Quick Answer
CenterPoint delivers electricity in Houston but doesn't set solar buyback rates—your Retail Electric Provider (REP) does. Some REPs offer 1:1 credits, others pay wholesale ($0.03-0.05/kWh). Houston has excellent sunshine (5.2 peak sun hours), but choosing the right REP is critical. With good REP solar plan: 8-12 year payback. With wholesale buyback: 14-18 years.
CenterPoint Overview
CenterPoint Energy is the transmission and distribution utility for the greater Houston area. They deliver power and handle interconnection, but you buy electricity from a retail electric provider (REP) of your choice.
From my experience:Houston solar is complicated by Texas's deregulated market. CenterPoint just delivers electricity—your retail electric provider (REP) determines whether you get paid for excess solar and how much. Some REPs offer 1:1 buyback, others pay wholesale ($0.03-0.05/kWh), and some pay nothing. Before you even think about solar, research REPs with good solar buyback plans. Also: Houston hurricanes are real. Battery backup isn't just nice-to-have here—after a few days without power post-storm, it becomes obvious why energy independence matters.
Texas Deregulation
CenterPoint doesn't sell you electricity—your REP does. For solar customers, CenterPoint handles interconnection and net metering infrastructure, while your REP determines how excess solar is compensated.
[Editor's Note, Jan 2026]:Net metering policies, rate structures, and program availability verified with current utility data.
Deregulated Market
How It Works
- CenterPoint: Delivers power, maintains grid, handles interconnection
- Your REP: Bills you, sets rates, determines solar buyback
- ERCOT: Manages Texas grid and wholesale market
- Your choice: Pick REP with good solar buyback policy
Interconnection
CenterPoint Process
- Application: Your installer submits interconnection request
- Net meter: CenterPoint installs bidirectional meter
- Timeline: Typically 2-4 weeks after installation
- Cost: Usually included in installer's quote
REP Solar Options
Solar Buyback Plans
| REP Type | Export Credit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1:1 buyback | Full retail credit | Overproducers |
| Wholesale buyback | Market rate (~$0.03-0.05) | Self-consumers |
| No buyback | $0 | High daytime usage |
Choose Your REP Wisely
Some REPs offer 1:1 solar buyback; others don't. Before going solar, research REPs with solar buyback plans. This choice significantly impacts your solar economics in the Houston market. (Source: industry data and EnergySage analysis)
Houston Solar Strategy
Maximizing Value
- Find solar-friendly REP: Research buyback options
- Size for usage: Don't overbuild if buyback is low
- Consider batteries: Use your own power instead of exporting
- Hurricane resilience: Battery backup has real value in Houston
The Bottom Line
Houston solar success depends on REP choice. CenterPoint handles delivery, but your retail electric provider determines solar economics. Research buyback plans before committing to solar.
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