Quick Answer
Learn how Texas solar buyback plans work and how to maximize credits for your rooftop solar production.
How Texas Solar Buyback Plans Work
Solar buyback plans credit homeowners for excess electricity their solar panels export to the grid.
How it works:
- Unlike traditional net metering, Texas uses a buyback model
- Your REP purchases surplus power at specified rates
- When panels produce more than you use, excess flows to grid
- You receive credits on your bill
Buyback rates range: $0.03/kWh to full retail rate credits
Most plans separate:
- Usage charges (what you pay to consume)
- Export credits (what you earn for sending power back)
Comparing Texas Solar Buyback Rates
Texas solar buyback rates range dramatically between providers.
| Rate Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Real-time wholesale | $0.02-0.08/kWh |
| Fixed buyback | Set rate regardless of market |
| Full retail credit | Your consumption rate |
Top solar-friendly providers:
- Chariot Energy — Competitive export rates
- Rhythm Energy — 100% renewable match
- Green Mountain Energy — Established solar programs
Pro tip: A plan with higher consumption rates but better buyback credits may save more overall than low consumption rates with poor solar credits.
Maximizing Your Solar Credit Value
Strategic energy use helps maximize solar buyback value.
Tips to maximize credits:
- Run high-consumption appliances during peak solar hours (10am-3pm) to consume your own power directly
- Size your system to match consumption patterns, not maximum production
- Battery storage lets you store daytime production for evening use
- Time-of-use plans may offer higher credits during afternoon export hours
Track your data:
- Use your inverter app for production data
- Use Smart Meter Texas for export data
- Optimize usage patterns and provider selection based on real numbers
Choosing the Right Solar Electricity Provider
When selecting a provider for solar buyback, consider these factors:
| Factor | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Buyback rate structure | Fixed vs. variable |
| Consumption rate | How competitive is the rate you pay? |
| Monthly fees | Base charges that cut into savings |
| Contract length | Requirements and ETF terms |
| Green energy options | 100% renewable matching available? |
Watch out for:
- Providers that cap monthly buyback credits
- Minimum consumption requirements
Providers with solar plans: TXU, Reliant, Constellation, Green Mountain, Chariot
Compare your projected annual export value across multiple providers, factoring seasonal production variations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Texas have net metering for solar panels?
How much do Texas solar buyback plans pay?
Can I sell solar power back to the grid in Texas?
Looking for more? Explore all our How-To Guides guides for more helpful resources.
About the author
Consumer Advocate
Brad has analyzed thousands of electricity plans since 2009. He understands how electricity pricing works, why some "low" rates end up costing more, and what to look for in an Electricity Facts Label. He writes to help people make sense of a confusing market.
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Sources & References
- Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT): "ERCOT solar generation capacity data"Accessed Dec 2025
Last updated: December 31, 2025
