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Your REP solar buyback plan is the single most important financial decision after your solar installation. The right plan is worth $800–$1,200/year more than the wrong one. Full side-by-side comparison.
In Texas’s deregulated market, your delivery utility (Oncor, CenterPoint, etc.) handles the wires and meter. Your Retail Electric Provider (REP) sets the rates. A 10 kW solar system exporting 5,000 kWh/year earns $750/year at retail-match vs. $200/year at wholesale. Over 25 years, the wrong REP costs you $14,000+ in lost credits.
Retail-match
Retail Match
~$0.15/kWh
36 months
Oncor, CenterPoint
$0-$50
Solar homeowners who want true 1:1 net metering and 100% renewable energy.
Retail-match
Retail Match
~$0.14/kWh
36 months
Oncor
$0-$60
DFW homeowners in Oncor territory who want a reliable, retail-match buyback plan.
$0.07-$0.10/kWh
Fixed Export
~$0.13/kWh
24 months
Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP, TNMP
$20-$80
Eco-conscious homeowners who want 100% solar with broad territory availability.
$0.06-$0.09/kWh
Fixed Export
~$0.12/kWh
36 months
Oncor, CenterPoint
$30-$100
Budget-conscious solar homeowners who prioritize low base rates over high export credits.
$0.04-$0.07/kWh
Tiered
~$0.14/kWh
24 months
Oncor, CenterPoint
$50-$140
Existing Reliant customers who want to keep their REP. Not optimal for new solar.
$0.03-$0.05/kWh
Wholesale
~$0.13/kWh
12 months
Oncor, CenterPoint
$80-$180
Avoid. This plan is not designed for solar and costs $800-$1,200/year more than retail-match plans.
Based on a 10 kW system producing 14,000 kWh/year with 5,000 kWh kWh exported to the grid.
| Plan Type | Annual Export Value | Estimated Annual Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Retail-match (TXU/Green Mountain)Best | $750 | $200-$600/yr |
| Fixed $0.08 (Chariot) | $400 | $550-$950/yr |
| Fixed $0.06 (Rhythm) | $300 | $650-$1,050/yr |
| Tiered $0.05 (Reliant) | $250 | $700-$1,100/yr |
| Wholesale $0.04 (Direct Energy) | $200 | $750-$1,200/yr |
25-year impact: The difference between the best plan (retail-match) and the worst (wholesale) is approximately $550/year, or $13,750 over 25 years. Your REP choice is literally worth more than many home improvements.
If the REP does not clearly state the solar export/buyback rate on their plan page, the rate is likely near wholesale ($0.02-$0.04/kWh). Ask explicitly before enrolling.
This means your export credits fluctuate with ERCOT wholesale prices. You might get $0.10/kWh one month and $0.02/kWh the next. Avoid for predictability.
Some REPs do not roll over unused export credits to the next month. In spring and fall when your system overproduces, those credits disappear. Look for plans with annual true-up.
These plans often have very high daytime rates to compensate for free overnight electricity. Since solar produces during the day, you are paying the highest rate during peak production. Poor choice for solar.
Do NOT switch your REP until you have Permission to Operate (PTO) from your delivery utility. Switching before PTO means you pay solar plan rates without the benefit of export credits.
Review your current REP contract for early termination fees (ETF). Most ETFs are $150-$200. If your current contract expires within 2 months, wait for expiration to avoid the fee.
Texas PUC's official comparison site. Filter for "solar buyback" or "renewable" plans. Compare the total monthly cost using the 1,000 kWh and 2,000 kWh scenarios.
Sign up online or by phone with your chosen REP. Provide your ESI ID (found on your current bill). The switch takes 1-2 billing cycles to complete. Your electricity is never interrupted during the switch.
After 1-2 billing cycles, review your new bill to confirm: (1) export credits appear, (2) the export rate matches what was advertised, (3) no unexpected fees. If anything looks wrong, contact your new REP immediately.
If you live in Austin or San Antonio, you have a municipal utility and cannot choose a REP. Your solar rates are set by the utility.
Program: Value of Solar Tariff
Export rate: ~$0.097/kWh (set annually)
Structure: Credits applied monthly, annual true-up
Note: Not 1:1 net metering. The VOS rate is set based on the value solar provides to the grid, which is lower than retail.
Program: Solar Net Metering
Export rate: Full retail rate (1:1)
Structure: Monthly rollover, annual true-up
Note: One of the best municipal solar programs in TX. True 1:1 net metering for systems up to 25 kW. Excess paid at avoided cost.
When Texas buyback rates drop to $0.02–$0.06/kWh, the best move is to use every kWh you generate rather than export it. Propel financing makes going solar affordable with $0 down — a third-party owner installs FEOC-compliant Silfab 440W panels and claims the 40% Section 48E ITC, passing the savings to you as a fixed monthly payment. An 8 kW system at $2.90/W ($23,200) becomes ~$13,920 effective cost at ~$117/month. 8.99% APR, 25-year term, 660 FICO minimum. Construction must begin before July 4, 2026.
See Propel Financing DetailsWe install your solar system and help you select the optimal REP solar buyback plan for your utility territory. The right plan adds $800–$1,200/year in value to your solar investment.