What buyback means
When your panels make more power than your home is using, that extra power may go to the grid. A buyback plan says what you may get for it. Some plans are better than others. Some have limits. Some change over time. Ask for the exact plan name before you trust the savings number.
Do not only look at the credit
A high credit can look good, but the full bill matters. Check the price you pay for power, the monthly fee, delivery charges, and whether credits roll over. A plan can sound good in one line and still be weak on the full bill. Ask the installer to show the whole math.
Your home use matters
Solar is usually worth more when your home uses it right away. That may mean running pool pumps, laundry, or EV charging when the sun is out. If most of your power use is at night, ask if a battery helps. The answer depends on the battery cost and your electric plan.
Ask about plan changes
Texas retail electric plans can change. Ask what happens when your contract ends. Ask if the savings number assumes the same plan for many years. Ask if you can switch providers after solar. The quote should not pretend today's plan is guaranteed forever.
Simple checklist
Ask for the import price. Ask for the export credit. Ask for monthly fees. Ask if credits expire. Ask if delivery charges are covered. Ask who handles the utility forms. Ask for a no-federal-tax-credit case for new 2026 projects. If the quote cannot show these answers, keep shopping.
A simple example
If your home uses solar power right away, it may avoid buying power from the grid. If your home sends extra solar out, you may get a smaller credit. That difference is why system size matters. Bigger is not always better. Better is the size that fits your bill and your plan.
