Plug-In Solar in Texas — Status: unclear
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 |