Texas Solar Energy Laws

Solar power in texas along with wind power has the potential to allow texas to remain an energy exporting state over the long term.

Texas solar energy laws.

Although solar access laws have been enacted for some time now here in texas there was one small caveat that was in place that allows hoa s of a smaller size to restrict the installation. Austin tx and washington d c today the solar industry voiced support for the texas house of representatives for passing a 10 year extension of chapter 312 a section of tax code that enables property tax abatements for companies bringing new investment and jobs to texas. Texas property code 202 010. Search by keyword or citation.

When it comes to solar panels however you have clear legal guidelines on what restrictions your hoa can place on your solar panel project in texas. Ases is a catalyst and a valuable resource in the emergence and re evolution of america s new energy economy in a way that deeply values the role of all stakeholders in a. Regulation of solar energy devices. According to house bill 362 which was signed into law in 2011 the law forbids hoas from prohibiting solar energy installations unless several very specific.

The texas solar energy society is a member of the american solar energy society ases the nation s leading association of solar professionals and advocates. The cost of not installing solar in texas. A recent report by environment texas and frontier group indicates san antonio leads the state in solar pv capacity and ranks eighth among u s. Owners association or the association s architectural review committee may not withhold approval for installation of a solar energy device if the provisions of the dedicatory instruments to the extent authorized by.

Texas property code section 202 010. In fact the law is on your side. Friday may 24 2019 solar industry urges gov. The average homeowner in texas is paying about 129 per month or 1 548 per year for electricity right now.

Hb 362 amended texas property code section 202 010 as outlined below. Between december 2016 and december 2017 net solar power generated by texas utilities and small scale solar pv facilities pdf rose by more than 107 percent from 96 000. The western portion of the state especially has abundant open land areas with some of the greatest solar and wind potential in the country. However the following exceptions do give hoas the power to restrict solar panels if one of the.

Abbott to extend tax abatement program. Unless you live in san antonio austin or one of the other texas cities with a municipal electric company you probably have your choice of a number of retail electric providers. That money goes straight from your pocket to the utility company. Hoas and poas cannot prohibit or restrict a property owner from installing a solar energy device as defined by texas tax code section 171 107.

Although texas doesn t have a statewide net metering policy many utilities in the state including el paso electric the city of brenham cps energy and green mountain energy have policies that credit owners of solar energy systems for the electricity that their panels produce.