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Solar buyback plans are a type of energy plan that lets you send excess electricity from your solar panels to the broader electricity grid. In return, energy providers offer credits that go towards your monthly electricity bill. The buyback credit rate varies by provider and plan, but it’s typically a couple of cents for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity you send back to the grid.
Owning a solar panel system could reduce your monthly energy costs by generating your own electricity and decreasing your reliance on the power grid. If you want to expand the value of your solar panels and offset your energy costs even more, consider a solar buyback plan.
Texas is a leader in renewable energy production, ranking first in the nation for wind power generation and second for solar energy. While Texas does not have a statewide buyback program, the deregulated energy market allows you to compare providers who do.
Texas solar buyback plans let you send your extra power to the grid if your solar panels produce more energy than you need. These plans are available through several reputable energy providers, such as TXU Energy and Gexa Energy. If you’re interested in a solar buyback plan for your solar panels, you can call our energy agents at the number on your screen to discuss signing up.
Several of the best energy providers in Texas offer solar buyback plans and programs, though the terms of each solar buyback plan will vary based on provider, location, and more. The rate you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and the credit you receive for excess solar power will be clearly outlined in your contract. At Choose Texas Power, we partner with Gexa Energy and TXU Energy for solar buyback plans to make the most out of your solar panels.
Gexa Energy is prominent in the renewable energy industry with its commitment to 100% renewable energy plans. This provider is one of the cheapest electricity providers featured on our marketplace, and all of their plans either source their electricity from renewables or use your electricity output to purchase renewable energy credits. If you have solar panels, you can take advantage of Gexa Energy’s solar buyback plans and get more bang for your buck.
TXU Energy is one of Texas’ most prominent power providers, operating since 2002, when the state first deregulated its energy market. This provider is known for offering a wide variety of plans, including numerous renewable and solar buyback options. TXU Energy also offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee on all its plans, allowing customers to switch plans if they’re dissatisfied.
If you’re interested in exploring a solar buyback plan, you can easily get started with Choose Texas Power. Call the number on your screen to speak with our energy agents about these options.
Provider |
Solar buyback plan name |
Headquarters |
Choose Texas Power provider rating |
| Gexa Energy | Gexa Solar Export Saver | Houston, TX | 4.6/5 |
| TXU Energy | Solar Buyback Match & Solar Buyback Saver | Irving, TX | 4.8/5 |
Solar buyback plans could be worth the switch if you already own solar panels that produce extra electricity. However, these plans tend to have higher electricity rates than regular fixed-rate plans. Solar buyback plans are best for shoppers who use solar energy and want to maximize the benefits of their solar panels. But if your priority is a more budget-friendly electricity solution, a fixed-rate plan is likely a better option.
Contact our energy agents at the number on your screen for advice on which electricity plan is best for you.
Most TXU buyback plans offer a buyback rate of 5 cents per kWh. However, this rate may change according to plan, location, or time of year. Review the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to determine your plan’s buyback rate.
The Gexa Solar Export 12 plan buyback rate is currently 3 cents per kWh. Providers can change the export rate according to the plan, so always check your EFL to confirm your buyback rate.
At the state level, Texas does not offer a net metering program to buy extra solar energy generated by residents. However, many providers offer solar buyback plans. The Texas energy market is deregulated, meaning you can choose your provider and plan from a variety of options. If you own a solar panel system, search for solar buyback plans in Texas to determine whether you qualify and how much you could save on energy bills.
Net metering and solar buyback programs are similar — both allow residents to send solar energy to the grid in exchange for some form of credit. The difference is in how that credit is determined. Net metering programs offer the full value of every kWh you send to the grid. Solar buyback programs base the credit on the electricity rate specified in your plan or the market cost of electricity.
The amount you can make from selling solar energy to the grid depends on the terms outlined in your contract. Some providers will base the solar buyback rate on the rate they charge you for electricity, while others will base the buyback rate on the wholesale cost of electricity. Before signing up for a solar buyback plan, be sure to thoroughly review and understand the terms of the plan, including how the provider calculates the credit you’ll receive.
Choose the right solar buyback plan for you
