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Denton solar costs $2.05–$2.45/W — but your utility changes everything. DEMU (Denton Municipal Electric) customers get a low ~$0.04-0.05/kWh solar buyback, while Oncor-territory homes qualify for TXU retail-match and the $9,000 Oncor battery rebate. Check your bill first. No federal 25D tax credit.
2026 Alert: The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Denton homeowners who purchase solar with cash or a loan receive $0 in federal tax credits. All prices shown are full installed cost. Programs like Propel Solar use a third-party owner to access the commercial ITC with $0 down.
Denton is unique in DFW because the city operates its own municipal electric utility (DEMU). Your solar economics depend entirely on which utility serves your address.
| Feature | DEMU (City Center) | Oncor (Outer Suburbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Type | Municipal (regulated) | Deregulated ERCOT |
| Choose Your REP? | No — DEMU only | Yes — 30+ REPs |
| Solar Buyback Rate | ~$0.04-0.05/kWh (avoided cost) | Up to retail-match (TXU) |
| Effective Net Metering | No — ~25-30% of retail | Yes — TXU 1:1 retail-match |
| Oncor Battery Rebate | Not eligible | Up to $9,000 |
| Electric Rate | ~$0.12-0.14/kWh | ~$0.14-0.16/kWh |
| Payback Period | ~13-16 years | ~9-11 years |
| Property Tax Exempt | Yes (1.98%) | Yes (1.98%) |
If you are a DEMU customer, solar is still viable but requires a different approach:
If you are in Oncor territory (outer Denton suburbs, Corinth, Argyle area):
The installed cost is the same regardless of utility, but the 25-year returns differ dramatically between DEMU and Oncor territory.
Denton County sits at the northern edge of the DFW hail corridor. Supercells frequently track through Denton before reaching Dallas.
| Panel | Hail Rating | Max Hail Size | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| SunPower Maxeon 7 | IEC 61215 enhanced | 35mm (1.4 in) | 40 yr product + performance |
| REC Alpha Pure-RX | IEC 61215 enhanced | 35mm (1.4 in) | 25 yr product, 92% at yr 25 |
| Canadian Solar HiKu7 | Standard + enhanced testing | 25mm (1 in) standard | 25 yr product, 84.8% at yr 25 |
| Qcells Q.Peak DUO | IEC 61215 enhanced | 35mm (1.4 in) | 25 yr product, 86% at yr 25 |
Buyback options depend entirely on your utility. DEMU has one option. Oncor territory has seven+ REP plans.
DEMU credits excess solar at the avoided cost — the wholesale price DEMU would pay to purchase that energy from the grid. This is approximately $0.04-0.05/kWh, compared to your retail consumption rate of ~$0.12-0.14/kWh. This means every kWh you export earns only 25-30% of what you pay for consumption. Size your system for self-consumption, not exports.
| REP | Plan | Buyback Rate | Contract | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TXU EnergyTop Pick | Solar Buyback 24 | Retail-match | 24 mo | |
| TXU Energy | Solar Buyback 12 | Retail-match | 12 mo | |
| Green Mountain Energy | Solar Buyback 36 | 8.5¢/kWh fixed | 36 mo | |
| Chariot Energy | Solar Buyback 24 | 7.0¢/kWh fixed | 24 mo | |
| Constellation | Solar Buyback 12 | 6.5¢/kWh fixed | 12 mo | |
| Shell Energy | Solar Buyback 24 | 6.0¢/kWh fixed | 24 mo | |
| Rhythm Energy | Solar Buyback | Wholesale (variable) | Mo-to-mo |
The 100% Texas property tax exemption benefits all Denton solar owners — regardless of DEMU or Oncor territory. Denton County's 1.98% rate is lower than Dallas (2.17%) or Tarrant (2.24%) counties.
File Form 50-123 with the Denton Central Appraisal District (DCAD) by April 30 following your solar installation. At 1.98% on a $22,500 system, this saves approximately $446 per year in the first decade. This exemption applies to both DEMU and Oncor territory customers in Denton County.
Estimate your Denton solar costs, production, and savings. Note: This calculator uses Oncor territory assumptions. DEMU customers should expect lower buyback credits for exported solar.
Estimate your solar cost, payback period, and 25-year savings for any major TX metro.
Federal Residential Solar Tax Credit (Section 25D) Expired
Homeowners who purchase solar with cash or a loan receive $0 in federal tax credits. Section 25D expired December 31, 2025.
CenterPoint delivery area. Deregulated — choose a solar buyback REP for best export value. High humidity reduces panel efficiency slightly. Strong solar irradiance despite cloud cover. Largest TX solar market by installed capacity.
Cost Range
$2.00–$2.40/W
Peak Sun Hours
5.3 hrs/day
Avg Electric Rate
$0.14/kWh
County Tax Rate
2.31%
Annual Production
15,476
kWh/year
Annual Savings
$1,800
per year
Payback Period
12.2
years
25-Year Savings
$65,627
total
Estimates based on average 2026 TX solar pricing, 5.3 peak sun hours/day, 0.5%/year panel degradation, 3%/year electricity rate increase, and TX property tax exemption (Tax Code §11.27). Actual costs vary by installer, roof condition, and system configuration. Section 25D residential ITC expired Dec 31, 2025 — $0 federal tax credit for cash/loan purchases.
If you are a DEMU customer, the calculator will overestimate your buyback savings. DEMU credits exports at ~$0.04-0.05/kWh (avoided cost), not the retail rate shown in the calculator. Focus on self-consumption — size your system smaller to maximize value.
The calculator reflects $0 federal tax credit. Section 25D expired December 31, 2025. Programs like Propel Solar use a third-party owner to claim the 30% commercial ITC.
Propel Solar is available for Denton homeowners in Oncor territory. DEMU customer availability may vary — contact NuWatt Energy to confirm eligibility.
A third-party financing company captures the 30% Section 48 commercial ITC — savings homeowners cannot access since 25D expired.
If your electricity bill is $160/mo, your Propel payment is approximately $144/mo — saving roughly 10% from day one. Fixed and predictable.
Full ownership transfers after approximately 5 years. Silfab 440W American-made panels with free maintenance during financing.
Common questions about solar panel costs in Denton, TX — including DEMU vs Oncor territory.
Full Oncor territory benefits — compare to Denton's Oncor suburbs.
Read guideFull guide to the Oncor rebate — only for Oncor territory, not DEMU.
Read guideComplete guide to REP buyback rates — Oncor territory plans only.
Read guideComplete overview of going solar in Texas.
Read guideLast updated: March 8, 2026. Prices, rebate amounts, DEMU buyback rates, and utility programs may change. Contact NuWatt Energy, DEMU, or Oncor for current information.
NuWatt Energy partners with DFW solar installers who understand the DEMU vs Oncor distinction in Denton. We will confirm your utility, optimize your system size, and identify all available incentives for your specific address.