Connecticut Solar RRES Program 2026: What Changed for New Customers

Updated: August 2026

Connecticut's Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (RRES) program — the state's main solar buyback program — changed significantly on January 1, 2026. If you're considering solar in Connecticut, here's what you need to know about how the new rules affect your savings.

The Big Change: 3.25¢/kWh Non-Bypassable Charge

Beginning January 1, 2026, all new solar customers who enroll in the RRES program must pay a non-bypassable charge of 3.25¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh) on all solar energy their system produces — not just the electricity sent back to the grid.

This is a significant increase from the previous 0.5¢/kWh charge. The charge applies regardless of whether you self-consume your solar electricity or export the excess to the grid.

Bottom line: Adding battery storage does not eliminate this fee, because the fee is charged on total production, not exports.

Good News: Existing Solar Customers Are Grandfathered

If your solar system was installed and enrolled in RRES (or a previous net-metering program) before January 1, 2026, you are grandfathered under the old rules. You continue to receive credits under your original agreement terms.

This creates a real advantage for homeowners who act now — before any further program changes.

RRES 2026: Buy-All vs Netting — What's the Difference?

RRES offers two compensation structures for new solar customers in 2026:

Buy-All Tariff (RRES Program)

• You sell all solar electricity your system produces to your utility
• You receive a fixed rate per kWh on your monthly bill (the RRES Buy-All rate, set annually)
• For 2026 RRES applicants: Eversource Buy-All rate is approximately $0.426/W on installation capacity, plus per-kWh production credit
• No monthly reconciliation of exports vs. imports — simpler billing
• Non-bypassable charge (3.25¢/kWh) applies to total production

Netting (Net Metering Alternative)

• You use solar electricity on-site first; excess exports to the grid
• You receive retail-rate credits for exported electricity on your bill
• These credits can offset electricity you draw from the grid at night or on cloudy days
• Annual "true-up" reconciles your exports vs. imports
• Non-bypassable charge (3.25¢/kWh) reduces your export credits

2026 RRES Buy-All Incentive Rates (Eversource)

Source: Eversource.com, updated 2026

What This Means for Your Connecticut Solar ROI

The 3.25¢/kWh non-bypassable charge affects the economics of going solar in Connecticut:

• Self-consumption is now more valuable — Using the electricity your panels produce directly reduces the impact of the non-bypassable charge
• Battery storage helps — By storing solar electricity for evening use, you reduce grid imports and maximize the value of your production
• Act before further changes — Connecticut continues to adjust program terms. The current grandfathering protection for existing customers is a real, time-limited advantage

Connecticut Solar Still Makes Sense in 2026

Despite the updated non-bypassable charge, Connecticut solar still offers strong benefits:

• Eversource supply rates are ~11.58¢/kWh (July 2026) — solar lets you avoid these costs
• PURA approved Eversource to pass through $667.8M in storm recovery costs — rates going up regardless
• Eversource is seeking an 18% rate increase effective 2027 — locking in solar savings now matters more than ever
• HB 5340 (signed May 2026) made plug-in solar up to 1,200W legal in Connecticut without utility approval
• Programs extended to 2035 under HB 5340

Questions About Going Solar in Connecticut?

Use our CT Solar Incentives 2026 page to see all available programs, or browse your town below for local solar pricing and installer information.

Note: This page reflects RRES program terms for new applicants effective January 1, 2026. If your system was enrolled before this date, your original terms continue to apply.