CT Solar in 2026: Netting vs. Buy-All—Which Wins the 20-Year Math?
If you’re a Connecticut homeowner looking at solar in 2026, you’ve likely noticed the landscape has shifted. Between rising utility rates and the updated Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (RRES) program, the “simple” decision of going solar now comes with a side of math.
At Venture Home, we believe in transparency. The two main paths for Eversource and UI customers—Netting and Buy-All—each offer distinct financial profiles. But which one actually puts more money back in your pocket over a 20-year horizon?
Let’s dive into the 2026 data and the Time Value of Money (TVM) to find the winner.
The Contenders: Understanding the 2026 Rates
For 2026 enrollees, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has set specific rates that change the “buyback” dynamic.
Option A: The Netting Tariff (The “Inflation Hedge”)
With Netting, you use the power you produce first. Any excess is credited to your bill at the current retail rate (approx. $0.29/kWh).
- The 2026 Fee: New for this year, Netting customers pay a Solar Energy Adjustment fee of $0.0402/kWh on all energy produced.
- The Edge: As Eversource raises retail rates, the value of your solar credits rises with them.
Option B: The Buy-All Tariff (The “Fixed Income”)
In this scenario, you sell 100% of your solar production to the utility at a fixed price and buy back what you need at retail price.
- The Rate: For 2026, this is locked at $0.3289/kWh.
- The Edge: There is no production fee ($0.00 adjustment), and your rate is guaranteed for 20 years.
20-Year Economic Projection: The TVM Breakdown
When we look at the Time Value of Money, we aren’t just looking at today’s dollar; we’re looking at how that dollar performs against inflation and utility hikes over two decades.
1. The Day One Advantage: Buy-All On the first day your system is turned on, Buy-All is the leader. Because it pays a flat $0.3289/kWh and avoids the $0.0402 production fee, your “effective” value is significantly higher than Netting’s Year 1 value (which sits closer to $0.25/kWh).
2. The Long-Term Winner: Netting While Buy-All starts strong, it is a fixed asset. It does not grow. Netting, however, is tied to the price of electricity.
- The 3.5% Rule: Historically, CT electricity rates rise by an average of 3.5% annually.
- The Crossover Point: At a 3.5% annual utility hike, the value of Netting credits will surpass the Buy-All rate by Year 9.
- The Result: Over 20 years, the Net Present Value (NPV) of a Netting system is projected to be ~12% higher than a Buy-All system. You are essentially betting on the fact that electricity won’t get cheaper over the next 20 years.
The “Exception” to the Rule: Low-Income Adders
If you qualify for the Low-Income Adder in 2026, the math flips back to Buy-All.
- Buy-All Low-Income Rate: ~$0.3839/kWh
- Netting Low-Income Rate: ~$0.2848/kWh (Year 1) In this case, the Buy-All rate starts so high that even 20 years of utility inflation usually isn’t enough for Netting to catch up.
Which Should You Choose?
| Goal | Recommended Path | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Max 20-Year ROI | Netting | Protects you from future Eversource rate hikes. |
| Immediate Cash Flow | Buy-All | Higher Day-1 credits with no production fees. |
| Qualifying Low-Income | Buy-All | The higher adder makes it the unbeatable choice. |
| Peace of Mind | Buy-All | You know exactly what your credit will be for 20 years. |
The Venture Home Verdict
For the majority of Connecticut homeowners who plan to stay in their homes and want a “future-proof” investment, Netting remains the superior economic choice despite the new 2026 production fee. It serves as a dynamic shield against the rising cost of living.Ready to see the custom math for your roof?