Texas Regulated Residential Solar Retailers
Residential solar companies must now register and license their salespeople to meet new Texas consumer protection rules.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Utilities
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The state implemented the Residential Solar Retailers program on September 1, 2025, to oversee sales practices. This regulatory shift follows reports of contract disputes and service failures involving residential solar providers in Texas.
Why it matters
Lawmakers enacted the program to establish oversight regarding contract terms, rescission, and refund policies for residential solar customers. This change forces companies to improve sales transparency to avoid potential state-issued sanctions or fines.
The Texas Attorney General's Office received over 100 consumer complaints regarding solar companies in April 2026. The regulatory program established under Senate Bill 1036 now governs residential solar contract disputes for the industry.
The players
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
A state agency that oversees occupational licensing and regulatory enforcement across various industries in Texas.
Elios Solar
A residential solar energy company operating as Syngulf Energy LLC that holds a 2.3-star rating on the Better Business Bureau website.
Steve Kioni
The registered agent for Syngulf Energy LLC.
The details
Under Occupations Code Chapter 1806, solar sales operations must ensure their sales personnel are registered and licensed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The department now maintains the authority to investigate consumer complaints and impose administrative fines or sanctions against non-compliant entities. These rules aim to standardize contract terms and ensure consumers have clear paths for refunds and rescission.
Timeline
September 1, 2025: The Residential Solar Retailers program began operations.
April 2026: The Texas Attorney General's Office reported receiving over 100 complaints concerning solar companies.
Market Landscape
This regulatory shift updates the compliance landscape established by Senate Bill 1036, which moved residential solar contracts under state oversight. The program marks a departure from a previously less-regulated market, placing higher accountability on retail providers.
Operators in the residential solar sector must audit their current sales and contracting processes to ensure full compliance with the new licensing requirements. Failure to maintain these standards could lead to state-level enforcement actions that threaten operational continuity.
The takeaway
The implementation of the Residential Solar Retailers program creates a new threshold for legal and operational compliance for energy installers. Business owners should review the specific requirements of Occupations Code Chapter 1806 with qualified legal counsel to ensure all sales staff are properly registered.
Further reading
For more on industry oversight and operational changes, visit Utilities.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KPRC.
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