CSLB Reports

CSLB has studied battery energy storage systems (BESS) since October 2016, after receiving public inquiries about the proper contractor license classification to install BESS. Staff held multiple public meetings, listening to hours of public testimony from hundreds of stakeholders, and has solicited and reviewed thousands of pages of technical BESS information.

On December 19, 2019, the Board determined that an outside consultant would be helpful in reviewing all the BESS information received, and/or any need for possible additional information, and produce an independent analysis regarding the appropriate license classification to install BESS. In December 2020, CSLB contracted with the University of California, Berkeley to evaluate this issue.

On July 27, 2021, the Board held a public meeting to hear the presentation from UC Berkeley on its Battery Energy Storage Systems study. The Board then reviewed, discussed, and took action on the study and its recommendations.

Effective October 1, 2021, the Contractors State License Board will not enforce or implement its July 27, 2021, decision related to solar energy storage systems and industry bulletins numbered CSLB 21-14 and CSLB 21-15 until resolution of a pending lawsuit.

On September 17, 2021, a verified petition for writ of mandate and complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief was filed against the Contractors State License Board in the San Francisco County Superior Court, in the case entitled California Solar Energy Industries Association, Inc. v. Contractors State License Board , et al., case no. CGC-21-594911.

On September 28, 2021, the plaintiff-petitioner in the case filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, seeking to enjoin the Board from enforcing its July 27, 2021, decision and industry bulletins numbered CSLB 21-14 and CSLB 21-15.

On October 1, 2021, to resolve the pending preliminary injunction motion, the Board stipulated to not enforce or implement its July 27, 2021, decision and industry bulletins numbered CSLB 21-14 and CSLB 21-15 until the above-referenced case and any appeals are resolved.