How Texas Renters Can Save with Solar Power Credits

If you rent a home or apartment in Texas, you might wonder if you can benefit from solar power, especially when energy bills are rising. This guide explains how solar power credits can work for renters, your rights regarding utility billing, and where to get official help.

Solar Power and Utility Billing: How It Applies to Texas Renters

Solar panels are becoming more common in Texas—especially with programs encouraging clean energy. If your rental property has solar panels, here’s what you need to know:

• Net Metering and Credits: Some Texas electricity providers offer net metering, where surplus solar energy generates bill credits. These credits can lower electricity bills for the property.
• Submetering: Many multi-unit rentals use submeters. If your landlord bills you directly for electricity, find out if you get solar credits reflected on your bill.
• Master Metering: If the landlord includes electricity in your rent, solar savings may benefit the property owner unless otherwise stated in your lease.

Always check your lease and discuss with your landlord how solar credits are applied.

What Are Your Rights If the Property Has Solar Panels?

Texas rental law says your landlord must provide you with information about how utilities are billed (including any submetering or allocation). If your rental has solar panels, you can ask your landlord:

• Are solar credits applied to my bill or just the owner’s?
• Can I see a breakdown of the utility calculation, including any solar offsets?
• Is there a written policy on how solar savings are shared with tenants?

Under the Texas Property Code Chapter 92, landlords must be transparent about utility billing for residential tenants.^[1]

How to Check for Solar Credits on Your Utility Bill

If you pay electricity directly to a provider, review your bill for a section about solar credits or "Net Metering." Not all providers or properties offer these credits, so ask your landlord or energy provider for clarification.

• Contact your energy provider’s customer service and ask if solar credits or net metering are available for your address.
• If the landlord bills you, request written documentation about how utility costs are determined.

Relevant Texas Forms For Utility and Billing Issues

• Texas Public Utility Commission Complaints Form:
  PUC Complaint Submission
  Use this form to file a complaint about improper utility billing or disputes over solar credit allocation. For example, if you believe solar savings should have reduced your bill but they haven’t, file online or by mail to start a formal review.
• Submetered or Allocated Utility Bill Dispute (PUC Form 10363):
  Dispute Submetered Utility Bill Form 10363
  If you’re billed for utilities by your landlord (not directly from the provider), use this form to dispute charges or ask about missing solar credits on your statement.

What To Do If You Have a Solar Credit Billing Problem

• Document your electricity bills and written communications with your landlord.
• Request written utility billing disclosures as allowed by Texas law.
• If you can't resolve the issue, file a complaint using the Public Utility Commission’s forms listed above.
• Texas leases and billing must follow the Texas Property Code Chapter 92.

For tenancy-related disputes, the Texas Attorney General’s Tenant Rights page provides guidance.^[2]

FAQ: Solar Power Credits and Utility Savings for Texas Renters

1. Can I receive solar credits as a renter in Texas?
   In some cases. If your unit is individually metered and the energy company offers net metering, you may get direct bill credits. In multi-unit or master-metered properties, credits might benefit only the landlord unless your lease specifies otherwise.
2. Does my landlord have to tell me if a property has solar panels?
   No specific legal duty to disclose solar panels exists, but landlords must explain utility billing methods under Texas law.
3. How do I know if I’m getting the solar credit?
   Check your utility bill for "Net Metering" or similar language and request a utility cost breakdown from your landlord or property manager.
4. Who handles disputes about utility or solar billing?
   The Texas Public Utility Commission reviews formal billing disputes. For general tenancy issues, contact the Texas Attorney General’s office.
5. What should I do if I believe I’m being overcharged?
   Ask for billing details in writing. If the problem remains, fill out and submit the relevant complaint forms to the Texas Public Utility Commission.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Solar power credits may lower bills, but how savings are shared depends on your utility setup and lease.
• Landlords must explain billing practices and provide written disclosures upon request.
• Use official complaint forms and contact the Public Utility Commission for billing or credit disputes.

Understanding your rights helps you benefit from clean energy options and protects you from utility overcharges.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Texas Public Utility Commission Consumer Complaints – File disputes or ask questions about utility bills, net metering, and solar credits.
• Texas Attorney General Tenant Rights – Find guides and help for renters.
• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs – Texans Needing Help – Offers housing and renter assistance contacts.

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1. Texas Property Code Chapter 92 – Residential Tenancies (Statutes)
2. Texas Attorney General – Tenant Rights

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