At Choose Texas Power, we aim to provide consistent, reliable information about energy plans. Our partners do not direct our editorial content, though we may reference their products in our posts. Read about how we make money to learn more.
A solar buyback plan is a type of energy plan that allows you to send excess electricity generated by your solar panels to the broader electricity grid. In return, energy providers offer credits toward 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 its own electricity and decreasing your reliance on the power grid. If you want to maximize the value of your solar panels and further offset your energy costs, 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 the Lone Star State does not have a statewide net metering program, the Texas deregulated energy market lets you compare providers who offer solar buyback energy plans.
Texas solar buyback plans are available through several reputable energy providers, such as TXU Energy and Gexa Energy. Call the number on your screen to speak with one of our energy experts and learn more about solar buyback plans in Texas.
Several of the best energy providers in Texas offer solar buyback plans and programs, though the terms vary by provider and location. The rate you pay per kWh and the credits 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 to offer solar buyback plans that can help you make the most out of your solar panels.
Gexa Energy is a leading player in the renewable energy industry, committed to offering 100% renewable energy plans. All of their plans either source electricity from renewables or use your electricity output to purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Gexa is also one of the more affordable providers on our marketplace. If you have solar panels, you can take advantage of Gexa Energy’s solar buyback plans to get more value from your system.
TXU Energy is one of Texas’ most prominent electricity providers, operating since 2002 when the state first deregulated its energy market. TXU offers a diverse range of plans, including renewable and solar buyback options. The company also provides a 60-day satisfaction guarantee on many plans, allowing customers to switch to a different plan if they’re dissatisfied.
If you want to find out more about solar buyback plans, you can do so easily with Choose Texas Power. Call the number on your screen to speak with one of our energy agents about your options and begin comparing current solar energy buyback rates.
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 Saver 24 | Irving, TX | 4.8/5 |
Solar buyback plans can be worth the switch if you already own solar panels that typically generate more power than you use. However, these plans often come with higher electricity rates than regular fixed-rate plans. Solar buyback plans are most effective for those who want to earn credits for excess solar energy production and maximize the benefits of their solar panel system. If you don’t have rooftop solar or want the cheapest electric rate, a fixed-rate plan is likely a better option.
Call the number on your screen for advice on the best electricity plan for you.
Don’t have a solar panel system yet but want more information? Here are a few resources to get started:
Buyback rates vary by plan, location, and time of year. As of November 2025, TXU Energy’s solar buyback rates ranged from 3.5 cents per kWh to 6 cents per kWh. You can find updated rates by entering your ZIP code and reviewing the Electricity Facts Label (EFL).
The Gexa Solar Export 12 plan buyback rate is 3 cents per kWh. Providers can change export rates according to the plan, so always check your EFL to confirm the current buyback rate.
At the state level, Texas does not offer a statewide net metering program that guarantees full retail credit for excess solar energy sent to the grid. However, many retail providers in the deregulated market offer solar buyback plans that pay credits for exported energy. Search for solar buyback plans in your area to determine whether you qualify and if you could save on energy bills with this plan type.
Net metering and solar buyback programs are similar in that both allow residents to send solar energy to the grid in exchange for credit. The key difference is how that credit is calculated: net metering often credits you at (or close to) the full retail value of each kWh you send to the grid, while solar buyback programs base the credit on a specified export rate or the market/wholesale cost of electricity. Review your contract and the EFL to understand how credits are calculated.
The amount you can earn from selling solar energy depends on your contract. Some providers base the buyback rate on the retail rate they charge you, while others use a wholesale or fixed export rate. Before signing up, review the plan terms to understand how the provider calculates credits, any caps or monthly limits, and any seasonal or time-of-day variations.
Choose the right solar buyback plan for you
