Home › Laws by state › Texas
Is plug-in solar legal in Texas?
No specific law
Texas has no plug-in solar law. Plugging a kit into an outlet falls under your utility's interconnection rules, which usually require approval.
Max system sizeNo capsmallest tier: Certified systems <=500 kW generally no study fee (Oncor)
Electrician / permitPermit and inspectionutility rules apply
Tell the utility?Interconnection applicationtypical fee $0
CertificationUL 1741 inverterrequired by every utility
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Apply for interconnection like any small generator (Certified systems <=500 kW generally no study fee (Oncor)), typical fee $0.
- Use portable panels with a power station, never connected to house wiring, with no permission at all.
- Install conventional rooftop or ground-mount solar through the standard interconnection process.
✕ Not yet / not allowed
- Plug a grid-tied kit into an outlet without an interconnection agreement; it can breach your service terms.
- Expect a permit or wiring exemption; none exists without a law.
- Count on a law soon: no plug-in solar bill has been filed.
What the rules say
Texas has no plug-in solar bill; Bright Saver calls it a legal gray area and declines to ship there. Utility interconnection rules apply.
No law doesn't mean no rules. In Texas, a kit that pushes power back into your home wiring is treated like any other grid-connected generator. Most utilities require an interconnection application, and plugging in without one can breach your service agreement. Off-grid use (panels charging a battery that powers devices directly) avoids this entirely.
Before you plug in: Texas checklist
- The rule that applies is Public Utility Commission of Texas (TDUs, non-ERCOT IOUs); munis/co-ops self-regulate's interconnection process: PUCT Subst. Rules 25.211 / 25.212.
- A plug-in kit falls in the smallest tier (Certified systems <=500 kW generally no study fee (Oncor)). TDU pre-interconnection study fees per tariff (often $0 for certified small systems); munis vary.
- Permits: 2026 NEC statewide (9/1/2026); TDLR licensing; Austin permit required.
- Only consider kits with a UL 1741-listed inverter (UL 3700 preferred); a non-listed inverter will not be approved anywhere.
- What exports are worth: Set by REP buyback plan (ERCOT) or muni tariff (Austin VoS ~9.9 c; CPS net billing).
- If approval is slow or costly, a portable panel and power station (never connected to house wiring) needs no permission.
- No plug-in solar bill has been filed yet; the nearby states that passed laws in 2026 are the template to expect.
The rules in detail
Texas has no statute specific to plug-in solar. Average residential electricity price: 15.88¢ per kWh (EIA, July 2026).
- Utilities: Bright Saver does not ship to Texas; 'legal gray area'.
Your utility's rules in Texas
No utility in Texas publishes a rule that specifically allows or bans outlet-connected generation, so the general interconnection agreement is what applies. Here is what the largest residential utilities say and require.
| Utility | Residential customers | Published position on plug-in kits |
|---|---|---|
| Oncor Electric Delivery (TDU) | 3,477,215 | No specific statement; 'Customers are responsible for negotiating an agreement with a Retail Electric Provider (REP) of their choice regarding surplus energy'. source |
| CenterPoint Energy Houston (TDU) | 2,485,470 | No specific statement; interconnects per PUCT Subst. Rules 25.211/25.212. source |
| CPS Energy (San Antonio) | 865,914 | No specific statement. |
| Austin Energy | 507,291 | No specific statement; all DG 'require an Auxiliary Power Electrical Permit'. source |
| Reliant / TXU (largest REPs) | 2,994,641 | No specific statement. |
Interconnection terms for a sub-1.2 kW system
| Regulator | Public Utility Commission of Texas (TDUs, non-ERCOT IOUs); munis/co-ops self-regulate. |
|---|---|
| Governing rule | PUCT Subst. Rules 25.211 / 25.212. |
| Smallest tier | Certified systems <=500 kW generally no study fee (Oncor). |
| Application fee | TDU pre-interconnection study fees per tariff (often $0 for certified small systems); munis vary. |
| Electrician / permit | 2026 NEC statewide (9/1/2026); TDLR licensing; Austin permit required. |
| Export compensation | Set by REP buyback plan (ERCOT) or muni tariff (Austin VoS ~9.9 c; CPS net billing). |
| Electrical code | 2026 NEC (eff. 9/1/2026). |
In practice
- REP, not TDU, decides export value in ERCOT areas.
- Austin/CPS have own agreements; Texas on 2026 NEC since 9/1/2026.
State incentives
- Property-tax exemption (Tax Code 11.27).
- Oncor rebate requires battery + provider.
- Austin Energy rebate requires contractor.
Who is pushing for a law
- Solar United Neighbors Texas
- Texas Solar Energy Society
- Environment Texas
- Public Citizen Texas
Savings preview: 800 W kit in Texas
Adjust for your setup →≈ $152/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Texas?
Texas has no plug-in solar law. Plugging a kit into an outlet falls under your utility's interconnection rules, which usually require approval.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in Texas?
Default: utilities/AHJs can require permits and fees. Check with your local building department before you plug in.
Do I have to tell my utility in Texas?
Default: utilities can require interconnection review. Plugging in a grid-tied kit without following this can breach your service agreement.
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in Texas?
Roughly 960 kWh and about $152 per year at Texas's average residential rate of 15.88¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.