Plug-In Solar in Texas — Status: unclear
Is Plug-In Solar Legal in Texas?
No dedicated statewide plug-in solar law is identified in our tracker for Texas. That does not automatically permit or prohibit every configuration: grid-connected, zero-export, and electrically isolated off-grid systems can be treated differently. Before installing or connecting equipment, confirm current utility or interconnection rules, local code or permit requirements, property or lease conditions, outlet and electrical suitability, and the equipment listing and manufacturer instructions.
Last Updated: March 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 14.8¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $240/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 8¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 5.5 |
| Retail Choice | full |
| Deregulated Market | Yes |
What You Can Do
No specific plug-in solar law. Texas has a deregulated electricity market and excellent solar resources. Many REPs offer solar buyback programs.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
ERCOT interconnection rules still apply to grid-tied systems. No plug-in solar exemption exists at the state level.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Austin Energy offers a $2,500 solar rebate for residential customers. CPS Energy offers a solar rebate program for San Antonio customers. Texas has no state sales tax on solar equipment. Net metering / solar buyback programs available through many REPs. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- Austin Energy — Solar Rebate Program — $2,500 solar rebate for Austin Energy residential customers.
- CPS Energy — Solar Programs — Solar rebate program and solar buyback for CPS Energy customers in San Antonio.
- DSIRE — Texas Solar Incentives — Full list of Texas state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 31,290,831 |
| Total Households | 10,992,816 |
| Owner-Occupied | 6,881,502 |
| Renter-Occupied | 4,111,314 |
| Single-Family Homes | 7,956,703 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 996,670 |
| Median Household Income | $78,476 |
| Median Home Value | $283,800 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 5.3 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 20° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1083 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | Annual, August, July |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| CenterPoint Energy | ~2.8 million customers | No |
| AEP Texas | ~944970 residential customers | No |
| Oncor Electric Delivery | ~4 million homes and businesses | No |
| Texas-New Mexico Power | ~270000 customers | No |
Explore Your Next Steps in Texas
Use these tools and guides alongside the state-specific rules above to evaluate your space, potential savings, and the right connection approach.
- Compare every state — Return to the national tracker to compare enacted laws, pending bills, and unclear jurisdictions.
- Check your TX setup readiness — Review placement, outlet, property, and state-rule questions before choosing equipment.
- Estimate savings in Texas — Use your location and setup assumptions to estimate bill savings and storage value.
- Plug-In Solar in Texas: How the Deregulated Market Changes Everything — Read the most relevant PlugInSolarUS article for Texas.
- Understand off-grid and grid-connected use — Separate truly off-grid or portable solar from equipment that connects to a building circuit or utility grid.