Chariot Energy vs Rhythm Energy
The Verdict
- You want 100% solar specifically (not just renewable)
- You like Chariot's community solar approach
- You prefer a smaller, mission-driven company
- You don't have solar panels but want solar energy
- You want transparent pricing and a modern app
- You have solar panels and need buyback rates
- You prefer a more established green company
- Wind + solar mix is fine (not solar-specific)
Category Breakdown
Rhythm is usually cheaper for similar green plans
Chariot is 100% solar. Rhythm is wind + solar mix.
Rhythm shows exact pricing breakdowns
Rhythm has real buyback for home solar. Chariot doesn't focus on this.
Rhythm's app is more polished and modern
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Chariot Energy | Rhythm Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Independent | Independent |
| Years in Texas | 6+ | 5+ |
| Renewable Type | 100% Solar | Wind + Solar mix |
| 100% Renewable Default | ||
| Fixed-Rate Plans | ||
| Solar Buyback | Limited | Yes |
| Transparent Pricing | Standard | Yes (shows breakdown) |
| Mobile App | Basic | Modern |
| 24/7 Support | ||
| Deposit Required | Conditional | Conditional |
Overview
Does it even matter?
Same wires. Same grid. Same electrons (sort of). Both companies are 100% renewable by default. If you’ve decided green matters, you’re comparing two legitimate options.
Here’s what separates them: Chariot built their entire company around solar. Not wind, not mixed renewables—100% solar. Community solar for people who can’t install panels. It’s their identity.
Rhythm was built by former Reliant executives who thought electricity billing was broken. They’re 100% renewable (wind and solar mix), but their real pitch is transparency. The rate you see is the rate you pay.
The real question: Do you specifically want solar (Chariot) or do you care more about honest pricing (Rhythm)? Both deliver green electricity. Both are cheaper than Green Mountain.
The Solar Question
This matters if you care about the source.
Chariot is 100% solar. Every kilowatt is matched with Texas solar power. If you specifically want solar—not wind, not mixed renewables—Chariot is the purer choice.
Rhythm uses wind and solar together. Texas has more wind than solar, so their mix probably leans wind-heavy. Still 100% renewable, just not solar-specific.
For most people, “renewable” is renewable. But if solar specifically matters to you, Chariot is more aligned.
Pricing
Rhythm is usually cheaper.
For comparable green energy plans, expect Rhythm to be 5-15% less than Chariot. They’ve grown faster and seem to have better economies of scale.
Chariot’s rates aren’t bad, but they’re not competing on price. They’re competing on solar purity and mission.
Transparency
Rhythm wins on pricing transparency.
Their website shows exactly what you’re paying for—energy charge, delivery fees, taxes, line by line. No surprises. It’s how electricity pricing should work.
Chariot uses standard pricing disclosure. Not confusing, but not exceptionally clear either. They’re a green energy company, not a tech company.
The App Experience
Rhythm built their app like a fintech product. Clean design, usage tracking, bill breakdowns, easy navigation. It feels modern.
Chariot has an app. It works. It’s not a selling point.
If managing your electricity through a polished app matters, Rhythm wins.
Solar Buyback
If you have solar panels on your roof, Rhythm is the better choice.
Rhythm has real solar buyback programs. They’ll pay you for excess energy your panels produce. It’s integrated into their offerings.
Chariot is focused on utility-scale solar, not home solar. Their buyback options are limited.
Company Profiles
Both are independent startups without corporate parents.
Chariot started with community solar—connecting people to solar farms without needing panels on their roof. They’ve expanded but that community focus remains.
Rhythm was founded by former Reliant executives who wanted to build a modern, transparent energy company. They’ve grown faster and have more customers.
Neither has Fortune 500 backing. Both are betting on the green energy future.
The Verdict
Chariot for solar purity. Rhythm for modern experience.
Choose Chariot if:
- You specifically want solar power (not wind)
- Community solar and mission-driven companies appeal to you
- You’re okay with a smaller, more focused company
- You don’t have home solar panels
Choose Rhythm if:
- You want 100% renewable at a better price
- Transparent pricing and a modern app matter
- You have solar panels and need buyback
- Wind + solar mix is fine—renewable is renewable
The honest take: Both are legitimate green energy companies. Rhythm is more polished and usually cheaper. Chariot is purer on solar. If you’ve narrowed it down to these two, you care about the environment—either choice supports that.
Related Pages
Company Profiles
Best-For Categories
- Best Green Energy Companies — Both Chariot and Rhythm offer 100% renewable plans
- Best for Apartments — Rhythm ranks #1 with no minimum usage fees
- Best for Small Homes — Rhythm ranks #2 for low-usage households
- Best Customer Service — Rhythm known for modern app and transparent pricing
Related Comparisons
Company Snapshots
Chariot Energy
- Parent Company
- Independent
- Years in Texas
- 10+
- Headquarters
- Houston, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
Rhythm Energy
- Parent Company
- Independent (Venture-backed)
- Years in Texas
- 5+
- Headquarters
- Houston, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
More Comparisons
See how Chariot Energy and Rhythm Energy compare to other providers.
Category Rankings
See where Chariot Energy and Rhythm Energy rank in our best-of lists.
Related Guides
Apartment Electricity in Texas: The Complete Renter's Guide
Everything Texas renters need to know about apartment electricity: when you need your own plan, short-term vs contract options, low-usage plans, deposits, and what happens when you move out.
explainersAverage Electricity Usage in Texas: How Do You Compare?
The average Texas home uses 1,132 kWh per month—29% more than the national average. Here's how your usage compares and what drives those numbers.
guidesBest Electricity Plans for EV Owners in Texas
Charging an electric vehicle adds 300-500 kWh to your monthly bill. Here's how to find the right plan structure—free nights, time-of-use, or high-usage—to keep your charging costs low.
Why This Page Exists
This page helps you decide between Chariot Energy and Rhythm Energy based on who they are — not just today's prices. Prices change. Company quality doesn't.