Texas Solar Buyback Plans Explained: Which Houston Electricity Providers Pay for Your Extra Solar

In a lot of states, the utility has to credit you for the extra solar power you send back to the grid. Texas doesn't work that way. There's no statewide net metering, and in deregulated areas like Houston, what your extra solar earns depends entirely on the electricity plan you choose.

Pick the right plan and your solar works harder. Pick the wrong one and you could be handing free power to your provider.

How it works in Houston

Houston's electricity market has two players:

• CenterPoint Energy owns the poles and wires and delivers your power. You'll need its approval to connect solar.
• Your retail electric provider (REP) sells you power and decides whether, and how much, to pay for your exports.

So after your system is installed and connected, choosing a plan with a solar buyback program is a separate step.

The main types of buyback plans

• Full retail credit ("1:1"): exports are credited at the same rate you pay for power. Often capped at your monthly usage.
• Partial or fixed credit: exports are credited at a set rate below retail.
• Wholesale-based credit: the credit follows wholesale market prices, which can swing a lot.
• No buyback: some plans pay nothing for exports. Avoid these if you have solar.

Questions to ask before you switch plans

• What rate do you credit for exported solar, and is it capped?
• Do unused credits roll over month to month, and do they expire?
• Are there monthly fees or minimum-usage charges?
• What's the contract length and early termination fee?
• How does the plan's regular rate compare? A great buyback rate attached to a high usage rate isn't a deal.

Plans and rates change often, so compare current offers rather than relying on last year's favorite.

The best protection: use more of your own solar

Buyback plans can change or disappear when your contract ends. A battery makes you less dependent on them. Store your extra daytime solar and use it at night, so less of your power depends on what a provider is willing to pay. You also get backup power during Houston's storm outages.

Know your numbers

To pick the right buyback plan, you need to know how much you export versus how much you use. Empower's Solar Monitoring Plans show real-time production and catch problems early. Basic Monitoring ($14.99/mo) includes 24/7 monitoring and remote troubleshooting. Platinum Monitoring ($49.99/mo) adds battery monitoring, a free annual visit and tune-up and 15% off PV and battery service.

FAQ

Does Texas have net metering? Not statewide. In deregulated areas like Houston, export credits depend on your retail electricity plan.

Can I switch plans after going solar? Yes. Many homeowners switch to a solar buyback plan after their system is connected. Check your current contract for early termination fees.

Is solar worth it in Houston without net metering? It can be, especially with a battery and the right plan. Your savings depend on usage, system size and plan, so get a personalized estimate.

Get a solar plan built around how Houston works

Empower designs systems for Texas's market, not a generic one. Call (346) 660-3937 or visit empoweryourhome.com for a free solar and battery estimate.