Georgetown, Texas, October 16, 2025
News Summary
GAF Energy, a tech company based in San José, will move its headquarters to Georgetown, Texas, on December 13. This move is part of a strategic shift aimed at better market opportunities, not due to negative conditions in California. The relocation will result in the layoff of 138 employees. Georgetown has offered a $3.24 million incentive package to attract the company, which plans to create 265 high-tech jobs while consolidating operations for improved efficiency.
California
GAF Energy, a San José-based tech company specializing in roof shingles with built-in solar panels, will relocate its headquarters to Georgetown, Texas, on December 13. The company’s decision comes as part of a strategic shift to pursue better market opportunities in Texas, rather than due to any negative business conditions in California.
As a result of this relocation, GAF Energy will lay off 138 employees in California, impacting technicians, engineers, and managers. Both in-person and remote employees will be affected by the closure of the San José facility, which opened in 2021 and was primarily tasked with research, development, and solar panel manufacturing. The company is following the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), issuing a notice 60 days prior to the mass layoffs.
Experts note that even amidst a growing trend of companies departing California, the state retains significant advantages, with established talent pools and innovative capabilities. Other notable firms that have recently relocated include Tesla, Charles Schwab, and Bed Bath & Beyond, all citing California’s strict regulations and high costs as factors in their decisions.
GAF Energy is a subsidiary of Standard Industries and recently opened a manufacturing facility in Texas in 2021. The company hopes to consolidate its operations at the new headquarters to improve efficiency and collaboration among teams. GAF Energy’s unique solar shingles integrate solar panel technology directly into roofing materials, presenting a practical solution for renewable energy generation.
Georgetown, Texas, has rolled out a $3.24 million incentive package to attract GAF Energy, which includes tax rebates and cash incentives. When approving these incentives, GAF Energy projected it would hire 265 employees in high-tech jobs within the upcoming decade and expected total investments to exceed $100 million.
The company will suspend all operations in California, maintaining clarity regarding their motivations for the move, which they emphasize are aligned with market needs. This relocation highlights a broader trend of firms migrating to Texas, which currently leads the nation in housing permits and renewable energy production.
Background Context
The decision by GAF Energy is not an isolated incident. A notable influx of businesses has left California recently, with numerous companies expressing dissatisfaction with the state’s business environment related to high taxes and stringent regulations. Despite this trend, economists argue that California remains a major economic powerhouse filled with opportunities for innovation and talent. GAF Energy’s move reflects a tactical response to enhance its competitive edge in the solar energy market while positioning itself better to leverage economic conditions present in Texas.
FAQs
What is GAF Energy relocating?
GAF Energy is relocating its headquarters from San José, California to Georgetown, Texas on December 13.
Why is GAF Energy moving?
The relocation is motivated by better market opportunities in Texas, not due to an unfavorable business environment in California.
How many employees will be laid off as part of the move?
GAF Energy will lay off 138 employees in California, which includes technicians, engineers, and managers.
What incentives did Georgetown, Texas offer to GAF Energy?
Georgetown, Texas approved a $3.24 million incentive package to attract GAF Energy, including tax rebates and cash incentives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Statesman: GAF Energy’s Headquarters Move
- Los Angeles Times: Solar Panel Company to Leave Bay Area for Texas
- Express News: GAF Energy’s Texas Headquarters Move
- Wikipedia: Solar Energy
- Chron: GAF Energy HQ Relocates to Texas
- Google Search: GAF Energy Texas relocation
- Mercury News: GAF Energy Shuts San Jose Hub
- Google Scholar: GAF Energy
- San Francisco Chronicle: GAF Energy Solar Jobs Texas Move
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Solar Energy Industry
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
