Looking to go green in the Lone Star State? Thanks to deregulation, it’s easier than ever for Texas residents and business owners to find electricity plans powered by solar or plans that earn credits for the excess power your system generates. Our Power Wizard energy experts have highlighted a few of the most popular solar plans in the state to help power your search.
In Texas, there are two main ways you can tap into solar electricity:
Solar electricity plans are retail electricity plans that enable Texas residents and businesses to support the renewable energy mix in the grid by choosing plans sourced from solar energy. Even if you don’t have solar panels, you can choose a plan backed by solar power generated by large-scale solar farms. These plans are a simple way to offset your environmental impact while still receiving reliable electricity from the same grid that powers your neighbors.
When you sign up for a solar electricity plan, your retail electricity provider (REP) doesn’t send solar energy directly to your home or business. Instead, they match the electricity you use with energy generated from solar farms. This is done through Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), which ensure that for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you consume, the same amount of solar power is added to the grid.
You still get electricity the same way you always have, but you’re helping increase demand for clean energy in Texas. If you have solar panels, solar buyback plans credit you for any extra power your system sends back to the grid.
Texas offers a wide range of solar electricity plans to match different energy needs and lifestyles. Understanding how each plan type works can help you choose the one that fits your home or business, habits, and clean energy goals.
A fixed-rate solar plan charges the same energy rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) throughout the length of your contract. These plans are backed by solar energy and offer predictability, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want stable monthly bills while supporting clean energy.
Time-of-use solar plans offer different electricity rates depending on when you use electricity. They commonly offer free or reduced energy rates on evenings and weekends. These plans are a good fit for people who mostly use electricity during those timeframes.
Not all solar electricity plans are the same. Some offer partial renewable energy content, while others offer 100% renewable energy content and may be a mix of various renewable sources. Read the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) before enrolling to understand how your plan works.
Texas solar buyback plans and net metering plans are both ways for homeowners with solar panels to earn credits for the extra electricity they generate, but they work slightly differently.
Solar buyback plans let you earn credits for the extra energy your system sends back to the grid. Instead of wasting your surplus power, REPs will buy it from you at a set rate, which can vary depending on the plan.
If you’ve already invested in solar panels, a solar buyback plan can help you get more value out of the energy you produce. Instead of letting your extra electricity go to waste, these plans allow you to earn credits or payments for the power your system sends back to the grid. Here’s how that can work in your favor:
Almost every Texan can benefit from solar electricity plans, but they can be a perfect fit for people who:
With so many solar electricity plans available in Texas, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you have solar panels or simply want to support renewable energy, keep the following in mind when comparing your options:
Power Wizard’s smart comparison tool shows solar plans side by side, so you can compare your options without digging through multiple REP websites. Enter your ZIP code to get started!
Enrolling in a solar electricity plan is simple when you use Power Wizard. Instead of spending hours jumping between provider websites, you can compare your options all in one place and sign up in just a few steps.
Shopping for electricity in spring and fall, when demand is lower, can help you secure lower rates.
Want to earn more credits? Start by ensuring your solar setup is operating at full power with a solar expert.
Keeping an eye on your system helps you catch problems early and make smarter energy choices.
Solar panels don’t automatically lower your electric bill. Your bill might be high because you’re using more energy than your system produces, especially during peak seasons like summer. Some plans also charge higher rates for electricity you pull from the grid when the sun isn’t shining. And if your plan doesn’t offer strong buyback rates or credits for excess energy, you might not be seeing the full value of what your system generates. That’s why it’s important to choose a plan that fits your solar setup and usage habits.
The cost of a solar system depends on several factors, like how much electricity you use, your roof type, panel brand, and whether you’re buying or leasing. For a 2,000 square foot home in Texas, most standard systems fall somewhere in the $15,000 to $25,000 range before incentives or rebates. It’s always smart to get a few quotes and compare what each option includes before making a decision.
That depends on your electricity provider and the solar buyback plan you’re on. Some providers offer retail rates for the excess power you generate, while others may pay a lower wholesale rate. A few even cap the amount you can earn in credits each month. The key is to read the buyback terms before signing up and make sure you’re choosing a plan that pays you fairly for what your panels produce.
The 20% rule is a general guideline used during solar installation. It means your solar system should be sized to produce around 80% of your home’s annual electricity needs, rather than 100%. This allows you to get solid savings without overproducing energy you might not get paid full price for. It also helps avoid hitting caps on solar credits that some providers set.
That depends on your provider and your specific buyback plan. Many plans let your solar credits roll over month to month and even year to year. Always double-check the plan terms in the EFL or ask your REP how unused credits are handled so there are no surprises.
Yes, they can. Some providers offer a fixed buyback rate, but others tie their rates to wholesale electricity prices, which fluctuate throughout the year. That means the credit you earn for your extra solar energy in July might be different from what you earn in December. If steady credits are important to you, a fixed-rate plan may be the best option.
