Texas has no statewide net metering, and Houston's utility, CenterPoint Energy, only delivers electricity — it doesn't buy your solar. Instead, you choose a Retail Electric Provider (REP) with a 'solar buyback' plan that credits you for excess energy you export, typically around 7–8.5¢/kWh on fixed plans. Credits are rarely a true 1:1 swap, so the plan's Electricity Facts Label (EFL) is what determines your real value.
"Texas doesn't have net metering, so solar is pointless here." It's a common myth — and it's wrong. Houston homeowners absolutely get paid for the solar they don't use; it just works differently than in states with mandated net metering. Here's how to actually get credited and how to choose the right plan.
No. Texas has no statewide net-metering mandate, so there is no law forcing utilities to credit your excess solar at full retail rate. This surprises people moving from other states. But because Houston is in Texas's deregulated electricity market, you get something other states don't: you can shop for the buyback plan that pays you best.
Not CenterPoint. In Houston's deregulated market there are two different companies involved:
So the key decision is choosing a REP with a strong solar buyback plan.
Buyback works one of three ways: a fixed cents-per-kWh credit, a retail-match (close to 1:1 with the energy charge), or a real-time wholesale rate that floats with the market. Fixed plans in 2026 generally land around 7–8.5¢/kWh.
| Provider | Buyback style | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green Mountain | Per-kWh / wholesale option | Fixed credit (~8.5¢ reported); roll-over credits |
| Reliant | Retail-match / real-time | Surplus can be refunded if you leave with a balance |
| Chariot | Fixed (~7¢) / real-time | Credits roll over month to month |
| Octopus | Real-time wholesale | High in summer, low off-season; volatile |
| TXU | Fixed buyback "bank" | Credits banked, often non-redeemable for cash |
| Gexa | Retail-match / capped export | Some plans cap exports |
Rates and terms change, so treat this as a starting point, not gospel.
Read past the headline rate. The most common trap is a plan that advertises a great buyback rate but charges a higher consumption rate, so you lose on every kilowatt-hour you actually use. Check four things on the plan's Electricity Facts Label (EFL) — the binding contract document:
A modest buyback rate paired with a low consumption rate often beats a flashy buyback rate stapled to an expensive usage rate.
Three things: a bidirectional (smart) meter that measures power flowing both ways, a signed interconnection agreement with CenterPoint, and Permission to Operate (PTO) before your system goes live. After PTO, buyback credits can lag a billing cycle or two before showing up. A good installer handles the interconnection paperwork for you — and pairing buyback with a battery lets you store cheap/free solar for the evening instead of exporting it for a lower credit.
Does Texas have net metering?
No. Texas has no statewide net-metering law, so there's no mandated full-retail credit for excess solar. Instead, Houston's deregulated market lets you choose a Retail Electric Provider with a 'solar buyback' plan that credits your exported energy — often 7–8.5¢/kWh on fixed plans. You shop for the best deal rather than relying on a mandate.
Does CenterPoint buy my excess solar?
No. CenterPoint Energy is the transmission and distribution utility (the wires) in Houston — it delivers power but doesn't sell electricity or buy your solar. Your Retail Electric Provider (REP), such as Reliant, Green Mountain, or Chariot, is the company that credits you for solar you export through its buyback plan.
How much will I get paid for solar in Houston?
Most fixed solar buyback plans in Houston pay roughly 7–8.5¢ per kWh exported in 2026, while real-time wholesale plans swing higher in summer and lower off-season. Just as important is offsetting your own usage at about 16¢/kWh — using your solar directly is worth more than exporting it for a buyback credit.
What is the best solar buyback plan in Houston?
There's no single best plan — it depends on your usage and how much you export. Compare each plan's Electricity Facts Label for the buyback rate, the consumption rate, surplus rollover rules, and any export caps. A modest buyback rate with a low usage rate often beats a high buyback rate paired with expensive grid power.
What do I need to sell solar back to the grid?
You need a bidirectional smart meter, a signed interconnection agreement with CenterPoint, and Permission to Operate before producing. Your installer typically handles the interconnection paperwork. Once approved, buyback credits may take a billing cycle or two to appear on your statement.
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