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Rooftop solar homes

The Best Electricity Plan for Solar Panels in Texas

A home with rooftop solar has a fundamentally different usage pattern than a typical household — which means most standard bill-credit plans aren't built for you. Here's what actually matters.

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What actually matters

What to look for

1

Look specifically for a solar buyback / net-metering plan

Standard plans have no mechanism to credit you for excess energy your panels send back to the grid. You need a REP that explicitly offers a solar buyback rate — the price they pay you per kWh you export matters as much as the rate you pay for what you draw.

2

Compare the buyback rate, not just the retail rate

A plan with a slightly higher retail rate but a strong buyback rate can easily beat a cheaper plan with a weak or nonexistent buyback — the math depends on your system size and how much you typically export versus import.

3

Understand 1:1 net metering vs. avoided-cost buyback

Some plans credit exported energy at the same rate you pay for imported energy (1:1 net metering) — the best deal if available. Others pay a lower "avoided cost" rate for exports. Ask directly which model a plan uses; it's not always obvious from the EFL.

4

Check metering/interconnection requirements

Your TDU (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas, or TNMP) has its own interconnection process for solar systems, separate from your REP choice. Confirm your system is properly registered so buyback credits actually apply correctly.

Common traps

What to watch out for

Usage-threshold bill credits usually don't fit solar homes

Standard plans requiring 1,000+ kWh of grid usage to earn a credit work against solar homes, which often draw much less from the grid by design. These plans are typically the wrong fit — a dedicated buyback plan almost always makes more sense.

Minimum usage fees can penalize low grid draw

Some plans charge a fee if your metered usage falls below a threshold — exactly the scenario a well-performing solar system creates. Check the EFL closely for this before signing.

Buyback rates and programs change more often than standard plans

Solar buyback offerings are less standardized across REPs and change more frequently than typical fixed-rate plans. Re-check your options at renewal rather than assuming last year's best deal is still available.

Found a plan with a credit threshold?

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FAQ

What is a solar buyback plan in Texas?

A solar buyback (or net metering) plan credits you for excess electricity your rooftop solar system sends back to the grid, typically at a per-kWh rate. The rate and structure (1:1 net metering vs. a lower avoided-cost rate) vary significantly by REP, so it's worth comparing specifically rather than assuming all "solar-friendly" plans work the same way.

Do I need a special electricity plan if I have solar panels?

You don't strictly need one — you can stay on a standard plan — but you'll miss out on any credit for energy your system exports to the grid. A dedicated buyback plan is almost always more favorable for a home with solar.

Are bill-credit plans (like those requiring 1,000 kWh) good for solar homes?

Usually not. These plans reward high grid usage, which works against the point of having solar — a well-performing system reduces your grid draw. A solar buyback plan is typically the better structural fit.

How do I compare solar buyback rates across Texas providers?

Ask each REP directly for their current buyback rate and whether it's 1:1 net metering or a lower avoided-cost rate — this isn't always clearly listed on the EFL. Our plan cost calculator can help with standard rate comparisons, but buyback terms are worth confirming directly with each provider.