This new Texas law should shut down all the bad actors that remain.

Starting September 1, 2025, the Texas solar industry is about to change—for the better.

A new era of consumer protection is coming to Texas solar. That’s right, dear reader. The recently passed Texas solar scams law—SB 1036—is designed to shut down unethical sales tactics and restore homeowner trust in the Texas residential solar industry. Starting September 1, 2025, the Texas solar industry is about to change—for the better.

Aggressive door-to-door sales, exaggerated savings claims, opaque lending terms, and confusing contracts have made it difficult for Texans to trust what should be a clean, empowering energy solution. The poor folks who got taken have gone through hell. And it isn’t right.

But, dear readers, a new law –Senate Bill 1036, known as the Texas Residential Solar Consumer Protection Act- is going to put an end to all that.  And all of us here at NATiVE Solar are 100% in support of it!  *I reported on this (now passed) legislation back in January when it was slated for a debate and a vote.

Why the Texas Solar Scams Law SB 1036 Matters (and what it actually does).

SB 1036 was recently passed the Texas Senate and introduces fairly sweeping consumer protections (that’s you) designed to restore faith in residential solar -and to severely punish bad actors, including flat-out shutting them down.  It’s scheduled to take effect Jun 1 of 2026. Here’s what the law requires solar contractors (that’s us) to do :

• Licensing for Salespeople: Solar sales representatives must now be registered, fingerprinted, and pass a background check with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
• Mandatory Insurance: Solar companies must carry general liability insurance to operate legally in Texas.
• Stiff Penalties for Bad Actors: Civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation—and up to $100,000 for repeat violations targeting seniors or vulnerable consumers.
• Consumer Education: All solar proposals must include a state-approved consumer guide outlining homeowner rights, financing risks, and what to expect from installation.

These changes don’t just target shady companies -although it will force them to change (or die!). I think the new state law actually (finally!) creates a clear framework of accountability for legitimate installers to stand apart from (and push back against) all of what has for decades been the unfortunate “dark side” of the solar industry here in Texas.

SB 1036 Timeline

• September 1, 2025: Core provisions take effect. (*NATiVE Solar has pretty much *ALWAYS* implemented these as standard practices)

• Mid-2026: State releases official consumer guide and seller licensing rules.
• Late 2026: Enforcement begins; all residential solar sellers must be licensed and compliant.

What This Means for You -the Homeowner

For Texas homeowners, this is a game-changer. You’ll soon be able to:

• Verify the credentials of anyone selling solar to you.
• Understand your solar investment before signing anything.
• Report unethical behavior and expect real consequences for deceptive practices.

In short: solar in Texas is about to get safer, smarter, and more transparent.

What This Means for Reputable Installers

For ethical solar companies like us, this law is a welcome evolution. We’ve built our reputation on integrity, transparency, and long-term client success—not gimmicks or high-pressure sales. For us, SB 1036 rewards that commitment.

And for those other solar firms who took folks for a ride? Well, all i can say is: “Bubbeye now!”

As the solar market matures, we believe consumer trust will be the most valuable currency. This law helps make that possible.

Final Thoughts

We (here at NATiVE) support the Texas solar scams law SB 1036 and believe it will raise the bar for ethics in our industry. I don’t really understand why it took so long.  This measure passed the state house and senate by a huge margin.  And I don’t know of any reputable people or firms in this market who oppose these new laws.  In any case, it’s a major step toward a better solar future for Texas.

Of course, NATiVE Solar clients have always been safe. And we’re super-greatful to all the folks that have placed their trust in us over the years.

Here’s a link to the bill’s actual final text, as well as the related procedural /legislative data bits for anybody that’s interested in going deeper…

And until next time – be well, dear reader.

NATiVE Solar has been helping Texas homeowners and businesses go solar the right way for over 18 years. If you’re ready to talk to a team that leads with ethics, experience, and service—let’s talk.