Hey solar enthusiasts! Ready to make the most out of your solar energy investment? We've got the inside scoop on the best Texas solar buy back plans for 2025 Here's a quick, no-nonsense guide to help you navigate each option and maximize your savings.
Will Texas Buy Back Your Extra Solar Power?
Absolutely! Texas is a leader in renewable energy with its solar buyback (or net metering) program. When your solar panels generate more electricity than you need, the extra power feeds back into the grid, earning you bill credits or cash payments. To get started, you'll need an interconnection agreement with your utility company and an interval meter installed.
Top Texas Solar Buy Back Plans
In Texas, particularly in deregulated areas, you get to choose from a variety of electricity providers offering solar buyback plans. Here’s a quick rundown of the standout providers and their offerings:
- Plans: Total Solar Buyback
- Rates: 14.5¢/kWh (12-month), 14.0¢/kWh (24-month)
- Conditions: Review a Sell Back Agreement for details.
- Plans: Nights Free
- Rates: Around 3.0¢/kWh (based on customer feedback)
- Conditions: Review a Sell Back Agreement for details.
- Plans: Champ Saver, Free Weekends
- Rates: Real-time wholesale market prices
- Conditions: Solar buyback credits roll over monthly; no cash-out option.
- Plans: Shine
- Rates: Shine: up to 25¢/kWh, Rise: retail kWh price without TDU charges
- Conditions: Credits roll over monthly; available for all system sizes.
- Plans: Smart Battery, Smart Battery PM
- Rates: 90% of real-time wholesale market price
- Conditions: Credits roll over monthly; eligible for cash payout.
- Plans: Direct Solar Unlimited
- Rates: Around 6.0¢/kWh (based on customer feedback)
- Conditions: Cash out option, 50kW max.
- Plans: Battery Awards, Frontier Sun
- Rates: 16.9¢/kWh Battery Awards, 3.0¢/kWh Frontier Sun
- Conditions: Connected battery required for Battery Awards.
- Plans: Battery Benefits, Solar Export
- Rates: Same as retail price without TDU charges
- Conditions: Credits roll over monthly; no cash-out option.
- Plans: Renewable Rewards Essential, Renewable Rewards Solar Credit
- Rates: Renewable Rewards Essential: 12.8¢/kWh, Renewable Rewards Solar Credit: 11.0¢/kWh
- Conditions: Credits roll over monthly; for systems up to 50 kW.
- Plans: Nights Free
- Rates: 3.0¢/kWh
- Conditions: Credits roll over monthly; for systems up to 25 kW.
- Plans: Octo 12
- Rates: Real-time wholesale market price
- Conditions: Credits roll over; request cash payout when balance hits $50.
- Plans: Solar Payback Plus
- Rates: 5.9¢/kWh
- Conditions: Credits roll over monthly; for systems up to 50 kW.
- Plans: Solar Buyback Match, Solar Buyback Saver
- Rates: Buyback Match: 14.0¢/kWh, Buyback Saver: 5.0¢/kWh
- Conditions: Credits roll over monthly.
- Plans: TE Fixed Energy
- Rates: 5.0¢/kWh
- Conditions: Cash out every 12 months.
- Plans: Solar Payback Plus 12
- Rates: 4.0¢/kWh
- Conditions: Credits roll over monthly; for systems up to 50 kW.
What Is the Best Texas Solar Buy Back Plan in 2025?
Determining the best Texas solar buyback plan for 2025 depends on several factors, including your energy consumption patterns, the size of your solar installation, and your financial goals. Here’s a quick recap of some standout plans:
Amigo Energy has various plan options with rates around 3.0¢/kWh based on customer feedback.
Champion Energy uses real-time wholesale market prices with credits rolling over monthly but no cash-out option. Chariot Energy’s Shine plans offer up to 25¢/kWh with credits that roll over, while their Rise plans match retail kWh prices without TDU charges. David Energy provides a 90% real-time wholesale market price with eligible cash payouts.
Finding the Best Solar Buy Back Plan for Your Needs
Choosing the best solar buyback plan isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. It depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Here are some highlights to consider when comparing plans:
- Buyback Rates: Look for plans with competitive buyback rates. Almika Solar and David Energy offer competitive rates that might suit your needs.
- Credit Handling: Understand how each plan handles excess credits. Most plans, like those from Almika Solar and Champion Energy, roll over credits to the next month, but some do not offer cash-out options.
- Plan Conditions: Review the specific conditions and terms of each plan. For example, Chariot Energy's Shine plans have a higher buyback rate but may have more stringent conditions you are required to meet compared to other plans.
- Flexibility: Some plans, like those from Chariot Energy, are available for all system sizes, offering more flexibility depending on your solar setup.
- Support: Reliable customer support is crucial. Our GridHacker support team is always ready to help guide you in the right direction and make sure you choose the best plan for your needs.
GridHacker’s Take
Selecting the right solar buyback plan can be a game-changer for Texas homeowners with solar panels. Understanding your energy consumption is crucial, especially if your system generates more power than you use. Selecting a plan that matches your energy production can lead to significant savings. It's also essential to know the details of your plan, such as how credits are handled by your supplier.
Solar buyback plans are definitely worth exploring. Don't just settle for the first option you find—compare different plans to maximize both your financial and environmental benefits. With the right plan, solar energy can be both economically smart and environmentally friendly.
Extra Solar Savings
Don’t forget the federal solar tax credit, which allows a 30% deduction on the cost of installing a solar system. Also, check out local incentives and programs for additional savings.
Ready to take the plunge? Explore your solar options and start saving today!