College Station TX solar panel permit rules
City of College Station Building & Construction Services requires a building permit and an electrical permit for rooftop solar PV installations. Apply via cstx.gov. Texas has no state GC or solar contractor license requirement. A TDLR TECL-licensed electrician must pull the electrical permit (tdlr.texas.gov). Call (979) 764-3570 to confirm current documentation requirements before submitting.
Oncor, as the Transmission and Distribution Utility for College Station in ERCOT's deregulated market, requires a separate interconnection application for solar systems connected to the grid. The interconnection process is distinct from your Retail Electric Provider's net-metering agreement — contact Oncor at (979) 764-6255 for interconnection requirements. Net metering terms vary by REP — compare REP solar tariffs before selecting your Retail Electric Provider. Texas has no state-mandated solar access law equivalent to California's, but local HOA restrictions may apply — verify HOA rules before installation.
Three College Station solar scenarios
| Factor | What it means for your project |
|---|---|
| No TX solar contractor license | TDLR TECL is the only license needed for electrical permit work. |
| Interconnection application | Oncor (979) 764-6255 (TDU, separate from REP). |
| Net metering | Varies by REP in ERCOT deregulated market. |
| HOA restrictions | Check CC&Rs before installation — city permit does not override HOA. |
| Portal | Apply at cstx.gov. Call (979) 764-3570 for questions. |
Phone: (979) 764-3570
Online portal: cstx.gov
TX Electrician (TECL)/HVAC (TACL): tdlr.texas.gov | TX Plumber (TSBPE): tsbpe.texas.gov
College Station Utilities (CSU) (electric): (979) 764-6255 | Atmos Energy (gas): 1-888-286-6700
Common questions about College Station, TX solar panels permits
What permits are needed for solar panels in College Station TX?
A building permit and an electrical permit via cstx.gov. A TDLR TECL-licensed electrician must pull the electrical permit. Oncor interconnection application required (separately from city permit) — contact Oncor at (979) 764-6255.
Does College Station TX have net metering for solar?
Net metering terms vary by Retail Electric Provider (REP) in ERCOT deregulated market. Compare REP solar tariffs when selecting your REP — some offer better solar buyback rates than others. Contact Oncor at (979) 764-6255 for interconnection requirements (separate from REP agreement).
Information based on College Station, TX official sources and applicable state/local building codes as of April 2026. Codes and fees change — verify current requirements before starting work. For a project-specific report, use our permit research tool.