One of the most common questions regarding Texas solar is: **"Does Texas have net metering?"** The short answer is technically no, but market alternatives exist.
A Market-Based Approach
In many states, net metering is a government-mandated program where utilities must buy your excess power at the same rate they sell it to you. In Texas's deregulated zones, the government stays out of it, leaving export rates to be decided by competitive retail electric providers.
Authority Insight
Because there is no mandate, SunScore™ models solar savings using conservative **avoided cost** assumptions. This ensures our ROI projections remain grounded in reality regardless of plan fluctuations.
Net Metering FAQ
No. Texas does not have a mandatory statewide retail-rate net metering law for its deregulated market. Export compensation is determined voluntarily by Retail Electric Providers (REPs).
Traditional net metering is a 1-to-1 credit at the retail rate. A 'buyback plan' in Texas is a competitive offer from a REP that may credit you at wholesale prices, avoided cost, or a specific flat rate.