There's no universal "best" solar buyback plan in Texas. The right plan depends entirely on your home's energy profile—specifically, how much solar energy you send to the grid compared to how much you use from the grid. Homes that send more energy to the grid benefit from high solar credit rates, while homes that use most of their solar production should prioritize low energy rates.
Why there's no one-size-fits-all solution
Two homes with identical solar systems can have completely different grid usage patterns based on when they use electricity. A home that runs AC all day uses more solar directly, while a home empty during work hours sends most solar to the grid. This difference can mean thousands of dollars in annual savings with the right plan choice.
Understanding your solar profile
Your solar panels produce energy, but what determines your electricity bill are two different numbers:
Energy Used from Grid
Electricity you buy when solar isn't producing enough (nights, cloudy days, high usage periods). This is charged at your plan's energy rate.
Solar Sent to Grid
Excess solar power that flows to the grid when you produce more than you use. You earn credits at your plan's solar credit rate.
Which type of solar home are you?
Texas solar homeowners typically fall into one of three categories. Identifying yours is the key to choosing the best plan:
Type 1: Power Producers
You're a Power Producer if: You send at least 60% to the grid compared to what you use from the grid. For example, if you use 1,000 kWh from the grid monthly and send 600+ kWh to the grid, you're a Power Producer.
Common characteristics:
- Oversized solar system relative to usage
- Away from home during peak solar hours
- Energy-efficient home with low daytime usage
Best plan type: 1:1 Match plans or high solar credit rates
Current top plans for Power Producers
 | Match 12 month term | Import: 13.4¢ per kWh Export: 13.4¢ per kWh Base Fee: $19.5 per month Cancel Fee: $150 |
Total Solar Buyback 12 month term | Import: 14¢ per kWh Export: 14¢ per kWh Base Fee: $34.95 per month Cancel Fee: $199 |
*Based on ONCOR utility area. Prices last updated Oct 3, 2025 (1 day ago)
Type 2: Self-Consumers
You're a Self-Consumer if: You send less than 60% to the grid compared to what you use from the grid. For example, if you use 1,000 kWh from the grid monthly and send only 300 kWh to the grid, you're a Self-Consumer.
Common characteristics:
- Work from home or stay home during the day
- Run AC heavily during summer afternoons
- Solar system sized to match consumption
Best plan type: Balanced plans with low energy rates
Current top plans for Self-Consumers
| Saver 12 month term | Import: 8.2¢ per kWh Export: 3¢ per kWh Base Fee: None Cancel Fee: $150 |
 | Champ Saver 12 month term | Import: 9.4¢ per kWh Export: Real Time Base Fee: None Cancel Fee: $150 |
*Based on ONCOR utility area. Prices last updated Oct 3, 2025 (1 day ago)
Type 3: Night Owls (Battery Owners)
You're a Night Owl if: You have battery storage and can control when you use or send energy to the grid. Your batteries let you store solar during the day and use it at night.
Special opportunities:
- Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs with battery credits
- Free nights plans for maximum savings
- Time-of-use arbitrage opportunities
Best plan type: VPP programs or free nights plans
Current top plans for Night Owls
 | Truly Free Nights 12 month term | Import: 26.7¢ per kWh Export: 0¢ per kWh Base Fee: None Cancel Fee: $150 |
 | Twelve Hour Power 24 month term | Import: 25.2¢ per kWh Export: 0¢ per kWh Base Fee: $9.95 per month Cancel Fee: $295 |
*Based on ONCOR utility area. Prices last updated Oct 3, 2025 (1 day ago)
How do I choose the best plan?
Follow these steps to find your ideal solar buyback plan:
Calculate your ratio
Divide your expected solar sent to grid by your grid usage. If it's 60% or higher, you're a Power Producer. Below 60%, you're a Self-Consumer.
Consider your equipment
If you have batteries, explore VPP programs and free nights plans for additional savings opportunities.
Compare total costs
Don't just look at solar credit rates. Calculate your expected annual cost using both energy rates and solar credits based on your actual usage patterns.
Lock in good rates
When you find a plan that matches your profile with competitive rates, consider a longer contract (24-36 months) to protect against rate increases.
Common mistakes to avoid
Choosing based on solar credits alone
High solar credit rates often come with high energy rates. For Self-Consumers, this can actually increase your bill.
Waiting to switch until contract ends
Every day without solar buyback means losing 100% of your solar's value. Switching immediately often saves more than the cancellation fee.
Copying your neighbor's plan
Your usage patterns are unique. A plan perfect for your neighbor might cost you hundreds more annually.
Ignoring contract length
Short contracts seem flexible but expose you to rate increases. If you find good rates, lock them in for 24-36 months.
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