Georgetown, Texas, October 16, 2025
News Summary
GAF Energy, a solar panel tech company, is relocating its headquarters from San José, California to Georgetown, Texas, effective December 13. This strategic move aims to leverage better market opportunities, leading to the layoff of 138 employees in California. The firm had previously opened a facility in Texas and is set to benefit from a $3.24 million incentive package, projected to create 265 high-tech jobs over the next decade. The decision underscores an ongoing trend of businesses moving from California to states with more favorable conditions.
California has become the focal point in the business world as GAF Energy, a tech company specializing in roof shingles with built-in solar panels, announces its relocation from San José to Georgetown, Texas. This move will officially take place on December 13 and is part of the company’s strategy to capitalize on better market opportunities in Texas, rather than a reflection of any unfavorable business environment in California.
The relocation notice, filed with California state officials, confirms that GAF Energy will lay off 138 employees based in San José. This workforce reduction spans various roles within the company, including technicians, engineers, and managers. Both in-person and remote employees will be impacted by the closure of the San José facility, which was established in 2021 for research, development, and solar panel manufacturing.
Under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), GAF Energy is obligated to notify employees 60 days prior to any mass layoffs, a requirement they have adhered to with this announcement. The company emphasizes that the decision to relocate is driven by strategic realignment with market demands rather than the commonly voiced concerns about California’s business climate.
Despite the increasing number of firms relocating out of California, citing factors such as strict regulations, high taxes, and costly labor, experts assert that California’s advantages—including a strong talent pool and innovative culture—continue to make it a leading economy in the nation. GAF Energy is not the first company to make this move; it follows the likes of Tesla, Charles Schwab, and Bed Bath & Beyond, all of which have expressed their challenges within California’s business environment.
Interestingly, GAF Energy had previously opened a manufacturing facility in Texas in 2021, positioning the company to consolidate its operations at the new headquarters to promote greater efficiencies and collaboration. Additionally, Georgetown, Texas, approved an attractive incentive package worth $3.24 million to entice GAF Energy, which includes tax rebates and cash incentives. At the time of approval, the company projected it would create 265 high-tech jobs in Texas over the next decade, with an expected total investment exceeding $100 million.
This trend of companies migrating from California to more business-friendly states like Texas is notable, as Texas currently leads in housing permits and renewable energy production nationally. GAF Energy’s decision not only highlights its operational strategy but also reflects a wider shift within the corporate landscape, as businesses continuously seek environments that best support their growth and operational efficiency.
Key Features of GAF Energy’s Relocation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Headquarters Location | Georgetown, Texas |
| Employee Layoffs | 138 employees in San José |
| Facility Closure Date | December 13 |
| Year San José HQ Opened | 2021 |
| Incentive Package in Texas | $3.24 million |
| Projected Job Creation | 265 high-tech jobs over the next decade |
| Total Investment Expected | Over $100 million |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is GAF Energy relocating its headquarters?
GAF Energy will relocate its headquarters to Georgetown, Texas.
When will the move take place?
The relocation will officially occur on December 13.
How many employees will be laid off in California?
GAF Energy will lay off 138 employees in California.
What types of employees are being laid off?
The layoffs include technicians, engineers, and managers.
What was the motivation for relocating to Texas?
The decision to move is motivated by better market opportunities in Texas.
What incentives did Texas provide to attract GAF Energy?
Georgetown, Texas, approved a $3.24 million incentive package to attract GAF Energy.
What is GAF Energy known for?
GAF Energy specializes in roof shingles with built-in solar panels.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Austin American-Statesman
- Los Angeles Times
- Mercury News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Solar Energy
- Google Search: GAF Energy
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange 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 OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
