At Choose Texas Power, we aim to provide consistent, reliable information about energy plans. Our partners do not direct our editorial content, though we may reference their products in our posts. Read about how we make money to learn more.
Solar buyback plans are energy plans that allow solar panel owners to send excess electricity generated by their solar array to the grid. In exchange, the energy provider offers a credit on the customer’s electricity bill.
Owning a solar panel system can greatly reduce your monthly energy costs. Most customers remain connected to the grid and sign up for a traditional energy plan as a backup power source. If you have solar panels installed on your property, Texas solar buyback plans can help you offset the cost of your solar system and provide reliable and affordable electricity from the grid.
Texas is a leader in renewable energy production. The Lone Star State ranks first in the nation for wind energy generation and second for solar power. While Texas does not have a statewide net metering program, many electricity providers offer energy plans with solar buyback incentives.
If your solar panels produce more energy than you need, Texas solar buyback plans let you send the extra power to the grid. In exchange, your Texas energy provider reimburses you in the form of bill credits or cash payments.
Texas solar buyback plans are available through several reputable energy providers. Compare the best Texas solar buyback plans and programs to find the right one for your home.
Several of the best energy providers in Texas offer solar buyback plans and programs. The terms of each solar buyback plan will vary based on provider, location, and more. The rate you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and the credit you receive for excess solar power should be clearly outlined in your contract. Electricity rates fluctuate often, so it’s important to check for current rates in your area. Enter your ZIP code to explore current Texas electricity rates.
Gexa Energy offers this fixed-rate solar buyback plan with a contract lasting 12 months. With this plan, you’ll receive a bill credit for every kWh of solar power your system produces and exports. Gexa Energy offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, so you can try this plan and switch to another Gexa Energy plan without paying a fee if you aren’t satisfied.
Chariot Energy offers a few solar buyback plans in its Rise & Shine program. Chariot Energy’s Rise & Shine plans offer fixed rates, so the price you pay for electricity from the grid will remain the same for the entirety of your contract. The credit you receive for exported solar power depends on the plan you choose within this program. The Rise & Lumen plan offers a rate equal to your contracted rate, while the Shine & Radiant plan’s rate is equal to the real-time market rate.
TXU Energy offers two solar buyback plans. The Solar Buyback Match plan offers higher credits and is designed for homes that send a high amount of solar energy to the grid, making it a good fit for customers with large solar panel systems. The Solar Buyback Saver plan has a lower electric rate and is designed for customers with smaller solar systems who typically use more power from the grid. With both TXU Energy plans, your bill credits can roll over from month to month and don’t expire.
Green Mountain Energy is known for 100% renewable energy plans. Its Renewable Rewards Buyback plan offers solar owners a way to lower their energy costs while guaranteeing any electricity they use from the grid is 100% renewable. This plan is designed for solar or wind systems under 50 kW of capacity.
If you’re interested in a solar buyback plan in Texas, the deregulated energy market lets you choose your provider and plan. Here’s an overview of the best energy companies with solar buyback plans in Texas.
Provider |
Solar buyback
|
Headquarters |
Choose Texas Power
|
| Chariot Energy | Rise & Shine | Houston, TX | 4.3/5 |
| Gexa Energy | Gexa Solar Export Saver | Houston, TX | 4.6/5 |
| Green Mountain Energy | Renewable Rewards Buyback Plan | Houston, TX | 3.5/5 |
| TXU Energy | Solar Buyback Match & Solar Buyback Saver | Irving, TX | 4.8/5 |
The amount you can make from selling solar energy to the grid depends on the terms outlined in your contract. Some providers will base the solar buyback rate on the rate they charge you for electricity. Other providers will base the buyback rate on the wholesale cost of electricity. Before signing up for a solar buyback plan, be sure to thoroughly review and understand the terms of the plan, including how the provider calculates the credit you’ll receive.
Solar buyback plans work by allowing solar panel owners to send excess power from their system to the power grid in exchange for bill credits. Your provider will determine how your bill credits are calculated and should provide a clear, straightforward explanation in your contract.
At the state level, Texas does not offer a net metering program to buy extra solar energy generated by residents. However, many providers offer solar buyback plans. The Texas energy market is deregulated, meaning you can choose your provider and plan from a variety of options. If you own a solar panel system, search for solar buyback plans in Texas to determine whether you qualify and how much you could save on energy bills.
Net metering and solar buyback programs are similar — both allow residents to send solar energy to the grid in exchange for some form of credit. The difference is in how that credit is determined. Net metering programs offer the full value of every kWh you send to the grid. Solar buyback programs base the credit on the electricity rate specified in your plan or the market cost of electricity.
Choose the right solar buyback plan for you
