Georgetown, Texas, October 16, 2025
News Summary
GAF Energy is relocating its headquarters from San José, California, to Georgetown, Texas, effective December 13. This move will result in the layoff of 138 employees and is driven by better market opportunities in Texas. The decision aligns with market trends in the solar industry and showcases a growing trend of businesses moving out of California to Texas due to economic hurdles. GAF Energy produces innovative roof shingles integrated with solar panels, positioning itself favorably in the evolving solar market.
San José, California – GAF Energy, a technology company specializing in the manufacture of roof shingles embedded with solar panels, is set to close its San José headquarters and move operations to Georgetown, Texas. This relocation will take effect on December 13 and is expected to result in the layoff of 138 employees across various positions, including technicians, engineers, and managers.
The decision to relocate was disclosed in a notification document that GAF Energy submitted to state officials. The company cited better market opportunities in Texas as the primary motivation for the move, rather than negative business conditions in California. Both in-person and remote employees at the San José facility, which has been utilized for research, development, and manufacturing of solar panels since its opening in 2021, will be affected by this closure.
This announcement aligns with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), which mandates that businesses inform their employees 60 days in advance of mass layoffs. GAF Energy, which operates as a subsidiary of Standard Industries—parent company of GAF, a significant roofing producer—plans to streamline its operations in its new Texas headquarters, which commenced operations earlier in May 2024.
A company spokesperson remarked that the decision to consolidate operations was not made lightly and recognized the contributions of employees in San José. The spokesperson added that GAF Energy is realigning its business strategy to focus on key markets where solar energy solutions are most appealing for builders and homeowners amidst ongoing changes in the solar industry.
GAF Energy’s innovative solar shingles offer a more integrated solution to rooftop solar by embedding solar panels directly into the shingle design, rather than installing them on top of roofs. This unique advantage positions the company favorably within the industry’s evolving landscape.
The relocation comes at a time when federal and state incentives for solar companies are tightening, including reductions in tax credits and subsidies that previously supported the sector. In contrast, Texas is currently witnessing a flourishing housing market, with a significant surge in new home permits that provide ample opportunity for solar companies to thrive.
This strategic move by GAF Energy represents a growing trend of companies departing from California to Texas, as many organizations face regulatory and economic hurdles in the Bay Area. Other notable companies that have relocated from California to Texas include Tesla, Oracle, and Charles Schwab. Georgetown, Texas, is recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., making it an enticing option for businesses seeking new opportunities.
Overall, GAF Energy’s transition to Texas highlights significant shifts in the solar industry, as companies adapt to focus on emerging markets and capitalize on growth potential in regions like Texas.
FAQs
What is GAF Energy?
GAF Energy is a San José-based tech company that specializes in manufacturing roof shingles embedded with solar panels.
Why is GAF Energy relocating?
GAF Energy cites better market opportunities in Texas as the motivation for the move, rather than unfavorable business conditions in California.
How many jobs will be cut due to the relocation?
The closure of the San José headquarters will result in the layoff of 138 employees, including technicians, engineers, and managers.
When will the relocation take effect?
The headquarters relocation will be effective December 13.
What is the work environment in San José going to be affected?
Both in-person and remote employees will be affected by the closure of the San José facility.
What does the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) require?
WARN requires companies to notify employees 60 days before a mass layoff.
What are GAF Energy’s solar shingles?
GAF Energy’s solar shingles offer a more integrated approach to rooftop solar energy by embedding panels into shingles rather than placing them on top of roofs.
What is the current state of the solar industry?
The move comes amid tighter federal and state incentives for solar companies, including reductions in tax credits and subsidies.
What is notable about Texas’ housing market?
Texas is experiencing a booming housing market, with significant new home permits allowing for greater market potential for solar companies.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | GAF Energy |
| Old Headquarters | San José, California |
| New Headquarters | Georgetown, Texas |
| Effective Date of Move | December 13 |
| Job Cuts | 138 |
| Business Motivation | Better market opportunities in Texas |
| Business Model Change | Consolidation of operations at the new headquarters |
| Product | Solar shingles |
| Current Industry Trends | Tighter incentives, booming housing market in Texas |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
GAF Energy to Relocate Operations from San Jose to Texas
GAF Energy Relocates Operations to Georgetown, Texas
GAF Energy Relocates Manufacturing from California to Texas
GAF Energy Relocates Headquarters to Georgetown, Texas
Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: Solar Shingle
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: GAF Energy
- SFGate
- Google Scholar: GAF Energy Texas
- The Mercury News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Solar Power
- San Francisco Chronicle
- Google News: GAF Energy relocation
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