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Solar buyback plans are programs offered by energy providers that allow homeowners with solar panels to sell excess energy back to the grid and receive bill credits or cash payments in return. These plans are designed to help homeowners offset their energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. By participating in a solar buyback plan, homeowners can earn money by selling excess energy produced by their solar panels, which can help reduce their energy bills and increase their overall energy efficiency.
Texas is a leader in renewable energy, evident in its solar buyback or net metering program. This program is designed to incentivize homeowners who install solar panels on their rooftops by offering compensation for the excess solar energy their systems generate and feed back into the grid.
When your solar panels produce more electricity than your household consumes, the excess solar power is redirected to the grid. In return, you receive bill credits or cash payments through a “buyback” electric plan, effectively reducing your overall energy costs.
You must select a specific plan in order to receive credits. To enroll in a “buyback” plan with a retail supplier, customers must have an interconnection agreement in place with the utility company first and have an interval meter installed.
Solar buyback plans vary in rates and terms, so it’s crucial to evaluate them carefully to find the one that best aligns with your specific situation. There are 1:1 buyback plans and market-based buyback plans based on Real Time Pricing. Understanding the terms of the agreement are key, such as whether credits roll over.
This guide delves into the intricacies of Texas solar buyback options, providing insights into how you can maximize your savings and make an informed decision for your energy needs.
In deregulated areas of Texas, you have the power to choose your own electricity provider. This freedom has led to the creation of various electricity plans tailored for homeowners with solar panels. However, it's worth noting that in regulated areas like Austin and San Antonio, the local utility handles solar buyback.
As of January 2025, the following companies are known for their solar buyback programs:
Homeowners should carefully evaluate each plan to determine which one best meets their energy needs and budget.
Now that we've highlighted the key players in the Texas solar buyback market, let's delve into the details of their plans and rates to help you find the best option for your solar energy needs.
The Texas solar buyback scene is heating up with a variety of plans to choose from. Below is a comprehensive chart detailing the solar buyback plans Texas offers and the rates provided by electric providers:
| Provider | Solar Buyback Electricity Plans | Solar Buyback Rates (kWh) | Retail Price for Consumption (kWh) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambit | Total Solar Buyback 12; 24 | 14.5 ¢ / kWh in the 12-month plan; 14.0 ¢ / kWh in the 24-month plan | 14.5 ¢ / kWh 12-month plan; 14.0 ¢ / kWh 24-month plan | This plan is for home solar systems up to 25 kW, covering up to 110% of your consumption. Excess solar credits are rolled over to the next month but expire at the end of the contract with no cash-out option. |
| Amigo Energy | Nights Free 12 | While the Amigo Energy website does not specify the solar buyback rate, customers mention a tariff of 3.0 ¢ / kWh in online forums. | 32.3 ¢ / kWh Nights Free | Buyback subject to change. Net consumer. 25 kW max. Free 9p-7a. |
| Champion Energy Services | Champ Saver 12, 24 Free Weekends 24 | Champion Energy\'s buyback rates are based on real-time wholesale market prices published by ERCOT. They also publish their average historical buyback prices by month and load zone. | 9.7 ¢ / kWh (Champ Saver 12) 13.6 ¢ / kWh(Free Weekends 24) | Unused credits roll over to the next month, but there is no cash-out option. Any remaining credits expire at the end of the contract. |
| Chariot Energy | Shine 12, 18, 24, 36 | Shine Plans: Real-time wholesale market price published by ERCOT, up to 25 ¢ / kWh. | 9.7 ¢ / kWh (Shine 12) | Shine plans are available for all system sizes, while Rise plans are for consumers who generate less energy than what they use. Unused credits can be rolled over to the next month in both plans. |
| David Energy | Smart Battery 12 | 3.0 ¢ / kWh in the 12-month plan | 6.9 ¢ / kWh | Connected battery required. Additional savings for VPP/EV. Cash out at the end of each month. |
| Direct | Direct Solar Unlimited 12 | 5.9 ¢ / kWh in the 12-month plan | 10.9 ¢ / kWh | Buyback subect to change with 50 kW max. Cash out at the end of the month. |
| Frontier | Battery Awards 12; Frontier Sun 12 | 16.9 ¢ / kWh Battery Awards; 3.0 ¢ / kWh Frontier Sun | 16.9 ¢ / kWh Battery Awards; 7.9 ¢ / kWh Frontier Sun | Connected battery required for Battery Awards. Buyback subject to change for both plans. |
| Gexa Energy | Battery Benefits 12; Solar Export 12 | 16.9 ¢ / kWh Battery Benefits; 3.0 ¢ / kWh Solar Export | 16.9 ¢ / kWh Battery Benefits; 7.9 ¢ / kWh Solar Export | There is no limit on solar buyback, and any unused credits are rolled over to the next month. However, there is no cash-out option. |
| Green Mountain Energy | Renewable Rewards 36 Renewable Rewards Essential 12 Renewable Rewards Solar Credit 12 | 15.9 ¢ / kWh Rewnewable Rewards 12.8 ¢ / kWhRenewable Rewards Essential 11.0 ¢ / kWh Renewable Rewards Solar Credit | 15.9 ¢ / kWh Rewnewable Rewards 12.8 ¢ / kWhRenewable Rewards Essential 6.0 ¢ / kWh Renewable Rewards Solar Credit | GME installs only. 50 kW max. Cash on cancel. Buyback subj to chg. 50 kW max. Earned credit/mo capped to imp\'d kWh. Buyback subj to chg. 50 kW max. |
| Just Energy | Nights Free 12 | While the Just Energy website does not specify the solar buyback rate, some customers mention a tariff of 3.0 ¢ / kWh in online forums. | 27.2 ¢ / kWh | Buyback subject to change. Net consumer. 25 kW max. Free 9p-7a. |
| Octopus Energy | Octo 12 | Real-time wholesale market price, published by ERCOT. | 7.3 ¢ / kWh | You can request a cash payment for unused credits when the balance reaches $50 or when your contract ends. |
| Reliant Energy | Solar Payback Plus 12 | 5.9 ¢ / kWh | 10.9 ¢ / kWh | This plan is available for solar power systems up to 50 kW. There is no solar buyback limit, and any unused credits are rolled over to the next month. |
| Rhythm Energy | Powershift Solar Buyback 12 | 10.2 ¢ / kWh (Texas Solar Buyback 12)2.4 ¢ / kWh ( Solar Buyback Select 12) | 21.9 ¢ / kWh (Texas Solar Buyback 12)15.9 ¢ / kWh (Solar Buyback Select 12) | This plan is available for solar power systems smaller than 20 kW. There is no solar buyback limit, and any unused credits are rolled over to the next month. |
| TXU Energy | Solar Buyback Match 12; Solar Buyback Saver 12 | 14.0 ¢ / kWh (Solar Buyback Match 12) 5.0 ¢ / kWh (Solar Buyback Saver 12) | 14.0 ¢ / kWh (Solar Buyback Match 12) 10.4 ¢ / kWh (Solar Buyback Saver 12) | Unused credits are rolled over to the next month. |
| Tesla | TE Fixed Plan | 5.0 ¢ / kWh | 10.7 ¢ / kWh | Additional savings for VPP/EV. Cash out every 12-months. Offpeak 12a-4a. |
| Think | Think Shine | 4.0 ¢ / kWh | 9.2 ¢ / kWh | Buyback subect to change with 50 kW max. Cash out at the end of the month. |
The landscape for Texas solar buyback plans is highly competitive, with each provider offering unique terms and incentives. It’s important to find a plan that aligns with your specific needs and preferences, whether you prioritize high buyback rates, low retail prices, or specific contract conditions.
Choosing the right solar buyback plan depends on several factors, including the size of the solar panel system, energy usage, and personal energy needs. Homeowners should consider the following factors when evaluating solar buyback plans:
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a solar buyback plan that meets your energy needs and budget. It’s essential to consider personal energy needs, such as energy usage and solar panel system size, to determine which plan is most beneficial.
When it comes to solar buyback plans in Texas, EnergyBot’s Dan Schilens believes that although understanding how your home consumes energy is important for all customers, it can be extremely beneficial for customers who have invested in solar. Knowing if your system is a net producer of power and selecting a corresponding solar buyback plan can result in additional savings on your energy bills. It is important to fully understand your plan terms in order to understand how your supplier handles any generated credits.
Solar buyback plans are definitely worth considering. Homeowners should do their homework to compare offerings and not just jump at the first plan they come across. With the right plan, solar energy can be economically and environmentally beneficial.
Generally, if you have a solar panel system that consistently generates more electricity than you use, a buyback plan is an excellent way to offset your energy costs and even earn some money.
However, it's important to compare plans and consider the rates offered by your provider, any potential fees, and the terms of the contract. Some plans might have limitations on how much surplus energy they will buy back, or they might offer lower rates for buyback compared to what you pay for grid electricity.
It's also worth considering how long you plan to stay in your current home, as the benefits of a solar buyback plan might take several years to fully materialize. This solar calculator will tell you how much buying, leasing, or financing solar panels costs versus total savings over time.
In addition to solar buyback programs, every U.S. resident is eligible for the federal solar tax credit. This credit allows for a 30% deduction on the cost of installing a solar energy system, applicable to both residential and commercial setups. We recommend taking advantage of this credit sooner rather than later, because the amount of the credit lessens over time.
There are also local incentives and programs to help you save even more beyond solar buyback programs . You can find more information on renewable energy and efficiency incentives here.
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