Texas Puts Rooftop Solar Sellers Under State Watch With New Registration Rules

Residential solar companies and individual salespeople in Texas must now register with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under the Residential Solar Retailer Regulatory Act, which also authorizes the agency to handle complaints and pursue enforcement against companies that violate the statute, Yahoo reported. The law gives TDLR authority to investigate consumer complaints and penalize businesses that break the rules.

How the Texas Solar Registration Law Works

State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, championed the law after hearing from Texans across the state who raised concerns about solar sales practices. It was intended to address complaints from Texans who said they were misled about expected savings and available incentives before signing long-term contracts.

The law comes as rooftop solar grows in Texas, with households looking for ways to cut electricity costs. The new rules are meant to add guardrails to a fast-growing part of the energy market.

As more Texans adopted rooftop solar, reports of troubling sales experiences also increased. Some complaints involved promises of lower utility bills that customers later said never materialized. Others focused on financing terms and incentives that consumers said they did not fully understand when they signed the contracts.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued a San Antonio-based solar company, alleging it misled customers about warranties and financing and used deceptive sales tactics. According to Paxton's office, customers were left with systems that did not work properly.

TDLR now oversees this, and it has become the main state regulator for residential solar retailers and salespeople. Homeowners still have five days to back out of a solar deal, which gives them time to review contract terms after a sales presentation. Zaffirini said to KXAN, "Texans deserve honest and transparent transactions, not deceptive sales tactics."

The Attorney General's Enforcement Record

The Texas Attorney General is the state government agency providing legal representation and enforcement services to Texas, operating five core divisions with over 4,000 employees statewide, according to akta.pro company records. The office is led by Ken Paxton, the 51st Attorney General of Texas.

Earlier Texas Enforcement Actions

On October 9, 2026, the Texas attorney general announced $1.5 million in civil penalties against Dallas roofer Gilab Rubinsky, including $500,000 for victims, following a theft case involving about 41 property owners, Yahoo reported. Rubinsky Roofing was found liable for 27 violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and ordered to pay over $500,000 in restitution, Yahoo reported.

On October 2, 2026, Paxton reached a $7.5 million settlement with Tris Pharmaceuticals over allegations of misrepresenting the effectiveness of Dyanavel XR, an ADHD medication for children, Yahoo reported. On September 28, 2026, Paxton's office launched an investigation into Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas over possible denials and delays of medically necessary care, Yahoo reported.

What Comes Next for Solar Retailers

TDLR has delayed enforcement of contract disclosure requirements and the development of education brochures until November to give retailers more time to adjust. Zaffirini has said she plans to monitor how the law works in practice and return to the issue in the 2027 legislative session if more changes are needed.