New Senate Bill To Hurt Solar Growth In Texas

Solar To Become Expensive In Texas Soon With New Bill

The Texas Senate recently passed Senate Bill 819 with a 22-9 vote, a move the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) says could severely restrict new clean energy projects and jeopardize the state’s ability to meet growing energy demands.

The bill allegedly introduces burdensome regulations specifically targeting new solar projects—regulations not applied to other energy sources, except wind. Experts warn that if enacted, the legislation could significantly increase the cost and complexity of developing clean energy, threatening both energy reliability and rural economic development across Texas.

Daniel Giese, SEIA’s Texas Director of State Affairs, responded to the Senate vote:

“With energy demand rising fast, Texas needs every megawatt it can generate to keep the lights on and our economy strong. We cannot afford to turn away from the pro-energy and pro-business policies that made the Lone Star State the energy capital, but that’s exactly what SB 819 does. Solar is a $50 billion industry in Texas and is one of the fastest and most affordable sources of energy to build. We urge the Texas House to reject this bill.”

SEIA and the Texas solar industry oppose SB 819 for the following reasons:

• Higher Electricity Costs: Reducing clean energy capacity will lead to increased utility bills for consumers and businesses. A recent study showed that clean energy saved Texans $11 billion over the past two years.

• Weakened Grid Reliability: Solar is currently the largest source of new energy capacity being added to the Texas grid. Experts from ERCOT, the Texas Comptroller’s Office, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas credit solar and battery storage with helping to stabilize the grid during recent extreme weather events. As the fastest and most affordable energy resource to deploy, solar is crucial to meeting Texas’ surging energy needs.

• Harm to Rural Communities: A recent report estimated that current and planned solar, wind, and battery storage projects will generate $20 billion in local tax revenue and $29.5 billion in landowner payments—funds that are vital for rural economies.

• Violation of Property Rights: SB 819 undermines a core Texas value—private property rights—by limiting landowners’ freedom to decide how to use their land. Restricting the ability of Texans to lease their land for solar projects is inconsistent with the state’s identity and traditions.

A robust solar industry supports grid reliability, fuels economic development, and helps keep energy costs low for Texans. SEIA will continue its outreach and education efforts as SB 819 moves through the legislative process.