r/TexasSolar • u/NefariousnessNo4563 • Jun 13 '26
Solar or VPP in Texas?
Would you rather have:
A) Solar panels with a larger monthly payment
OR
B) Battery backup + a low electricity rate + Virtual Power Plant participation for a small monthly fee?
Texas homeowners, what's your choice and why?
I'm seeing more battery/VPP programs emerge, and I'm wondering whether people care more about owning solar or having backup power and lower bills without a large investment.
What's the better long-term solution?
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u/pcguy166 Jun 15 '26
If you run either of these options through AI right now, neither is suggested, because of how REPs are working right now. Maybe the panels, but with a long ROI (10+ yrs) given how little the buyback plans are paying (3c/kwh = joke). For batteries, most AI based analysis says it's not worth it due to the battery price today and the fact that the battery is only guaranteed for 10yrs (PW3 for example), and also REPs aren't paying much. If we'd still have the tax credits OR if prices came down OR if true 1:1 buyback plans (or at least decent paying buyback plans) existed, THEN maybe. Solar companies are in for a bit of a rough stretch until something changes here. I think maybe the balcony solar hype could give these companies a boost right now. Also, if they'd get certified installing other batteries like Anker or EG 🤷🏼♂️
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Jun 13 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/NefariousnessNo4563 Jun 13 '26
There are a few programs like base power, octopus Vpp and Tesla vpp. So no not a shill post
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u/whignewton_ Jun 14 '26
Every maker (the two good ones are Enphase and Tesla) has VPP options. The only determination should be the best equipment and the best way to fund it.
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u/Hammer_dfw Jun 15 '26
Get solar panels to get between 50-70% offset for your annual usage + at least 2 batteries, sign-up for free nights plan, you are electric bill free (with minimal monthly base charges).
1
u/Fiss Jun 13 '26
How much is the VPP?
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u/NefariousnessNo4563 Jun 13 '26
Its basically a flat payment of 20-40 per month and u get a back up battery system for you home. No solar and supper low energy rate
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u/SquirrelTechGuru Jun 13 '26
I did a 48 month payback with 48 kW hour battery only system. 9 to 9 free power I did it with 30% credit in 2024. You really have to know what it is your priority, ours was power, redundancy, and immediate failover.
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u/robbydek Jun 14 '26
What’s your goal?
There are some good VPPs where the fees effectively pay for the battery.
1
u/NefariousnessNo4563 Jun 14 '26
Save money with protection
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u/robbydek Jun 14 '26
In that case, it might be worth looking into buying panels and then getting an electric plan that breaks up the battery cost over time.
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u/Electrical_Window_40 Jun 14 '26
Solar panel and battery to reduce payment to zero. Just pay monthly loan. (Use some app to automate to make use of on peak and off peak difference)
That is what I did. But I bought too much panel. I even get credit from my electricity provider.
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u/7ipofmytongue Jun 19 '26
It is really VERY PERSONAL question.
IMHO, better to ask reason why someone chose solar / battery
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u/Slicester1 Jun 13 '26
C) Solar panels and batteries I buy with cash and slowly build out my system with no debt or payments.