Is Solar Worth It in Texas? (2026)

Texas is a mixed bag for solar — lots of sun and high summer bills, but weaker net metering rules than many states. For a lot of Texas homes it still pays off. Here’s the honest take.

The Texas basics

• Sun: strong — roughly 5 peak sun hours/day on average, so panels produce well.
• Electricity rate: around 15¢/kWh, near the national average, though summer usage is high thanks to air conditioning.
• Big cooling loads: hot Texas summers mean large AC bills — exactly when solar produces most.

Run your own numbers on our Texas solar cost page or the Solar Savings Calculator.

The catch: net metering in Texas

Texas has no statewide net metering mandate. What you get for exported solar depends on your retail electricity provider and plan:

• Some providers offer solar buyback plans that credit exports at or near retail.
• Others credit exports at a low wholesale rate, or not at all.

This makes your plan choice and self-consumption critical. With weak buyback, using your own solar as you produce it — or adding a battery — improves returns. Learn the mechanics in what is net metering.

When solar is worth it in Texas

• You have high summer AC bills and a sunny, unshaded roof.
• You can get a good solar buyback plan from a retail provider.
• You’ll stay in the home long enough to hit payback (often ~9–12 years).
• You own the system to claim incentives (see the tax credit).

When to be cautious

• Your retail plan offers poor export credit and you can’t shift usage to daytime.
• Your roof is shaded or your bills are already low.

Bottom line

Texas solar works well for high-usage homes with a good buyback plan and decent roof. The single biggest variable is your retail provider’s export terms — nail that down first, then estimate with the Solar Savings Calculator.

Educational estimates only. Confirm current provider plans and incentives.