Residential energy storage systems in Texas
Which codes apply? In Texas, residential energy storage systems fall under the 2026 NEC, the 2012 IRC (local option), NFPA 1 in place of the IFC, and the 2020 NFPA 855.
Codes that reach residential energy storage systems
The edition Texas enforces for each code that governs the product, and the part of the code that does.
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NECNational Electrical CodeThe Texas NEC record2026 NECVerified
in force since Sep 1, 2026
Where it reaches the product. Article 706, energy storage systems, with 705 for the interconnection and 710 for stand-alone operation.
2026 National Electrical Code (Texas state electrical code) · 16 Tex. Admin. Code §73.100; Tex. Occ. Code §1305.101(a)(2)
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IRCInternational Residential CodeThe Texas IRC record2012 IRCVerified
in force since Jan 1, 2022 · Local adoption
Where it reaches the product. Section R328, stationary storage battery systems in dwellings.
International Residential Code, as it existed on May 1, 2012 (municipal residential building code) · Tex. Local Gov’t Code §214.212
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IFCInternational Fire CodeThe Texas IFC recordAnother model codeVerified
Where it reaches the product. Chapter 12, energy systems, section 1207, which also points to NFPA 855.
State Fire Marshal standards: NFPA 1-2021 Fire Code and NFPA 101-2021 Life Safety Code · Tex. Gov’t Code §417.008(e) and §417.0081; 28 TAC §34.303; Tex. Local Gov’t Code §§233.061-.062; Tex. Health & Safety Code §775.036(b)
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NFPA 855NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage SystemsThe Texas NFPA 855 record2020 NFPA 855Verified
in force since Sep 1, 2023 · Adopted directly
Where it reaches the product. Chapter 15, one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.
State Fire Marshal's Office position on battery energy storage systems under its adopted NFPA 1-2021 fire code · Tex. Gov't Code 417.008(e), 417.0081; TDI battery energy storage systems page
Texas laws that name residential energy storage systems
On the site: 15 laws, rules, orders, and bills, newest first.
| Law or rule | Kind | Stage | Date | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 TAC 73.100 | Code amendment | PartialIn force | Sep 1, 2026 | Requires electrical work to follow the 2026 National Electrical Code from Sep 1, 2026, with a limited exception for ground-fault protection on certain outdoor outlets. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| TCEQ universal waste guidance | Agency guidance | PartialIn force | Nov 7, 2025 | Explains that businesses may manage waste batteries as universal waste. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| Austin Energy socket-mounted transfer switches | Agency guidance | PartialIn force | Oct 30, 2025 | Allows socket-mounted transfer switch devices on the utility's approved list on 200-amp home services without a permit. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| SB 1202 | Bill | PartialIn force | Sep 1, 2025 | Allows qualified third parties, including some master electricians, to review plans and inspect home backup power installations, such as batteries, instead of local officials. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| SB 1252 | Bill | PartialIn force | Sep 1, 2025 | Prohibits cities from regulating installation or inspection of home backup energy systems up to 50 kW output or 100 kWh storage, except city-owned utilities. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| PUCT Project No. 54233 | Rule | PartialPending | May 14, 2025 | Proposes, as a staff discussion draft, new statewide interconnection rules for distributed energy resources, split at 250 kW, with updated inverter ride-through and certification standards. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| TDI Battery Energy Storage Systems FAQ | Agency guidance | PartialIn force | Feb 14, 2025 | Explains that battery systems above the NFPA 855 thresholds must meet the 2020 edition of NFPA 855 where the State Fire Marshal has jurisdiction. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| 28 TAC 34.303 and related | Rule | PartialIn force | Sep 1, 2023 | Requires State Fire Marshal inspections to apply the 2021 editions of NFPA 1 (Fire Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). Source (opens in a new tab) |
| Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1305 | Statute | PartialIn force | Sep 1, 2017 | Requires a state license for electrical work and requires the state to adopt each new edition of the National Electrical Code as its electrical code. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| HB 2304 | Bill | PartialDid not pass | – | Proposes letting authorized third parties review plans and inspect home backup power installations without local submission, with permits issued within two business days. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| HB 3346 | Bill | PartialDid not pass | – | Proposes requiring utilities to allow certified customer-owned meter socket adapters and requiring expedited interconnection, including faster approval for systems under 50 kW. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| HB 3493 | Bill | PartialDid not pass | – | Proposes barring cities from regulating installation or inspection of home backup energy systems up to 50 kW or 100 kWh, including through electrical code amendments. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| HB 3905 | Bill | PartialDid not pass | – | Proposes barring utilities and retail providers from restricting customer-sited solar through size caps, extra standards, licensing demands, or owner-paid inspections, with 21-day interconnection decisions. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| PUCT Project No. 53911 | Program rule | PartialIn force | – | Pilot that tests how aggregations of distributed energy resources at many metered sites take part in the ERCOT wholesale market. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| SB 2021 | Bill | PartialDid not pass | – | Proposes letting distributed energy resources, including home batteries, sell into the ERCOT wholesale market directly or through registered aggregations, meeting utility interconnection requirements. Source (opens in a new tab) |
Every Texas law on residential energy storage systems, with filters
For information only. Your local building or fire official decides which code applies. We check state records often but can miss a recent change, so confirm with your official before you design, permit, or install. Terms of use