Solar Quotes in Texas: Buyback Plans, Utilities and What to Ask

Texas has no single statewide net metering rule

The PUCT says buyback rules depend on your provider. In competitive areas you can shop for a plan with a buyback rate. In non-competitive areas you ask your utility. City-owned utilities and co-ops set their own rates. Source: puc.texas.gov (accessed 2026-10-20)
The PUCT's distributed renewable generation rule (16 TAC §25.217) covers systems up to 2,000 kW and sets interconnection conditions. Source: ftp.puc.texas.gov (accessed 2026-10-20)
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) regulates contracts for selling or leasing residential solar systems, with limited exceptions. Source: PUCT page above (accessed 2026-10-20)

Local programs

Ask your electric provider whether it offers rebates or a buyback program. The PUCT suggests asking exactly this. Source: PUCT page above (accessed 2026-10-20).

Is solar worth it in Texas?

It depends on your bill, roof and utility rules. Here is an estimate for a home with a $150 monthly electric bill and a south-facing, unshaded roof, before any incentives:

Residential electricity averaged an estimated 16.06¢/kWh in Texas (January–July 2026), below the U.S. average of 18.19¢ (25 of 51, highest first). Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.B (accessed 2026-10-20)
Small rooftop systems in Texas produced an estimated 1,687 kWh per kW of panels in 2024 (2024 small-scale solar generation divided by average 2023–2024 small-scale capacity). Source: EIA Electric Power Annual 2024, Tables 3.21 and 4.7.B (accessed 2026-10-20)
Estimated system size: 5.1–6.9 kW, producing about 10,122 kWh a year (estimated).
Estimated installed cost: $18,000–$31,200 before incentives, using $3.00–$5.20 per watt. Source: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (2024 installed prices, 20th–80th percentile; accessed 2026-10-20)
Estimated simple payback: 10–23 years. Savings depend on how your utility credits exported energy (see above).

Estimates only, based on public data and simple assumptions. Actual production, cost, and savings vary by home, utility, rate plan, and installer. Not a quote, and not a guarantee of savings. Ask your installer about any state, local, or utility incentives that apply. State and local programs: DSIRE.

Run the numbers for your home with the solar calculator

A note on the federal tax credit

The federal residential clean energy credit (25D) doesn't apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2025. The IRS treats an expenditure as made when installation is completed, so most systems installed in 2026 don't qualify. If a quote assumes a 30% federal credit, ask the installer to explain it. Source: IRS OBBB FAQ, irs.gov (accessed 2026-10-20). This page isn't tax advice.

Questions to ask

Who is my utility or retail provider, and what buyback rate does your estimate assume?
Is the contract compliant with TDLR rules?
Does the quote include a battery for outages?

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Request a free quote. SolarMatchup sends your request to exactly one local installer and never resells it. Any savings depend on your home, your usage, your utility rates and your financing. We don't guarantee savings or incentive eligibility.

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