, Who Must Be Licensed? (read 2026-11-03)
- Nassau County Consumer Affairs, Plumber and Electrician Complaints (read 2026-11-03)
- Nassau County Consumer Affairs, Valid Business License Search (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Smithtown, Residential Solar Panels permit instructions (PDF) (read 2026-11-03; page dated rev. 12192017)
- Town of Shelter Island, Notice to All Contractors (read 2026-11-03)
Checked 2026-11-03. Facts come only from the official pages listed, read on that date.
Talk the job through before you call anyone
Tell us about the house and the job in about four minutes. Revival calls you, free, to go over the scope, the budget, the timing and your town's permit office. Contractor matches open as our first licensed partners sign.