Texas Solar Company Check: TDLR Rules for Homeowners

Check two things: the seller's TDLR registration and the electrical contractor's license. Since September 1, 2026, residential solar retailers and solar salespersons must be registered with TDLR, and contracts must name the licensed electrical contractor who will install the system. You can cancel by written notice through the fifth business day after signing.

Who licenses residential solar installers providers in Texas

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Under Occupations Code Chapter 1806, TDLR registers residential solar retailers and solar salespersons, required since September 1, 2026. A salesperson may sell only on behalf of a registered retailer. The installation must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor, also licensed by TDLR. Use TDLR's license search to check both.

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Key facts for Texas

Senate Bill 1036, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature, created TDLR's Residential Solar Retail program under Occupations Code Chapter 1806.
Residential solar retailers and solar salespersons must be registered with TDLR as of September 1, 2026.
TDLR suspended enforcement of its contract disclosure and educational materials rules until November 1, 2026, to give retailers time to adjust.
TDLR's solar rules cover sales, leases and power purchase agreements for home systems, but not systems on multifamily buildings with four or more units or stories.
A Texas solar contract must allow cancellation without penalty through the fifth business day after signing and must state the last calendar date to cancel.
If an affiliated or referred lender finances a Texas solar sale, the contract must require that lender to cancel the loan if the buyer cancels.
Texas law voids HOA rules that prohibit or restrict solar energy devices, with exceptions such as panels that extend above the roofline.
Under laws effective September 1, 2025, qualified third parties may review plans and inspect home backup power installations, including solar, and cities must issue permits within three business days of an approved third-party review.

What does TDLR's solar registration cover?

Senate Bill 1036 created the Residential Solar Retailer Regulatory Act, now Chapter 1806 of the Occupations Code. TDLR says it covers sales and leases of home solar systems, including power purchase agreements, where you let panels be installed and agree to buy the power they make.

Since September 1, 2026, retailers and salespersons must be registered to sell or lease home systems. TDLR temporarily paused enforcement of two rules, on contract disclosures and educational materials, until November 1, 2026 (TDLR update).

TDLR can take complaints on contracts signed on or after September 1, 2025. For older contracts, TDLR points consumers to the Texas Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection.

What must a Texas solar contract say?

When the system will be installed at your home, the contract must say a licensed electrical contractor will do the installation and name that contractor and license number. It must also say who will get the required government permits and the utility's interconnection approval.

It must let you cancel without penalty by written notice on or before the fifth business day after you sign, state the last calendar date to cancel, and give a mailing or email address for the notice. If the address is missing, you can cancel by any reasonable method.

Who sets your solar buyback rate in Texas?

Not your installer. The PUC of Texas says the buyback rate is part of your contract with your electric provider and is usually lower than the retail price you pay. Where you can shop for a retail plan, you can shop for one with a buyback rate. City-owned utilities and electric cooperatives set their own rates.

The PUC also says the State of Texas does not offer grants or rebates for solar panels, and that the homeowner or installer must register the system with the local utility that manages the poles and wires.

What can a Texas HOA require?

Texas Property Code 202.010 says an HOA may not prohibit or restrict solar energy devices, but lists exceptions (text of the law). An HOA may block roof panels that extend above the roofline, don't follow the roof's slope, or have frames and wiring that are not silver, bronze or black. It may designate a roof area unless another spot would produce more than 10 percent more energy, using an NREL modeling tool. It may also require prior approval.

How to choose a provider in Texas

Search the retailer and salesperson on TDLR's license search.
Find the electrical contractor named in the contract and check that license too.
Confirm the contract states the last day to cancel and where to send the notice.
Ask your retail electric provider or utility for its buyback terms in writing.
Confirm who gets the city permit and the utility's interconnection approval.
If you finance, confirm the loan cancels if you cancel the sale.
Check your HOA's solar guidelines against Property Code 202.010.

Residential solar installers in Texas cities

Questions people ask

Do Texas solar salespeople need a license?

They need a TDLR registration. Since September 1, 2026, residential solar retailers and solar salespersons must be registered with TDLR to sell or lease home systems.

Who installs solar in Texas?

A licensed electrical contractor. Texas solar contracts must name the contractor and license number.

How do I cancel a solar contract in Texas?

Send written notice on or before the fifth business day after you sign. The contract must give the last calendar date and an address for the notice.

Does Texas have net metering?

The PUC says buyback rules depend on your provider. In areas where you can shop, retail plans set buyback rates. City-owned utilities and co-ops set their own.

Where do I complain about a Texas solar seller?

TDLR accepts complaints on contracts signed on or after September 1, 2025. For older contracts, TDLR points consumers to the Texas Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection.

Can my Texas HOA say no to solar?

Only in limited cases listed in Property Code 202.010, such as panels above the roofline or installed without required prior approval.

Sources

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.

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