There is no free or no-cost solar program in Texas that you can join today. When a seller says “no cost,” the offer is a lease, a power purchase agreement (PPA) or a loan: nothing upfront, then payments for years. This page explains what is real, what is not, and what to check before you sign. For the full comparison, see our guide to free solar panels in Texas.
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Is There a No Cost Solar Program in Texas?
No. Texas Solar for All, a federally funded program for lower-income homes led by Harris County, has been paused since August 7, 2025, after the EPA ended its grant. A federal court ruled on September 22, 2026 that the EPA ended the program unlawfully, but it did not order the grant restored, and the program site still said “paused until further notice” on October 5, 2026. No state program pays for home panels. A seller who uses the program’s name is not selling the program.
What “No Cost Solar” Really Means in Texas
A lease: a solar company installs and owns the panels. You pay a fixed monthly rent, usually for 20 to 25 years.
A power purchase agreement (PPA): the company owns the panels and sells you the power they make, per kWh, often with a yearly price increase. PPAs are not allowed in Austin Energy territory.
A loan: you own the panels from day one and pay the loan back over time. Watch for a dealer fee built into the loan amount.
None of the three is free. You pay the contract, plus whatever is left of your electric bill.
Real Money Texas Homeowners Can Get
Utility rebates. The money in Texas comes from the company that delivers your power, not the state. Austin Energy pays $4,000 per home. AEP Texas pays $1,250 to $2,750, by system size. CenterPoint pays $135 per kW. Oncor sets an amount for each project. Most are first come, first served, so check that the rebate is on the installer’s invoice.
Property tax. The value solar adds to your home is exempt from Texas property tax.
Buyback plans. Texas has no statewide net metering. In most of the state, your retail electricity provider decides what your extra solar power earns, and that plan can change at renewal. City utilities and co-ops set their own credits.
No tax credit. The 30% federal credit ended for home systems finished after December 31, 2025, and Texas has no state income tax to offer a credit.
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Five Questions Before You Sign a “No Cost” Offer
- Who owns the panels, and who keeps any rebate?
- What is the total of all payments over the full contract?
- Does the monthly price rise each year, and by how much?
- Which buyback plan does the savings estimate assume, and what if it changes?
- What happens to the contract if you sell the house?
Compare quotes on the same system size and the same assumptions. Our Texas solar incentives page lists every utility rebate with its source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a no cost solar program in Texas?
Not one you can join today. Texas Solar for All, the federally funded program for lower-income homes led by Harris County, has been paused since August 7, 2025. No state program pays for home panels.
Can you get free solar panels in Texas?
No. A “free” or “no cost” offer in Texas is a lease, a power purchase agreement (PPA) or a loan. You pay nothing upfront, then pay over time, often for 20 years or more.
Is there a federal tax credit for solar in Texas?
Not for homeowners. The 30% federal credit ended for home systems finished after December 31, 2025. Texas has no state income tax, so there is no state credit either.
What solar help does Texas actually have?
Utility rebates (for example Austin Energy, AEP Texas, CenterPoint and Oncor), a property tax exemption for the value solar adds to your home, and buyback plans from retail electricity providers.
