Solar PV in Texas
Which codes apply? In Texas, solar PV systems fall under the 2026 NEC, the 2012 IRC (local option), the 2012 IBC (local option), and NFPA 1 in place of the IFC.
Codes that reach solar PV 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 690, solar photovoltaic systems, with 705 for the interconnection and 690.12 for rapid shutdown.
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 R324, solar energy systems.
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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IBCInternational Building CodeThe Texas IBC record2012 IBCVerified
in force since Jan 1, 2022 · Local adoption
Where it reaches the product. Rooftop structures and the structural load of the array.
International Building Code, as it existed on May 1, 2012 (municipal commercial building code) · Tex. Local Gov’t Code §214.216
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IFCInternational Fire CodeThe Texas IFC recordAnother model codeVerified
Where it reaches the product. Chapter 12, section 1205, solar photovoltaic power systems and roof access.
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)
Texas laws that name solar PV systems
On the site: nine laws, rules, orders, and bills, newest first.
| Law or rule | Kind | Stage | Date | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 TAC ch. 328 | Rule | PartialIn force | Oct 1, 2026 | Requires recycling facilities handling wind, solar, and utility-scale battery components to file annual inventories and engineer cost estimates by Jan 15. They must hold financial assurance equal to 100 percent of the estimate, with the state as beneficiary; penalties are capped at $500 a day. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| 16 TAC 25.513 | Rule | PartialIn force | May 22, 2026 | Funds grants or loans for islanding backup power packages at critical facilities that pair gas or propane generation with solar panels and batteries. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| HB 3228 | Bill | PartialIn force | Sep 1, 2025 | Requires leases for solar power facilities, which the law defines to include battery storage, to provide for reuse or recycling and financial assurance. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| HB 3229 | Bill | PartialIn force | Sep 1, 2025 | Requires recycling facilities that accept wind, solar, and battery storage components to file annual inventories, recycling timelines, and engineer cost estimates with the state. 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) |
| HB 5482 | Bill | PartialDid not pass | – | Proposes requiring utility commission approval before wind, solar, or battery storage facilities connect to the ERCOT grid, with fire mitigation plans for batteries. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| SB 1478 | Bill | PartialDid not pass | – | Proposes moving wind lease rules into a new chapter covering wholesale storage, solar, wind, and other renewables, requiring removal and land restoration terms. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| SB 1824 | Bill | PartialDid not pass | – | Proposes requiring landowner leases for wholesale battery storage colocated with wind or solar to make operators remove equipment, recycle where practicable, and restore land. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| SB 2659 | Bill | PartialDid not pass | – | Proposes requiring recycling facilities that accept wind, solar, and battery storage components to file annual inventories, timelines, and engineer cost estimates with the state. Source (opens in a new tab) |
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