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Best Solar Buyback Plans in Texas for Solar-Only Homes: 2026 DFW Comparison
If you own solar panels in Dallas-Fort Worth but do not have a battery, choosing an electricity plan can be confusing. Some plans offer a high solar export credit but charge more for electricity purchased from the grid. Others offer a lower import rate but pay very little for excess solar.
The best choice depends on how much solar energy your home uses directly, how much it sends to the grid, and how much electricity you purchase after the sun goes down.
In this guide, SolarTime compares five of the best solar buyback plans in Texas for solar-only homes in the Oncor service area. We also explain how solar billing actually works, why your electric bill does not show your system's full production, and how Oncor delivery charges affect the real value of a one-to-one solar buyback plan.
Rates checked: August 26, 2026. Electricity plans, rates, fees, and buyback terms can change. Always review the current Electricity Facts Label and solar buyback agreement before enrolling.
First: What Happens to the Solar Power Your Home Produces?
Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours. Your home uses that solar electricity first, in real time, before purchasing electricity from the grid.
Only the solar energy your home does not need at that moment is sent back to the grid.
Here is a simple example:
Your solar system produces 10 kWh during the day.
Your home uses 5 kWh while the solar is being produced.
The remaining 5 kWh is exported to the grid.
Your utility bill may show a credit for the 5 kWh exported, but it will not show all 10 kWh produced. The other 5 kWh was used directly inside your home and never passed through the utility meter as imported or exported electricity.
This is why your electric bill does not reflect your solar system's total production. To see total solar production, you normally need to review your inverter or solar monitoring application.
Solar production is divided into two parts
Solar energy | What happens | Where you see it |
Solar used directly by the home | Powers your appliances, air conditioning, lights, and other loads | Solar monitoring app; usually not itemized on the electric bill |
Excess solar exported to the grid | Leaves the home through the utility meter | Utility bill or electricity-provider portal |
Importing vs. Exporting Electricity
When comparing the best solar buyback plans in Texas, homeowners need to look at two separate prices:
Import rate: What you pay when your home purchases electricity from the grid.
Export rate: What the electricity provider credits you for excess solar sent to the grid.
Solar-only homes normally import electricity at night because the solar panels are no longer producing. They may also import electricity during cloudy weather or whenever the home's demand is greater than the solar system's production.
Without a battery, excess energy produced around midday cannot be saved for nighttime use. It is exported to the grid, and the home later purchases electricity when it needs power after sunset.
The Oncor Delivery Charge Is the Part Many Homeowners Miss
In the deregulated Texas electricity market, your Retail Electric Provider, or REP, sells you electricity. Examples include TXU Energy, Reliant, Chariot Energy, and other retail providers.
Your local Transmission and Distribution Utility, or TDU, maintains the poles, wires, meters, and electrical infrastructure. In much of Dallas-Fort Worth, the TDU is Oncor. Other parts of Texas may be served by Texas-New Mexico Power, CenterPoint Energy, AEP Texas, or another utility.
For the Oncor plans reviewed here, the listed TDU charge was $4.06 per month plus 6.0295¢ for every kWh imported from the grid as of August 26, 2026.
That delivery charge is added to the retail provider's energy rate.
Example using the TXU Solar Buyback System Flex plan
The listed TXU energy rate is 15.9¢ per kWh, plus TDU charges.
Retail energy charge: 15.9¢ per imported kWh
Oncor delivery charge: approximately 6.0295¢ per imported kWh
Approximate combined variable cost: 21.9295¢ per imported kWh
Solar export credit: 15.9¢ per exported kWh
The plan is commonly described as offering a matching or one-to-one energy credit because the 15.9¢ retail energy rate and 15.9¢ export credit are equal. However, the exported credit generally does not reimburse the Oncor delivery charge attached to imported electricity.
In other words, exporting 1 kWh during the day and importing 1 kWh at night does not necessarily result in a zero-dollar exchange. The retail energy portions may offset each other, but the TDU delivery charge, monthly fees, taxes, and any non-offsettable charges may remain.
That is one of the most important details to understand when comparing DFW solar buyback plans.
Our Top Five Solar Buyback Plans for Solar-Only Homes in DFW
There is no single plan that is best for every solar home. We selected five strong or noteworthy options representing different solar usage patterns: high export, high self-consumption, one-to-one credit, fixed buyback, and real-time wholesale buyback.
Quick comparison
Provider and plan | Term | Base fee | Retail import rate | Solar export credit | Best suited for |
TXU Solar Buyback System Flex | 1 month | $19.95* | 15.9¢ + TDU* | 15.9¢ | Homes that export a large amount and value a matching retail energy credit |
Chariot GreenVolt | 12 months | $29.95 | 9.1¢ + TDU | 7.0¢ | Balanced import/export profiles seeking a lower import rate and solid fixed export credit |
Otovo Solar BuyBack | 12 months | $14.95* | 11.5¢ + TDU* | 8.0¢ | Homes with meaningful exports that want a relatively strong fixed buyback rate |
Freedom Solar Buyback | 12 months | $9.95* | 8.4¢ + TDU* | 3.0¢ | Homes that use most solar directly and export relatively little |
Champion Champ Saver | 12 months | None listed | 6.5¢ + TDU | RTW | High self-consumption homes prioritizing a low import energy rate and accepting a variable export value |
*The source indicates that some charges may not be offset by solar export credits. Review the current plan documents for exact credit limitations.
1. TXU Solar Buyback System Flex
Listed terms:
One-month term
No early termination fee
$19.95 monthly base fee
15.9¢ per kWh import energy rate, plus TDU charges
15.9¢ per kWh export credit
Rate and buyback terms are subject to change
This plan stands out because its listed solar export credit matches its retail energy rate. It may be attractive to a solar-only homeowner who sends a significant amount of electricity to the grid.
However, “one-to-one” does not mean that one exported kWh erases every charge attached to one imported kWh. Oncor delivery charges and potentially other non-offsettable fees still apply to grid electricity delivered to the home.
The monthly base fee also matters. A homeowner should compare the added value of the higher export credit against the higher import rate and monthly fee.
Potential fit: A home with large daytime surpluses and consistent solar exports.
2. Chariot GreenVolt
Listed terms:
12-month term
$150 early termination fee
$29.95 monthly base fee
9.1¢ per kWh import energy rate, plus TDU charges
7.0¢ per kWh fixed export credit
Credits cannot exceed imported usage over a 12-month period
Chariot GreenVolt offers a lower retail import rate than the matching-credit TXU option, while still providing a meaningful fixed solar credit. That can create a more balanced option for homeowners who both import and export substantial amounts of electricity.
The tradeoff is its $29.95 monthly fee and its no-net-export limitation over the stated period. Homeowners should review exactly how credits accumulate and whether their export volume is likely to exceed the plan's eligible credit amount.
Potential fit: A home with a balanced import/export profile that wants a relatively low import rate without settling for a 3¢ export credit.
3. Otovo Solar BuyBack
Listed terms:
12-month term
$150 early termination fee
$14.95 monthly base fee
11.5¢ per kWh import energy rate, plus TDU charges
8.0¢ per kWh fixed export credit
Listed as offered through Light Energy
Maximum solar system size of 50 kW
Otovo Solar BuyBack has one of the stronger fixed export credits in this comparison while keeping the retail import rate below the TXU matching-credit plan. For a homeowner who exports a meaningful amount of solar but still buys electricity at night, this balance may be worth analyzing.
The 8¢ credit is not a full one-to-one credit, but the lower import rate and lower base fee compared with some alternatives may improve the total bill.
Potential fit: A solar-only home that exports regularly and wants a strong fixed credit without choosing the highest retail import rate.
4. Freedom Solar Buyback
Listed terms:
12-month term
$150 early termination fee
$9.95 monthly base fee
8.4¢ per kWh import energy rate, plus TDU charges
3.0¢ per kWh fixed export credit
Listed as offered through Light Energy
Maximum solar system size of 50 kW
Freedom Solar Buyback has a much lower listed retail energy rate than the one-to-one TXU plan, but it also offers a much lower export credit.
This may work well for a home that consumes most of its solar production as it is generated. For example, a homeowner who works from home, runs air conditioning during sunny hours, charges an electric vehicle during the day, or has other substantial daytime loads may export relatively little.
In that situation, keeping the import price lower may be more valuable than paying a higher import rate to receive a larger credit on a small number of exported kilowatt-hours.
Potential fit: A high-self-consumption home with relatively little excess solar.
5. Champion Champ Saver
Listed terms:
12-month term
$150 early termination fee
No monthly base fee listed
6.5¢ per kWh import energy rate, plus TDU charges
Export credit based on the ERCOT real-time wholesale price
Champion Champ Saver has the lowest listed retail import energy rate among the five options in this article. Its solar exports, however, receive the real-time wholesale price rather than a guaranteed fixed credit.
This plan may appeal to a homeowner who uses nearly all solar production inside the home and sends very little to the grid. If exports are substantial, the uncertainty and commonly low value of RTW credits could make a fixed-rate buyback plan more attractive.
Potential fit: A home with very high daytime self-consumption and minimal exports.
What Does RTW Mean on a Texas Solar Buyback Plan?
RTW means real-time wholesale. The export price follows the ERCOT wholesale electricity market and updates every five minutes based on grid supply and demand.
Real-time wholesale prices are often below 3¢ per kWh during ordinary off-peak conditions. During periods of extreme demand or limited supply, they can increase sharply. The maximum can be much higher, but occasional spikes should not be treated as a guaranteed or typical solar export rate.
A plan offering a fixed 3¢ per kWh export credit is not technically the same as an RTW plan:
Fixed 3¢ plan: Each eligible exported kWh earns 3¢ under the stated plan terms.
RTW plan: The credit changes based on the wholesale price at the specific time the energy is exported.
For solar-only homes, much of the excess production is exported around the middle of the day. Wholesale prices can be low during those hours when solar generation across the grid is abundant. That is why an RTW plan should be evaluated using the home's actual hourly import and export profile—not based on the possibility of rare price spikes.
Is a One-to-One Solar Buyback Plan Always Better?
No. A one-to-one retail energy credit can be valuable, but only if the benefit from the higher export rate outweighs the plan's import rate, monthly fee, and other charges.
Consider two different solar-only homes:
Home A: Uses most solar power directly
This home has strong daytime usage and exports very little. A lower import rate may save more money than a high export credit because the homeowner does not have many exported kilowatt-hours to credit.
Home B: Exports a large daytime surplus
This home is relatively empty during the day and sends a significant share of its solar production to the grid. A strong fixed export rate or matching retail energy credit may be more important, even if the import rate is higher.
The key calculation is not simply, “Which company pays the most for solar?” It is:
Total imported electricity cost + TDU delivery charges + monthly fees − eligible solar export credits = estimated electric bill
Remember: Nighttime Electricity Still Includes Delivery Charges
For a home without a battery, solar panels do not provide power after sunset. Electricity used at night is imported from the grid and billed according to the electricity plan.
That imported electricity generally includes:
The retail provider's energy charge
The TDU's per-kWh delivery charge
Applicable monthly charges and taxes
Even if the home exported the same number of kilowatt-hours earlier in the day, the solar credit may not offset the TDU delivery charge. That is why a solar-only homeowner can export a large amount of electricity and still receive a bill.
How to Choose the Best Solar Buyback Plan for Your Home
Before selecting one of the best solar buyback plans in Texas, review at least 12 months of data if available:
Total solar production
Solar energy used directly in the home
Excess solar exported to the grid
Electricity imported from the grid
The time of day electricity is imported and exported
Monthly base fees
TDU delivery charges
Whether credits roll over or expire
Whether credits can offset the entire bill or only eligible energy charges
Whether excess credits can be paid out in cash
System-size restrictions
Contract term and early termination fee
Two neighboring homes with the same number of solar panels may need completely different electricity plans. One family may use most solar energy directly, while the other exports heavily during the day and imports heavily at night.
SolarTime's Practical Recommendation
For a solar-only home that exports a large amount of power, start by comparing plans with stronger fixed export credits or a matching retail energy credit. Carefully account for the higher import rate, Oncor delivery charges, and monthly fees.
For a home that uses most of its solar production directly and exports very little, a lower import rate may be the better financial choice—even if the solar buyback rate is only 3¢ or follows RTW pricing.
Do not choose a plan based only on the advertised buyback rate. The best plan is the one that produces the lowest total annual cost using your home's actual import and export data.
SolarTime installs and services solar and battery systems throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. We also help homeowners understand solar production, consumption, exports, and utility billing.
Need help reviewing your solar production or planning a new solar system? Contact SolarTime at solartime.us/contact-us or call/text 972-675-7725.
TXU Solar Buyback Plans:
TXU Solar Buyback FAQs:
https://www.txu.com/electricity-plans/home-solar-buyback/faqs
Chariot Energy Solar Buyback Plans:
Otovo Texas Solar Buyback:
Freedom Power Solar Buyback Plans:
Champion Energy Solar Buyback Explanation:
https://championenergyservices.com/Residential/Customer-Care/Solar-Energy-101/Plans-are-Confusing
Champion Energy Solar Buyback FAQs:
https://championenergyservices.com/residential/Customer-Care/Energy-101/Solar-Buyback-FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't my electric bill show all the electricity my solar panels produced?
Your home uses available solar power first. Only the excess electricity that leaves the home is measured as an export and shown as a bill credit. Your solar monitoring application shows total production.
If my solar panels produce 10 kWh, will I receive credit for all 10 kWh?
Only if all 10 kWh are exported. If your home uses 5 kWh while the system is producing and exports the remaining 5 kWh, your utility bill should reflect only the eligible 5 kWh export.
What is an Oncor TDU delivery charge?
It is a utility charge for delivering electricity through the poles, wires, meters, and local grid infrastructure. It is added to imported electricity and is separate from the retail provider's energy rate.
Does a one-to-one solar buyback eliminate my entire electric bill?
Not necessarily. The export credit may match the retail energy rate but may not offset TDU delivery charges, monthly fees, taxes, or other non-offsettable charges.
What is the difference between a 3¢ solar credit and RTW pricing?
A 3¢ credit is a fixed rate under the plan's terms. RTW is a variable ERCOT wholesale price that changes every five minutes and is often below 3¢ during off-peak periods, although it can occasionally spike.
Which solar buyback plan is best if I export very little electricity?
A plan with a lower import rate may be more valuable than a plan with a high export credit. The answer depends on your actual imported and exported kilowatt-hours and the plan's fees.
Which plan is best if I export a lot of solar power?
A strong fixed export credit or matching retail energy credit may provide better value. However, you should still calculate the higher import rate, TDU delivery charges, monthly fees, and credit limitations.
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