This release combines California CSLB C-46 licenses downloaded August 9, 2026, Connecticut DCP active PV1 Electrical Limited Solar Contractor credentials observed August 11, 2026, Florida DBPR current active Certified Solar Contractor and Registered Solar Energy Contractor licenses observed August 11, 2026, Oregon BCD active Limited Renewable Energy Contractor licenses observed August 11, 2026, Colorado DORA active Electrical Contractor registrations observed August 11, 2026, and Minnesota DLI active Class A and B Electrical Contractor licenses observed August 11, 2026. Colorado and Minnesota do not issue a solar-specific contractor license, so their state electrical-contractor class is included and labeled exactly; it is not evidence of solar specialization. Connecticut PV1 credentials are limited individual contractor credentials; Florida certified licenses are statewide and its registered license is local-jurisdiction limited. California CPUC interconnection applications run through May 31, 2026 and match California licenses only. The nine California installer medians are historical applicant-reported aggregates, not current quotes. Berkeley Lab 2024 state installed-price medians are market benchmarks and never contractor prices. Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Minnesota, and Oregon license feeds do not contain provider-specific price, CPUC, bond, workers' compensation, complaint, or project fields. Activity and cost context are not quality, outcome, availability, or quote evidence. Missing source-specific evidence is unavailable, not zero. Verify current license facts and scope with the issuing agency and all bid terms with the contractor.
Verify the license and contracting entity
Match the legal name and license number on the bid to the issuing agency. Confirm status and classification, then check source-specific bond, workers’ compensation, and qualifier evidence where published.
Treat interconnection activity as evidence, not quality
California matched applications show source-reported activity under a validated CSLB number. Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Minnesota, and Oregon licenses do not have CPUC evidence. Activity does not establish unique projects, workmanship, customer satisfaction, or current availability.
Normalize the bid
Compare cash price before financing, system size in kW DC, equipment models, production assumptions, roof work, electrical upgrades, storage, monitoring, permits, interconnection, and warranties. Financing can obscure the underlying system price.
Use cost per watt carefully
The aggregate median only appears with enough observations and reflects source-reported project cost. Roof complexity, storage, panel upgrades, financing, and incentives can make two projects incomparable.
Quick answers
Common interpretation mistakes
Does more application activity mean a better installer?
No. It only indicates matched source-reported activity.
Is median cost per watt a bid estimate?
No. It is historical context, not a quote.
Does a clear license guarantee workmanship?
No. It confirms a source-reported license status, not project quality.
Build a source-linked shortlist
Search the full dataset, open individual records, and verify time-sensitive details with the original source.
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