The stakes: expectations vs reality
Many homeowners expect near-zero electricity bills after going solar. When they still receive $200-300 monthly bills due to a poor buyback plan choice, they're shocked and disappointed. The wrong plan can reduce their expected annual savings, leaving them short of what they were promised.
⚠️ The #1 mistake: one plan fits all
Too many installers recommend the same buyback plan to every customer — often whatever plan they personally use or heard about from another installer. This approach ignores critical differences in usage patterns, system size, and lifestyle that can cost their customers $1,000+ per year.
Real customer reviews about buyback plan guidance
Mark Grubbs
Dara Fetsch
Mark Lien
Notice how customers specifically mention personalized plan guidance — not generic recommendations. This customized approach sets you apart.
Understanding solar energy flow
Before categorizing homes, you need to understand three key metrics:
- Imports: Energy bought FROM the grid (when usage exceeds solar production)
- Exports: Excess solar energy sold TO the grid (when production exceeds usage)
- Night import %: Percentage of imports occurring 9pm-7am (critical for free nights compatibility)
These three numbers determine which buyback plan category fits each home — and why the same plan won't work for everyone. But here's the challenge: for new solar installations, you don't know these numbers yet.
That's why we recommend using the free Texas Power Guide analysis. It pulls the customer's 15-minute interval data and includes a solar simulation — just input the system size to get estimated import/export ratios and personalized plan recommendations before the panels are even installed.
The 3 types of solar homes (and their perfect plans)
Category 1: high export homes
Profile: Exporting at least 60% of what they import. These are larger solar systems or homes that are empty during peak solar hours, resulting in significant grid exports. Example: 1,000 kWh imported / 600+ kWh exported monthly.
Best plan type: Plans with the highest available export rate and low base fees. These homes benefit most from maximizing the value of every kWh exported.
Top plans for high export homes
TXU | Solar BB System Flex 1 month term | Import: 15.6¢/kWh Export: 15.6¢/kWh Base Fee: $19.95/mo Cancel Fee: None |
Meter | Earner +Battery 12 month term | Import: 11.8¢/kWh Export: 8.0¢/kWh Base Fee: $14.95/mo Cancel Fee: $150 |
*Based on ONCOR utility area. Prices last updated May 13, 2026 (20 days ago)
Category 2: low export homes
Profile: Exporting less than 60% of imports. Whether due to smaller system size or heavy daytime usage (pool, home office, stay-at-home family), most solar production is consumed immediately. Example: 1,000 kWh imported / 400 kWh exported monthly.
Best plan type: Low import rate plans with reasonable export rates. Since they export little, focus on minimizing import costs rather than maximizing export value.
Top plans for low export homes
Atlantex | Glow Solar 12 month term | Import: 7.1¢/kWh Export: Real Time Base Fee: $19.95/mo Cancel Fee: $20 per month |
Chariot | Shine 36 month term | Import: 8.5¢/kWh Export: Real Time Base Fee: $9.95/mo Cancel Fee: $15 per month |
*Based on ONCOR utility area. Prices last updated May 13, 2026 (20 days ago)
Category 3: night usage homes
Profile: Importing 65%+ of their power between 9pm-7am. This is common for homes with batteries — the battery powers the home after sunset, delaying grid imports until after 9pm when free nights begin. Also includes families who shift usage to evenings — running dishwashers, laundry, and charging EVs overnight.
Best plan type: Free Nights plans (if 65%+ night usage) or Battery Virtual Power Plant (VPP) plans.
Top plans for night usage homes
Reliant | Truly Free Nights 12 month term | Import: 24.3¢/kWh Export: 0.0¢/kWh Base Fee: None Cancel Fee: $150 |
Just | Nights Free 12 month term | Import: 30.3¢/kWh Export: 0.0¢/kWh Base Fee: $4.99/mo Cancel Fee: $175 |
*Based on ONCOR utility area. Prices last updated May 13, 2026 (20 days ago)
Quick decision framework
- Calculate export ratio: Will they export at least 60% of what they import?
- Yes → High Export Home
- No → Low Export Home
- Check night usage: Are 65% of their imports between 9pm-7am?
- Yes → Consider Free Nights plans
- No → Stick with standard buyback plans
Not sure which category your customer falls into?
When the export ratio is borderline (50-70%) or usage patterns are complex, help your customers get a detailed analysis. We'll show them exactly which plans will save them the most based on their actual usage patterns.