If you’re considering solar panels for your home in San Antonio, there’s a new layer of regulations to know about before signing any contracts.
As of September 1, 2026, residential solar retailers and salespeople in Texas are required to register with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (also known as TDLR). This comes from Senate Bill 1036, which established the state’s Residential Solar Retailers program and introduced new rules on how residential solar systems are sold and leased.
The new TDLR requirements are part of a phased rollout.
When Senate Bill 1036 took effect on September 1, 2025, residential solar contracts were required to include certain provisions, including a homeowner’s right to cancel the agreement within five business days. The law also established requirements related to disclosures and consumer protections, allowing homeowners to slow down and review what they’re actually agreeing to.
Now, beginning September 1, 2026, most companies selling residential solar panel systems in Texas, along with the salespeople working for them, must be registered with TDLR.
The law applies to residential solar energy systems, including solar panels and solar shingles, intended primarily for household use. Certain properties and systems are exempt, including nonresidential properties, multifamily buildings with four or more dwelling units or stories, and certain small or temporary systems.
The new regulations come at a time when concerns about residential solar sales practices have received significant attention in Texas.
An investigation by the San Antonio Express-News examined more than 1,000 complaints about residential solar systems filed with the Texas Attorney General’s Office. The investigation found that several homeowners reported misleading sales promises, including energy savings, financing, tax benefits, and system performance. In the complaints that contained enough information for analysis, 83% included allegations that salespeople had unfortunately misled homeowners.
The investigation also highlighted concerns surrounding high-pressure door-to-door sales tactics, long-term solar loans and systems that did not perform as homeowners expected.
That reporting is important context for understanding why Texas has moved toward greater oversight of residential solar sales. The goal of the new TDLR requirements is to give homeowners more transparency when they are considering a solar purchase.
San Antonio homeowners, this should be your takeaway: Do your research, understand the numbers, review the contract, and know who you are doing business with before signing.
For homeowners looking into solar panel installation in San Antonio TX, remember that you get to choose who you work with.
Installing a solar system is a major home improvement investment. You’re not only purchasing equipment, but you’re entering into an agreement that can involve system design, installation, financing, utility interconnection, warranties, and long-term energy production.
The new TDLR program allows homeowners another way to evaluate the company and salesperson they are considering.
Before signing a solar contract, homeowners can ask whether the solar retailer and salesperson are registered with TDLR and who will actually perform the electrical work.
Texas law also requires residential solar systems to be installed by properly licensed electrical contractors (so be sure to ask if they’re licensed, too!).
A huge part of the new law involves deceptive and misleading sales practices.
Residential solar retailers cannot make misleading statements about the performance or cost of solar energy systems or imply that they are affiliated with a public utility or government agency when they are not.
This matters because homeowners may see solar advertisements promising dramatic savings, extremely low prices, or even “free” solar panels.
Solar can absolutely provide financial and energy benefits for the right home, but actual results depend on factors like electricity usage, system size, roof conditions, and utility rates.
A trustworthy solar company should explain those factors instead of overpromising and underdelivering.
There is also a recent TDLR update homeowners should be aware of.
TDLR adopted administrative rules for its Residential Solar Retailers program in 2026. However, on August 21, 2026, TDLR announced that enforcement of two specific administrative rules related to contract disclosures and educational materials would be temporarily suspended until November 1, 2026, giving residential solar retailers additional time to adjust to the new requirements.
That temporary enforcement pause does not mean the new TDLR program has been delayed. The September 1, 2026 registration requirement remains in effect.
If you’re comparing solar companies in San Antonio, don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Be sure to ask:
A reputable solar installer should be comfortable answering those questions clearly.
The new Texas solar regulations give homeowners more information and protections when shopping for residential solar. But regulations are only one part of choosing the right solar company.
Your home, energy usage, roof, and long-term goals all play a role in determining whether solar makes sense for you.
If you’re considering solar installation in San Antonio TX, Solar Edge Pros can help you understand your options and what goes into designing a solar system for your home.
Have questions about solar panels in San Antonio? Contact Solar Edge Pros to start with an informed conversation.
As of September 1, 2026, most residential solar retailers and salespeople in Texas must be registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The regulations are designed to increase transparency and provide additional consumer protections for homeowners purchasing or leasing residential solar energy systems.
Yes. Beginning September 1, 2026, residential solar retailers and salespeople covered by the law are required to register with TDLR before selling or leasing qualifying residential solar energy systems in Texas. Homeowners considering solar installation in San Antonio TX can ask a company about its TDLR registration before signing a contract.
Generally, yes. Covered residential solar agreements provide homeowners with a five-business-day cancellation period after signing. The contract must explain the cancellation deadline and provide information about how to submit a cancellation notice. Homeowners should carefully review their specific agreement for the applicable terms.
Solar panels can still be a worthwhile option for many San Antonio homeowners, but the potential benefits vary by home. Factors such as electricity usage, roof condition, available sunlight, system size, utility rates and financing can all affect the value of a solar installation. The new Texas solar regulations do not change whether solar is right for your home, but they give homeowners additional information to consider when evaluating a solar company and contract.
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