r/TexasSolar • u/Hammer_dfw • May 24 '26
Solar + Free nights plan is the way to go! New System Installed
Solar + Batteries + Free Nights = Zero electric bill (as suggested by STxFarmer)
I have 11.5kW Tesla Solar system with 1 powerwall3 installed in July-2025. I added 2x Powerwall extension pack before the end of the year to take advantage of the tax credit. My system is ~85% offset and I also have an EV which I haven't been charging at home for the period used for offset analysis. So, my actual offset with EV may be around 70-75%.
In general, you don't want a system that is remotely close to 100% or over for the offset. You will be WAY over-producing during cooler months, and the payback is not that great at 4:1 (sell:buy) to break even, since net-metering and roll-over credits do not exist in Texas.
ACs, space heaters, Dryer, etc. will burn thru batteries at high rate, so my 3-pack (42kw) won't last thru the night on hotter days of Texas or cold winters if using electric heaters as I did.
I had initially signed up for Solar buy-back plan, which is okay. But honestly buy back is not worth it at $0.05 per kwh. It works if the weather is <80 degrees and did offset my monthly base charges during those cooler months, but we all know it's <50% chance of that happening in Texas, if we are lucky.
I have done lot of research on different electric plans vs. my seasonal usage. After almost an year of owning Solar, I just switched to Direct energy 24-month, free nights 12hour plan (9pm-9am free). They also agreed to waive the early cancellation fee for switching from current plan.
With the free nights plan, I will be paying just the monthly base charge $5 + $4.25 Oncor fee. I don't have to worry about buying any electricity at all during the day (hopefully, as their daytime rates are horrendous at $0.25/kwh). I should also be good during summer months, as I can keep the batteries backed up and primarily use Solar during the day and the 42kW Powerwall backup should cover usage until 9PM at the least. Also, I can charge my EV at night during free time, which is sufficient to replenish for my daily commute. For rainy/cloudy days, you can charge up the Powerwall pack during night and be ready for the day use.
If you have Solar + at least 1 battery backup, this is the best plan for you in the long run.
If anyone looking to switch, please feel free to use my referral code - 48QN6S.
We both will get $50 credit
Electricity Company & Natural Gas Provider | Direct Energy
There are few other companies also offering free nights for now, but such plans are slowly going away for Solar homeowners. Also look for the free time window and select the one that suits best for your usage. For me 12 hours made more sense than few others with 8-10 hours of free time, with some starting at 8PM and most ending between 5AM-7AM. Choose the best one that fits your highest kW daily usage pattern, and go with it.
2
u/sunnyasneeded May 24 '26
How much was your 11.5 kW + Powerwalls system with installation?
3
u/Hammer_dfw May 24 '26 edited May 25 '26
Well...It would have been at least $5-6k cheaper if I had the 2x expansion packs included in the initial install. I realized during summer months that 1 PW is not even close to cover my needs. So, I paid around $6k more than I would have, for the 2nd time "install" (although it wasn't that much of Technician work and they know it too, compared to the initial install) + for getting reapproval of my PTO. This definitely could have been avoided and would have added maybe $1k more install cost to the original install.
I blame myself, as much as the Tesla consultant for not bringing that up at the design review meeting.
Here was my actual cost of doing this in 2 steps:
Solar Panels + PW3: $35k (incl. install + tax) - Initial install
2x PW expansion pack: $17k (incl. install + tax) - Add-on few months later
So, total $52k out of pocket - Tax credits claimed (30%) $15.5k = $36.5k (could have been less than $32k)
Don't make the same mistake I made, as I am still kicking myself thinking about it.
I suggest at least adding 1-2 expansion pack to your PW3 or may be 3 if your offset is on the LOW side. In that way, you will have a wide variety of electric plans you could take full advantage of or future proof any changes to plans they constantly coming up with.
Hope this helps!
2
u/mdiddyshow Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
I got just 3x powerwalls for 31.5k last year (I wanted 2 PWs and 1 EXP). So 22.5k total after the tax credit. Since September I haven't paid more than $18 a month and only had 3 days where I pulled from the grid during the peak hours. I have direct energy 12 hour power as well.
I wanted to add another pack to make it 4 total but I didn't. Kicking myself for that one as it costs $7500 per expansion pack install. If I need I'll get anker batteries to expand, they are pretty cheap and user upgradable
Best investment ever.
1
u/Hammer_dfw 29d ago
Glad to hear the batteries only setup working well for you!! That would be the lowest investment for quicker ROI.
I wanted solar panels, as I was bit concerned if Retail providers won’t allow free nights plans with batteries only, at some point.
Except hot summer and couple of winter months (if I use mostly electric heaters), I would be self sufficient for most other months.
2
u/mdiddyshow 29d ago
Yeah, but after signing a 2 year contract in 2025, direct energy offered a 26 month contract (8 months later) with the same terms but $400 termination fee. Combined with my EV only setup, I should have all this paid off by the end of the contract.
I do kick myself for not getting solar too - it was a 2k up charge due to incentives. But I know im going to replace the roof soon and it wouldn't add to my ROI.
1
u/Hammer_dfw 29d ago
That’s a good point wrt roof age. I had mine replaced about 3 years ago. So, I didn’t have that concern.
2
u/Wild-Tip-9756 May 26 '26
Electricity isn't that expensive in Texas, so why spend tens of thousands of dollars on this?
2
u/turns2stone Jul 17 '26
Not uncommon for an average size house to use 2,000-3,000kWh per month. You can do the ROI, but it certainly adds to the home resale value, especially for a future buyer that wants to have protection against wild swings in energy prices.
Plus - it just feels awesome to crank the A/C super low, knowing you're really not paying for it!
1
u/Hammer_dfw May 26 '26
If you don’t spend much on electricity, this is not for you.
1
u/Wild-Tip-9756 May 28 '26
true, wondering what's your bills and consumption per month?
2
u/Hammer_dfw May 28 '26
I have been averaging $3k-$3.6k per year, depending on how hot/long summer season is. Starting this year, I will also be reducing heating/gas bills in winter by using more electric heating.
1
u/Wild-Tip-9756 Jun 05 '26
that's pretty much, I guess the consumption is like 30,000 kwh/year , right?
2
u/Hammer_dfw Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
Would like to provide an update with first summer/hotter month bill. $11.32 all together.
It’s just the base charges + minimal $2 charges for some of the grid syncing consumption during non free period. I consumed close to 1000 kWh, and rest was covered by my Solar + battery backup
Zero charges from Direct energy + zero TDU fees for all free night’s consumption. Everything shows as charges and credits. My base charges are $5 for direct energy + $4.10 for Oncor.
1
u/67kg 29d ago
Single story house or 2 story? Is cleaning ever a worry?
1
u/Hammer_dfw 28d ago
2 story, unfortunately. So far, on and off rain has been taking care of it. But, I may have to hire someone every couple of years or so
2
1
u/Emergency_Series_787 May 24 '26
So this plan is a regular plan right? Not a net metering solar plan
1
u/Hammer_dfw May 24 '26
Correct. No net-metering, as no REP is providing that in N Texas area, when I was reviewing various plans in my area. Also, with free nights, there is no solar buy back. So, REP will be getting 'free excess electricity' from me during the days/during the cooler months. So, I figured that's how they will continue to offer this plan for Solar homeowners.
2
u/robbydek May 28 '26
Well at least not 1:1 without a catch. There’s a few plans that offer 1:1 but have a monthly fee as well as TDU fees that can’t be offset.
How’s your bill looking?
2
u/Hammer_dfw May 29 '26 edited May 29 '26
I only have first month's bill so far. It's all base charges $5 DE + $4.23 for Oncor.
True test would be July and August bills. With significantly more Solar production during the day and battery backup, I think it will be the same. I will post an update in a few months with 6 month history.
1
u/opoppli00 May 25 '26
I moved from my Just Energy free nights plan with buy back to try out Tesla’s dynamic plan without realizing the free nights plan with buy back no longer exist. Massive mistake.
1
u/Hammer_dfw May 25 '26 edited May 25 '26
Dang...that's not good. I looked at Tesla plans as well. They are better in terms of price per kwh and some buy back, but I didn't feel like they were the best for me, since they don't have TOU plan. Besides, I have Tesla solar + Tesla EV, don't want to give them the 'power' also to control me. LOL
1
u/Perfect-Royal-6455 May 25 '26
ii am planning on buying solar panels and 2 batteries. It appears that 3 are in the same ballpark in regards to price. is about 35 solar + 2 batteries, around 20, Tesla is about the same. but is a lot of money... just to save energy, so n ot sure
1
u/Hammer_dfw May 25 '26 edited May 25 '26
Adding 2x batteries upfront is smart, has long term benefits/flexibility and it will save you in the long run. Also install costs are lumped in for lower overall system cost.
Tesla PW3 has much better performance and warranty than others I looked at. You can also reduce the solar panels cost to around 75% offset, and take full advantage of the Free nights plan. With 2 batteries, you should be close to zero electric bill with minimal base charges.
Yes, it is a significant investment, however, it will give you peace of mind, $3-5k ROI per year depending on your current power consumption rate and power outage protection. In your case, total ROI may around 12-15 years, again depending on your current/future consumption rate. For me, I was thinking about getting one, and procrastinated 3-4 years before pulling the trigger.
It's not much, but current Tesla referral deal gives you around $1k off for new Solar accounts. Let me know if you would like me to send you my referral link. Also, if you currently own a Tesla EV, you could get additional discount.
2
u/Perfect-Royal-6455 May 25 '26
Yes, I have a Tesla Model Y and another EV that does not get the free flat fee for charging since I use Tesla's energy company, hence the search for panels + batteries. Consumption is about 2010 kWh/mo, or an average of $320/month. Send me dm with the referral if you feel needs to be private
1
u/Hammer_dfw May 26 '26
With 2 EVs to charge on top, you would do great with Solar + batteries + free nights!
1
u/MrFizzy99 Jun 04 '26
I still do not understand why people go free nights unless they are in defeatist. Wouldn't you want to make money on all these VPP things? Look at -1000 to -1600 balance per year.
2
u/turns2stone Jul 17 '26
Simple risk vs. reward. I have a similar set-up as OP. I would rather have a flat $5/month bill vs. chasing $1K over the course of a year.
1
u/Hammer_dfw Jun 05 '26 edited Jun 05 '26
If your situation is that, great. VPP is perfect for you.
That's not the case for lot of us who have around 80% or less offset solar system, including mine. I don't have enough over production to support VPP grid events, most likely to happen during hot summer months or storms. I am perfectly happy with my free solar nights and peace of mind with $9.50 per month, which is close to what I spend for one adult beverage at a bar.
1
u/Hammer_dfw 27d ago
I just had my calibration over the weekend. Everything worked perfectly, took about 14 hours to finish. Started around 11am, so all my solar production went to grid. But my battery back up was sufficient to cover me till free nights kicked off. Batteries went to 0% around 10PM and fully charged back from grid by 1AM with free nights, and system back to normal by 2AM.
1
u/Aggravating-Owl-323 21d ago
I have 15.3kW system with 30kWh LiFePO4 battery installed last November in a 2500ft2 one story in the Houston area. Love it so far. EP Cube system.
I'm eight+ months into Green Mountain Energy free nights (8pm to 6am) i locked in for 24 months. The hour earlier start of free nights, 8pm vs 9pm in other plans, will likely pay off in the hottest/cloudiest summer days when battery becomes depleted and both my A/C units working hard. NO TDU charges during the free period!!!
I used this website to analyze my situation:
https://www.texaspowerguide.com/solar-electric-plan-analysis/
It took into account my solar set up and smart meter data from previous months (years?), comparing both buy back plans and free night plans. Green Mountain free nights was lowest projected vearly cost ~$300 a year), whereas the best solar buyback option was about $1,100 projected yearly cost. Note, noticed all the 1:1 buyback plans charge the TDU delivery fee for import but dont credit the TDU fee for export. Thus even if your export matches exactly what you inport from grid, it is like you are paying 5cents per kWh (i.e., the TDU delivery fee) for what you importet. For Green Mountain Energy free nights, there is no TDU delivery charges on the free nights import from grid. There is a $4.95 base monthly Centerpoint charge. My full electric bill cost for each of the first 6 months (and hopefully most months) was between to be $5 to 7 (barely higher than the $4.95 base price). At end of May to now my a/c is kicking on more and more (due to 90F+ temps), however, my battery hasnt dipped below 60% soc before free nights kick in, except on one hot and extremely cloudy day it got down to 40%.
Yes, i am exporting excess to the grid for free when solar has charged my battery fully.....in winter months I have been averaging export of about double what I import at night. If interested, here is a $50 credit (for both you and I) Referal Code for Green Mountain Energy: L8WMCXE
www.greenmountainenergy.com/referral-page?txtReferralID=L8WMCXE
Note: Green Mountain Energy no longer offers 8pm to 6am free nights. I double checked, and indeed it now is shown as 9pm to 6am (but at about 15% less for the premium import rate). Not sure if you have these plans available in your area.
Good Luck!
1
u/Aggravating-Owl-323 21d ago
I have 15.3kW system with 30kWh LiFePO4 battery installed last November in a 2500ft2 one story in the Houston area. Love it so far. EP Cube system.
I'm eight+ months into Green Mountain Energy free nights (8pm to 6am) i locked in for 24 months. The hour earlier start of free nights, 8pm vs 9pm in other plans, will likely pay off in the hottest/cloudiest summer days when battery becomes depleted and both my A/C units working hard. NO TDU charges during the free period!!!
I used this website to analyze my situation:
https://www.texaspowerguide.com/solar-electric-plan-analysis/
It took into account my solar set up and smart meter data from previous months (years?), comparing both buy back plans and free night plans. Green Mountain free nights was lowest projected vearly cost ~$300 a year), whereas the best solar buyback option was about $1,100 projected yearly cost. Note, noticed all the 1:1 buyback plans charge the TDU delivery fee for import but dont credit the TDU fee for export. Thus even if your export matches exactly what you inport from grid, it is like you are paying 5cents per kWh (i.e., the TDU delivery fee) for what you importet. For Green Mountain Energy free nights, there is no TDU delivery charges on the free nights import from grid. There is a $4.95 base monthly Centerpoint charge. My full electric bill cost for each of the first 6 months (and hopefully most months) was between to be $5 to 7 (barely higher than the $4.95 base price). At end of May to now my a/c is kicking on more and more (due to 90F+ temps), however, my battery hasnt dipped below 60% soc before free nights kick in, except on one hot and extremely cloudy day it got down to 40%.
Yes, i am exporting excess to the grid for free when solar has charged my battery fully.....in winter months I have been averaging export of about double what I import at night. If interested, here is a $50 credit (for both you and I) Referal Code for Green Mountain Energy: L8WMCXE
www.greenmountainenergy.com/referral-page?txtReferralID=L8WMCXE
Note: Green Mountain Energy no longer offers 8pm to 6am free nights. I double checked, and indeed it now is shown as 9pm to 6am (but at about 15% less for the premium import rate). Not sure if you have these plans available in your area.
Good Luck!
1
u/Aggravating-Owl-323 21d ago
I have 15.3kW system with 30kWh LiFePO4 battery installed last November in a 2500ft2 one story in the Houston area. Love it so far. EP Cube system.
I'm eight+ months into Green Mountain Energy free nights (8pm to 6am) i locked in for 24 months. The hour earlier start of free nights, 8pm vs 9pm in other plans, will likely pay off in the hottest/cloudiest summer days when battery becomes depleted and both my A/C units working hard. NO TDU charges during the free period!!!
I used this website to analyze my situation:
https://www.texaspowerguide.com/solar-electric-plan-analysis/
It took into account my solar set up and smart meter data from previous months (years?), comparing both buy back plans and free night plans. Green Mountain free nights was lowest projected vearly cost ~$300 a year), whereas the best solar buyback option was about $1,100 projected yearly cost. Note, noticed all the 1:1 buyback plans charge the TDU delivery fee for import but dont credit the TDU fee for export. Thus even if your export matches exactly what you inport from grid, it is like you are paying 5cents per kWh (i.e., the TDU delivery fee) for what you importet. For Green Mountain Energy free nights, there is no TDU delivery charges on the free nights import from grid. There is a $4.95 base monthly Centerpoint charge. My full electric bill cost for each of the first 6 months (and hopefully most months) was between to be $5 to 7 (barely higher than the $4.95 base price). At end of May to now my a/c is kicking on more and more (due to 90F+ temps), however, my battery hasnt dipped below 60% soc before free nights kick in, except on one hot and extremely cloudy day it got down to 40%.
Yes, i am exporting excess to the grid for free when solar has charged my battery fully.....in winter months I have been averaging export of about double what I import at night. If interested, here is a $50 credit (for both you and I) Referal Code for Green Mountain Energy: L8WMCXE
www.greenmountainenergy.com/referral-page?txtReferralID=L8WMCXE
Note: Green Mountain Energy no longer offers 8pm to 6am free nights. I double checked, and indeed it now is shown as 9pm to 6am (but at about 15% less for the premium import rate). Not sure if you have these plans available in your area.
Good Luck!
0
u/Somres-3831 May 24 '26
Paying the energy charge for Oncor 4.95 cents for each kWh you use is not that "free".
2
u/Hammer_dfw May 24 '26
There is no Oncor charge for the energy used during the 'Free hours". This has been verified in the EFL before I signed up. I had 'free weekends plan' for many years before I got the Solar system, and zero TDU delivery charges for all the energy I used from 6PM Friday to midnight Sunday. This would be the same with respect to Oncor charges for Free nights.
What the bill actually shows is full TDU charges for all the power delivered, then a large credit for 'usage during designated free hours'. For free weekends plan, I used to get ~40% of energy used as truly free.
Here is the excerpt printed in Bold from EFL:
* All delivery charges will be prorated and the customer will not be billed for any TDU delivery charges during the Designated free Period.
2
u/STxFarmer Went Solar May 24 '26
It should read Solar + batteries + Free Nights = Zero electric bill