Most of North Texas — including Wise County, Parker County, and the surrounding communities we serve — falls within Oncor's distribution territory. Understanding how net metering works specifically within Oncor's service area can make the difference between a solar system that pays you back quickly and one that underperforms financially.
Oncor's Role: Wires, Not Rates
Here's something many homeowners don't realize: Oncor does not sell you electricity. Oncor owns the poles, wires, and meters that deliver power to your home. Your actual electricity — and your solar buyback credits — come from your Retail Electric Provider (REP), like Reliant, TXU, Pulse Power, or dozens of others.
This distinction matters because Oncor handles the physical meter upgrade for solar, while your REP determines how much credit you earn for the energy you send back.
The Bi-Directional Meter
When you go solar in Oncor territory, Oncor installs a bi-directional (or "smart") meter at no cost to you. This meter tracks two things simultaneously:
- Energy consumed: Power drawn from the grid when your panels aren't producing enough (nights, cloudy days).
- Energy exported: Excess solar power sent back to the grid when your system produces more than you use.
Reading Your Bill
After going solar, your bill will show two usage columns: "kWh Delivered" (what you used from the grid) and "kWh Received" (what your panels sent back). Your net usage — and your charges or credits — are based on the difference between these two numbers.
Choosing a REP with a Strong Solar Buyback Plan
Because Texas is deregulated, your REP choice is critical. Not all providers offer the same buyback rates. Here's how the common plan types compare for Oncor customers:
| Plan Type | How Credits Work | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1-to-1 Buyback | Credit at same rate you pay (e.g., 12¢/kWh) | Large systems, high daytime export |
| Wholesale Rate Buyback | Credit at real-time market price (varies) | Battery owners, flexible users |
| Bill Credit Only | Credits applied to bill, not cashed out | Any system — watch for caps |
| No Buyback | Excess energy is given to grid for free | Avoid for solar customers |
The Process: From Installation to First Bill
Here's what the interconnection and net metering timeline looks like for Oncor customers:
- Solar installation complete — your installer submits an interconnection application to Oncor.
- Oncor review — typically takes 10–20 business days for residential systems under 10kW.
- Meter upgrade — Oncor swaps your meter for a bi-directional unit at no charge.
- Permission to Operate (PTO) — once approved, you can turn your system on.
- First solar bill — you'll see net usage and any credits on your next billing cycle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Signing with a REP that has no solar buyback plan before your installation is complete.
- Choosing a plan with monthly caps on credits that limit your savings in peak summer months.
- Ignoring the "base charge" — some plans have a fixed monthly fee regardless of usage.
We Help You Choose the Right REP
Before we finalize your solar design, we review buyback plans available in your zip code so your ROI is accurate from day one.
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