The Best Solar Buyback Rates in Texas
When solar panels produce more electricity than your home needs, you can earn money by selling excess energy to your retail electricity provider through a solar buyback plan. If you have solar panels, this plan type can help offset your electricity costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Learn more about solar buyback plans in Texas and if they’re worth it for you.
What are buyback solar plans?
Solar buyback plans let customers earn credits by transferring extra energy from their solar panels to the electricity grid. When your system generates more electricity than you need, you can sell the surplus and receive credit. The export rates and how you’re compensated may vary by provider. Some will pay you directly, while others only offer credits toward future energy bills.
When picking a solar buyback plan, consider the rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and compensation details. Check if any fees are associated with the buyback process and whether the plan includes options for rolling over or transferring unused credits. The following are a few important terms when comparing Texas solar buyback plans.
- Maximum size: The size requirement of your solar panel system in kilowatts (kW).
- Import rate: The retail rate you pay for electricity per kWh.
- Export rate: The rate you earn per kWh of electricity sold to the grid.
- 1:1 Buyback: When the import and export rates match.
- Wholesale: You receive the wholesale price for exported energy, which is usually less than the retail rate and varies based on supply and demand.
- No cash-out: Credits cannot be converted to cash and may not be transferable to other providers.
The best solar buyback plans in Texas
When comparing solar buyback plans, the best option for you depends on your system size. For larger systems, consider a solar buyback plan that matches your retail rate. If you have a smaller system, you can benefit from a lower energy rate and credits that don’t expire. Solar panels are typically warranted for about 25 years, so consider a longer-term solar buyback plan if you secure a low rate.
The following table lists the best solar buyback plans in Texas. Import and export rates vary by ZIP code and plan length.
| Provider | Solar buyback plan | Import rate/kWh | Export rate/kWh | Credit policies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Mountain Energy | Renewable Rewards Solar Credit | 16.4¢ | 5.3¢ | No limit for credits. |
| Gexa Energy | Solar Export Saver | 19.2¢ | 3¢ | No limit for credits, receive credits at an energy rate without TDU charges, and include a free year of solar monitoring. |
| TXU Energy | Solar Buyback Match | 16.6¢ | 16.6¢ | Unused credits roll over to pay for future bills. No cash-out. |
Best company for solar buyback plans
The best power company for solar buyback depends on your preference for rates, credits, and company reputation. The following lists some of the top energy providers in Texas for solar buyback plans. You can find these energy companies on the Choose Energy marketplace.
- Gexa Energy: Best for unlimited credits and added benefits like a free year of solar monitoring.
- Green Mountain Energy: Best for lowest energy rates with no limits for credits.
- TXU Energy: Best for matching import and export rates.
How much can I make from a solar buyback plan?
Other than earning credits toward future energy bills, you can cash out depending on your solar buyback plan. Some providers offer a cash-out option when your monthly earnings exceed a certain amount. If your goal is to earn cash rather than credits, ensure you choose a provider and plan with a cash-out compensation option.
The amount you can make from a solar buyback plan depends on the export rate. Plans offering matching import and export rates will generally provide higher earnings compared to those with lower export rates. By choosing a plan with favorable rates and cash-out options, you can earn more from your solar panel system.
Texas solar buyback FAQ
Does Texas buy back solar energy?
Yes, many electricity companies offer solar buyback plans in Texas. You can choose plans from top energy providers like TXU Energy and Gexa Energy.
Is solar buyback worth it?
Yes, solar buyback is worth it if you generate more energy than you consume with your solar panel system. You can offset your energy bills and potentially earn money from excess generation with a solar buyback plan.
What is the difference between net metering and buyback?
Solar buyback programs have varying prices for consumption and generation, while net metering provides full retail rate credits for extra energy generation sent to the grid. Solar buybacks are an energy plan choice in Texas, while net metering is a program for solar owners. Since Texas does not have a statewide net metering policy, energy companies offer solar buyback plans as an alternative.
Does TXU have solar buyback?
Yes, TXU Energy offers Solar Buyback Match and Solar Buyback Saver. The match plan has a 1:1 buyback rate while the saver plan offers a lower energy rate designed for small solar systems.
Which energy company is best for solar?
Green Mountain Energy and Gexa Energy are electricity companies offering 100% renewable energy plans powered by green sources like solar. These companies also offer solar buyback plans to pair with your solar panel system.