Wondering if you’ll still get an electric bill after going solar in Texas? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we hear at Eagle Mountain Solar—and the answer depends on how your system is designed, how you consume energy, and what kind of electricity plan you’re on.
👉 Start with a free consultation to learn how much of your bill you could eliminate. Schedule your call today!
Yes, Most Texans Still Get a Bill—Here’s Why
Even with solar panels producing clean energy on your roof, most homeowners in deregulated markets like DFW will still get a power bill. That doesn’t mean solar isn’t worth it—it just means there are delivery charges and grid connection fees that solar alone usually can’t eliminate.
Let’s break it down.
1. The Base Customer Charge (aka Meter Fee)
This is a flat monthly fee (typically $9–$15) charged by your electricity provider just for having service—whether you use 1 kWh or 1,000. You’ll see this fee on your bill even if you send more energy to the grid than you use.
2. TDU Delivery Charges (e.g., Oncor in DFW)
Texas utility delivery companies like Oncor charge customers for moving electricity across poles and wires. These TDU fees include:
- A fixed base delivery fee (often $4–$10/month)
- A variable per-kWh charge for every kilowatt-hour imported from the grid
And here’s the kicker: Most solar buyback plans do not cover TDU fees. That means even if your exported solar credits cancel out your usage, you’ll still owe money for TDU delivery charges.
3. Your Solar Offset Percentage Matters
If your solar system offsets 100% of your annual usage, you’re in great shape—but you may still pull power from the grid at night or during cloudy days. That’s when TDU fees kick in.
Plus, in Texas, solar systems are often designed for 70–100% offset depending on:
- Roof space
- Shading
- Utility plan preferences (e.g., nights-free energy plans)
Can You Eliminate Your Bill? Only in These Cases…
There are two ways to get close to a $0 bill in Texas:
Option 1: Use a Buyback Plan That Covers TDU Fees
A few providers have experimented with covering delivery fees—but these plans are rare and tend to come and go. Even then, they usually come with tradeoffs like higher base rates.
Option 2: Add Battery Storage to Self-Consume
When you add a home battery, like the Enphase 5P or Tesla Powerwall, you can store excess solar energy during the day and use it at night instead of importing from the grid.
That means:
- No TDU delivery fees on stored energy
- More self-consumption = fewer imports = lower bills
In fact, this is exactly what’s happening in California since NEM 3.0 went into effect. The utility companies cut compensation for exported solar, so solar + storage is now the most cost-effective strategy to reduce bills and maximize independence.
Texas may follow a similar path, especially as buyback rates and policies shift. Batteries are quickly becoming the best way to future-proof your solar investment.
So Is Solar Still Worth It?
Absolutely.
Even if you still pay a small bill:
- You can cut your energy costs dramatically
- You lock in stable energy prices
- You boost your home value
- You gain long-term protection from rising rates
And if you add storage or pick the right plan, you could see even bigger savings.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to have realistic expectations. Going solar in Texas can significantly reduce your electric bill—but TDU fees, meter charges, and plan selection still play a role.
Want to know what your bill would look like with solar? We’ll walk you through a custom proposal and even help you shop for the right buyback plan or battery.
🗓️ Book a free, no-pressure consultation with Eagle Mountain Solar today.
Disclaimer: We are not tax or financial advisors. Utility billing and savings vary by location and plan. Always consult your local provider and a qualified professional.