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AN ACT
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relating to a customer guide to home solar energy devices. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 17, Utilities Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 17.011 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 17.011. TRANSPARENCY AND BEST PRACTICES GUIDE FOR |
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ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS FOR HOMES. (a) In this section, "solar |
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energy device" has the meaning assigned by Section 185.001. |
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(b) The commission shall develop and periodically update a |
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guide to provide customers with: |
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(1) basic information, best practices, and guidelines |
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to consider when deciding whether to install a solar energy device |
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for a home; and |
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(2) a list of resources for obtaining more detailed |
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information on solar energy devices. |
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(c) The guide must include the following information: |
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(1) suggested questions to ask the electric |
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cooperative, electric utility, municipally owned utility, or |
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retail electric provider that serves the customer about services |
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relating to home solar energy devices, including whether the |
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cooperative, utility, or provider: |
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(A) offers net metering or a buyback program for |
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excess power put onto the grid by a solar energy device; |
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(B) provides rebates or incentives for the |
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installation of a solar energy device; and |
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(C) can clearly identify the services related to |
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home solar energy devices it does or does not provide; |
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(2) design elements of solar energy devices to |
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consider for maximizing efficiency, including: |
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(A) the condition, direction, orientation, and |
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tilt of the roof on which the device is installed; |
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(B) shade analysis; |
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(C) square footage of the roof; and |
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(D) maintenance requirements; |
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(3) financial considerations for customers |
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considering installing a solar energy device, including: |
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(A) financing options, including the costs and |
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benefits of purchasing or leasing a solar energy device; |
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(B) estimations of the appropriate size of a |
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solar energy device system in relation to home size and power needs; |
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(C) federal and state tax credits; |
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(D) continuing costs, including fees, interest |
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rates, and costs of regular maintenance and repairs; and |
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(E) the expected life of different types of solar |
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energy devices; and |
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(4) a contact telephone number and e-mail address for |
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an employee or division of the commission who can provide customers |
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with information about solar energy devices in this state. |
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(d) The commission shall publish the guide on the |
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commission's Internet website. |
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(e) For at least 12 months after the commission publishes |
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each version of the guide, each electric utility that issues a bill |
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directly to a customer for any electric product or service and each |
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electric cooperative, municipally owned utility, and retail |
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electric provider shall: |
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(1) include a link to the guide on the utility's, |
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cooperative's, or provider's Internet website; and |
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(2) provide information about accessing the guide with |
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each bill. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. |
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______________________________ |
______________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
Speaker of the House |
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I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1697 passed the Senate on |
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March 31, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 1. |
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______________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1697 passed the House on |
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April 29, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 111, Nays 35, two |
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present not voting. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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Approved: |
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______________________________ |
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Date |
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______________________________ |
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Governor |