Plug-In Solar in Texas
No plug-in solar law exists in Texas. You must register grid-tied solar with the local wires utility, and your electricity plan determines any credit for exported power.
- No plug-in solar law in Texas yetNo bill yet
- Utilities' rules apply.No cap on plug-in watts.
- 16.0 centsJan to Aug 2026: EIA figures for the average home price per kWh.
- Each year, $182.Before any utility solar fee, an 800 W kit in Houston.
First get your electric utility's approval before you connect in Texas. Use an inverter with anti-islanding that's listed to UL 1741, or one listed to UL 3700.
Today's Rule in Texas
On-site distributed generation is governed by PUC Substantive Rules 25.211 and 25.212. The system gets registered with the local poles-and-wires utility by the homeowner or installer. No pre-interconnection study fee applies to a pre-certified unit of up to 500 kW, and a complete application means hookup is due within four weeks.
Statewide net metering doesn't exist. The buyback rate you get is set in the contract you have with your electric provider, and it's usually under the retail price. Each city utility and co-op picks its own buyback rate.
Texas Kit Savings
Each 1 kW of panels in Houston produces 1,422 kWh a year, according to PVWatts. Texas home rates are 16.0 cents per kWh in 2026 so far. What placement means for an 800 W kit:
| Where the panels go | kWh a year | Saved a year |
|---|---|---|
| Tilted south on a stand | 1,137 | $182 |
| Upright on a railing | 717 | $115 |
| Facing east or west | 910 | $146 |
Each Month in Houston
- Jan80
- Feb74
- Mar104
- Apr98
- May104
- Jun100
- Jul105
- Aug103
- Sep99
- Oct102
- Nov94
- Dec75
kWh that an 800 W kit makes when tilted south.
Kit Pricing for Texas
| Kit | kWh a year | Saved a year | Pays back in | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Solar Supplier 1180 W EZ1 Kit | 1,678 | $269 | 3.3 years | $899 |
| Bright Saver 360 W Balcony Kit | 512 | $82 | 5.0 years | $414 |
| EcoFlow STREAM 800 W Kit | 1,137 | $182 | 6.0 years | $1,099 |
Panels tilted south, with all power used at home. Compare every system
Texas Facts Worth Knowing
- In areas open to competition, Texans select a retail electric plan. For exported power, some plans offer a buyback rate.
- The State of Texas gives out no grants or rebates for solar panels; homes paid an average of 14.94 cents/kWh in 2024.
On a Balcony, or Renting?
The mount is your landlord's or HOA's decision, and the hookup is your electric utility's decision. Read about balcony solar and solar for apartments.
The Main Utilities
- TXU Energy Retail Company (retail provider)
- Reliant Energy Retail Services (retail provider)
- City of San Antonio (city-owned utility)
- Entergy Texas Inc.
Texas Steps for You
- Choose a size: about 569 kWh a year comes from a 400 W kit in Houston, and about 1,706 kWh from a 1,200 W kit. Run yours.
- Other states passed plug-in bills, so ask your state lawmakers about a similar one.
Sources
- DG - Distributed Generation, Public Utility Commission of Texas
- PUCT Substantive Rule 25.211, Interconnection of On-Site Distributed Generation
- Thinking About Solar Panels for Your Home? (PUCT)
- EIA State Electricity Profile tables, Texas 2024
- EIA Table 5.6.B, 2026 prices and NREL PVWatts, Houston
See all states at a glance, or check a neighbor: Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas.