Texas Net Metering: Solar When You’re Not Home

A lot of homeowners love the idea of solar, but one question keeps coming up:

“If I’m not home during the day… is solar still worth it?”

The answer? Yes — absolutely.
And the reason why is something called net metering. Let’s break it down.

What Happens When You’re Not Home

During the day, your solar panels are working their hardest — soaking up sunlight and converting it into electricity. But if you’re at work or away from home, most of that energy isn’t being used right away.

So where does it go?

Instead of being wasted, that extra power your system generates during the day is sent back to the grid. In return, many utility companies in Texas offer credits for the excess energy your system produces — and that’s the heart of net metering.

How Net Metering Works

Net metering is a billing system that gives credit to solar panel owners for the extra electricity they produce. For example, if your panels generate more power than you’re using during the day, the excess energy is sent to the grid and your electric meter runs backward—earning you credits. It’s like having an energy piggy bank: you save up during sunny hours and use those credits when the sun isn’t shining, like at night or on cloudy days.

You’re only billed for your “net” energy use — the difference between what you use from the grid and what you send back. On average, only 20–40% of a solar energy system’s output goes into the grid. That exported solar electricity doesn’t go to waste — it powers nearby homes and businesses, helping build a cleaner, more efficient community. (“Net Metering – SEIA”)

Think of it like a two-way street:

• ☀️ Daytime: Your panels generate more energy than you need. That surplus goes to the grid, and you earn credit.
  
• 🌙 Nighttime: You use energy from the grid when your panels aren’t producing. But your credits help offset those costs.
  

At the end of your billing cycle, your energy credits reduce your electric bill — sometimes even eliminating it altogether.

So… Will You Still Save?

Yes — and in many cases, just as much as someone who’s home all day.

In fact, being away during the day often means your energy use shifts to mornings, evenings, and weekends — when your solar credits are there to cover you. You’re still powering your home with clean energy… just on a delay.

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Bonus: Battery Storage = Extra Peace of Mind

Want to take your solar setup to the next level? Adding a battery backup gives you even more control and reliability. With a solar battery, any extra energy your panels produce is stored right on your property — ready to power your home at night, on cloudy days, or even during outages.

At Solar Edge Pros, we offer two top-tier options: the Enphase IQ Battery and the FranklinWH Power System. These systems store unused solar energy, giving you power when your panels aren’t actively generating.

Want to learn more? Visit our website for a full breakdown of how our batteries work and which one might be right for your home: https://solaredgepros.com/backup-batteries/

How They All Work Together:

1. Daytime: Panels power your home.
   
2. Extra power:
   
   • First fill your battery.
     
   • If the battery is full, excess goes to the grid (net metering).
     
3. Evening/Night:
   
   • Home runs off battery first.
     
   • If the battery runs out, it pulls from the grid (using net metering credits).
     
4. Power outage:
   
   • Battery kicks in to keep key appliances running.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let your work schedule keep you from switching to solar. Thanks to net metering, your system still works for you — day or night.

And here at Solar Edge Pros, we make sure your setup is tailored for maximum savings, no matter your lifestyle. ☀️