Solar + Battery Plan Comparison Tool
The Texas solar buyback market has evolved beyond traditional net metering, with providers now offering everything from real-time wholesale rates to special battery incentives. Finding the right plan can mean thousands in savings.
Skip the spreadsheets and supercharge your research with a personalized comparison. Enter your home’s information below to see which solar buyback plan is right for you.
Understanding your results
Our calculator analyzes:
Plans are ranked by estimated annual cost, factoring in:
Need help understanding what all this means and which plan is right for you? Schedule a free call with an energy expert.
Solar buyback in Texas
Navigating which solar plan to choose can be difficult, and making the wrong pick can be a costly mistake. Read our in-depth guide to solar buyback plans or get the need-to-know details below.
Types of Solar Buyback Plans
Fixed Rate Buyback
Real-Time Wholesale (RTW)
Battery-Specific
Time-of-Use
How to Choose the Right Plan
Understanding a few common elements of solar plans will help you evaluate solar buyback plans and find the best option for your home.
Export rates are for the excess power you send back to the grid. They look like:
- Fixed Rates: Predictable earnings, typically between 3-16.9¢/kWh
- Real-Time Wholesale: Variable rates averaging 3¢, can spike to $5/kWh
- Factor to Consider: Higher rates often come with stricter terms or usage requirements
Import rates are for the power you need from the grid while your solar isn’t producing. They can look like:
- Energy Rates: 6.6¢-30¢/kWh
- TDU Charges: Additional 4-5¢/kWh
- Time-of-Use Variations: Can exceed 25¢/kWh during peak
- Factor to Consider: Lower import rates often come with lower export rates
The credit policies on your plan can have a big impact on your overall bill. When it comes to credits, consider:
- Rollover Terms: How long credits last before expiring
- Usage Restrictions: Which charges credits can offset
- Cash-Out Options: Minimum thresholds and payout terms
- Factor to Consider: Some plans limit credit use to energy charges only, excluding TDU fees
Some plans come with restrictions or special terms you should make sure you’re comfortable with. Remember to look at the details for any plan you’re considering.
- Minimum Import Requirements: Some plans require you to use more than you export
- System Size Limits: Some plans limit the maximum solar system size
- Contract Terms: Length of commitment and early termination fees
- Factor to Consider: Violating these terms can result in plan termination
If you have a battery, you may qualify for a special battery plan. When looking at a battery plan, consider:
- Reserve Capacity Restrictions: How and if you will maintain control over your battery
- Credit Structure: Fixed amount each month vs. credit based on battery performance
- Factor to Consider: Higher credits can mean less control over your battery
Import Rate: What you pay for grid electricity (per kWh). Includes energy charge plus TDU delivery fees. Some charges can't be offset by solar credits.
Export Rate: What you earn for excess solar sent to the grid (per kWh). Can be fixed, variable, or tied to wholesale prices.
RTW (Real-Time Wholesale): Market-based rates that update every 5 minutes based on grid conditions. Average 3¢/kWh but can spike to $5/kWh during high demand.
TDU (Transmission & Distribution Utility): Your local utility that maintains power lines and delivers electricity.
- Centerpoint (Houston Area): Rates are $4.39/month + 5.29¢/kWh as of December 2024
- Oncor (Dallas Area): Rates are $3.42/month + 4.86¢/kWh as of December 2024
VPP (Virtual Power Plant): Program where your battery helps support the grid. Stores energy when cheap, sends back to the grid when expensive in exchange for bill credits.
Base Charge: Monthly fee covering administrative costs, regardless of usage.ETF (Early Termination Fee): Charge for ending contract early (usually waived if moving).
EFL (Electricity Facts Label): Official document detailing plan rates and terms.
Net Producer: When your home exports more power than it imports in a billing cycle.
Use our comparison tool above to evaluate these factors and see projected savings based on your actual usage to find your best match solar plan.
FAQs
Earnings vary based on your system size, usage patterns, and plan choice. Top-producing homes can earn $500+ monthly in summer peak periods depending on plan rates and export details. Use our comparison tool above to see estimated earnings based on your actual usage.
Rates vary based on plan and rate type.
- RTW plans: Variable based on market conditions
- Fixed rate plans: Typically 3-16.9¢/kWh
- Time-of-use plans: Often around 3¢/kWh for exports
This varies by plan. Some allow credits to offset all charges (including TDU fees), while others restrict credit use to energy charges only.
Offsetting your bill also depends on how large your system is, how much you consume, and what times your energy use is concentrated to. For this reason, we recommend getting a comparison to understand the overall bill impacts.
Policies vary by provider:
- Some credits roll over indefinitely
- Others expire monthly or annually
- Some plans offer cash-out options at $50+ in credits
Your smart meter measures excess power sent to the grid, and reports it back to your electricity provider. You'll receive credits based on your plan's export rate structure (fixed, RTW, or time-of-use).
Most plans don't cap exports, but some require you to be a net importer (use more than you export). Check plan restrictions in our comparison tool.
Use our comparison tool to:
- Input your actual usage data
- Compare projected annual costs
- Review plan details
- Evaluate battery benefits
For personalized guidance, schedule a free consultation with one of our energy experts.
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