Texas Solar Guide 2026
Everything Texas homeowners need to know: costs, incentives, net metering policy, and what makes this state unique for solar.
Key fact about Texas solar
Texas leads the US in new solar installations in 2024–2025. The deregulated ERCOT grid means electricity rates vary — shop your energy plan to maximize solar value.
Peak sun hours
5.5
hrs/day avg
Avg electricity rate
13.0¢
per kWh
Median install cost
$2.6/W
before incentives
Typical payback
10 yrs
8 kW system, avg usage
Typical 8 kW system in Texas
Annual production
16,060 kWh
Year-1 savings
$2,088
System cost (est.)
$20,800
No federal tax credit — Section 25D expired December 31, 2025.
Texas Net Metering Policy
No statewide net metering law
Texas has no statewide net metering mandate. Some utilities (Austin Energy, CPS Energy) offer buyback programs. Most large utilities offer minimal export value — self-consumption maximization is key.
Texas Solar Incentives
Available in addition to any utility rebates. Federal 25D credit is $0 for homeowner-owned systems from 2026.
- ✓Property tax exemption on added home value from solar
- ✓Various municipal utility rebates (Austin Energy: $2,500)
Top Utilities in Texas
Interconnection timeline: 2–8 weeks depending on utility
Calculate your Texas solar economics
Our calculators are pre-filled with Texas data. Run any tool below.