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Houston · 2026 Plans

Solar Buyback Plans

When your panels produce more than you use, these providers buy the surplus back. Rates updated every Monday morning.

Last updated: Apr 1, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC

How Solar Buyback Works in Texas

Texas is a deregulated energy market — you can choose any retail electricity provider (REP). Solar buyback plans credit your bill for excess energy your panels export to the grid.

A plan paying 7¢/kWh back vs. 2¢/kWh can mean thousands of dollars difference over your system's lifetime.

⭐ Best of BestPwr12-Month Low

BestPwr Marketplace

Best Available 12-Month Plan

7.6¢
per kWh2-Year Low · Harris County

The current 12-month low across all Texas providers — found live on BestPwr. Rates are near a 2-year floor. Summer peaks historically hit 13–14¢. Lock this in before the grid heats up.

Compare Real-Time Rates at BestPwr.com →
🔥 Hot DealFixed Rate

Almika Energy

60 Energy Plus Buyback

10.0¢
per kWh

Highest fixed buyback rate in Texas at 10¢/kWh — but requires a 5-year contract. Best for homeowners confident in their solar production long-term.

📋 60-month contract required. Credits expire annually. $14.95/month base fee.

View Plan at Almika Energy
🔥 Hot DealVariable Rate

Octopus Energy

Solar Buyback (all plans)

6.5¢
per kWh 12.1% vs last week

Real-time ERCOT wholesale pricing every 15 minutes — earns the most during summer peak hours (2–7pm). No cap on credits, no expiration. Cash out when balance exceeds $50.

📋 Bundled with all standard Octopus plans. Requires TDSP permission-to-operate form.

View Plan at Octopus Energy
Fixed Rate

TXU Energy

Solar Buyback Match

7.6¢
per kWh

1:1 retail rate match — you earn the same rate per kWh exported as you pay per kWh consumed (energy charge only, excluding TDU fees). Credits roll monthly up to $1,000.

📋 12 or 36-month contracts. 36-month plan in Oncor territory highly rated.

View Plan at TXU Energy
Fixed Rate

Chariot Energy

GreenVolt Solar Buyback

7.0¢
per kWh

7¢/kWh fixed rate — the most popular choice. Available in all 4 TDU territories. Credits never expire and roll over month to month.

📋 12, 24, or 36-month contracts available. Widest TDU coverage.

View Plan at Chariot Energy
🔥 Hot DealVariable Rate

Rhythm Energy

PowerShift Solar Buyback 12

5.4¢
per kWh 14.3% vs last week

Time-of-use variable rate — earns more when exporting during high-demand hours. Best for homeowners who can shift loads off-peak. Credits roll monthly.

📋 12-month contract. $19.95/month base fee. System must be under 20kW.

View Plan at Rhythm Energy
🔥 Hot DealVariable Rate

Green Mountain Energy

Renewable Rewards Buyback

4.7¢
per kWh 14.5% vs last week

Three tiers: Essentials (credits capped at your usage), Solar Credit (unlimited fixed credits), or Solar Max (real-time ERCOT wholesale). All plans use 100% renewable backup.

📋 12/24-month or month-to-month. System must be under 50kW. Requires bidirectional meter.

View Plan at Green Mountain Energy
🔥 Hot Deal: Badge appears when a rate moves more than 5% week-over-week. Variable rates shift with ERCOT conditions — act quickly.
2026 Market Note: With ERCOT demand at record highs from data center expansion, buyback rates during afternoon peaks (2–7pm) can spike on variable plans. Chariot's fixed GreenVolt rate offers the predictability most homeowners prefer.