Direct Energy solar buyback plans
See electricity plans from Direct Energy that credit you for the excess solar you send back to the grid in Oncor (Dallas area).
There are 30+ solar buyback plans available in Texas. Compare all plans
Direct Energy Solar Buyback Overview
Direct Energy currently offers 2 solar buyback plans in Texas across Oncor (Dallas) and CenterPoint (Houston) utility territories. Direct Energy does not offer 1:1 buyback — exports are credited at a fixed rate. Export credits are 5.3¢/kWh. Export credits can offset your energy charges, base fee, and TDU delivery charges. Plans are available in 12 to 24-month contracts with $9.95/month base fee. Maximum solar system size is 50 kW. Unused credits can be cashed out upon plan cancellation.
PUCT License: #10040 • Official Direct Energy website
What I tell solar customers asking about Direct Energy
Direct Energy is one of the big-name Texas energy providers, owned by NRG (the same parent as Reliant and Green Mountain). The brand is recognized, the company is large, and their solar plans are real products.
Direct's solar credit can offset your base fee and your delivery charges from your utility company (Oncor, CenterPoint, or whoever covers your address). That structural detail matters more than the headline rate, because it determines how much of your earned credit you actually keep on the bill.
On a fixed buyback structure, your credit is locked for the contract term. No exposure to wholesale electricity prices, no monthly variance. Predictable.
Where Direct comes up short for high exporters. The fixed credit value is competitive but rarely best-in-class. For a home exporting 600 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month, plans on this page with a real-time wholesale credit or a higher locked rate (like Meter's Earner plan) often come out ahead annually (current rates in the comparison table above).
If you want a familiar brand and predictable monthly economics, Direct Energy is a defensible choice. If you want to maximize what your solar earns you, send me your last bill. I'll model both side by side and you pick.
Available solar plans
Direct Solar Unlimited
Twelve Hour Power
Direct Energy uses fixed export rates — not 1:1
With fixed export rates, you're credited less per kWh exported than you pay per kWh imported. This gap means solar homes with high export ratios (30%+) often pay more than they would on a 1:1 buyback plan.
What makes a good solar buyback plan?
The best plan matches your specific usage patterns. Look beyond the marketing and check:
Timing: When you export vs when you consume power
Credit method: 1:1 credits, fixed rate, or RTW—and any monthly caps
Gotchas: Base fees, credit expiration policies, and minimum usage charges
Most providers hide how their plans will perform with your specific usage—our analysis shows you the truth.
What customers are saying about Direct Energy
Real reviews from Google
“Trust nothing these people tell you. They will say anything to get you to sign up, and no matter what they quote you, the price will be higher. They are super sketchy. Save yourself a headache and opt for a reputable company.”
“I liked this service a lot in beginning but towards my 2nd month with having service with them I may have to reconsider due to fact because everytime I call its always a issue and they give so much attitude EVERY SINGLE TIME.”
“Your customer service reps never have any solutions or options. Charging a 30.00 disconnect fee to mail out a 2nd reminder notice is absurd. Plans they offer lock you in on a contract for 2-5 yrs, only save you maybe 20.00 a month if that.”