Bord Gáis Energy vs Electric Ireland for Solar Panels: Which Pays More?
Both Bord Gáis Energy and Electric Ireland pay solar households for the electricity they export to the grid under the Clean Export Guarantee scheme, but the rates, payment cadences and conditions differ. Here is a side-by-side comparison from a solar owner's perspective: who pays more, who pays faster, and which suits which household.
Last verified 6 May 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Quick Answer
Electric Ireland pays the higher CEG rate at 19.50 c/kWh versus Bord Gáis Energy at 18.50 c/kWh. For a typical 4.4 kWp Irish solar home exporting 2,000 kWh/year, the difference is €20 per year. The cheaper rate isn't always the wrong call though, import unit rates, standing charges and contract terms can offset a small CEG gap. Always compare the total annual bill rather than the export rate alone.
Bord Gáis Energy vs Electric Ireland at a Glance
| Feature | Bord Gáis Energy | Electric Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| CEG export rate | 18.50 c/kWh | 19.50 c/kWh |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly bill credit (after 3-month wait) | Per billing cycle |
| Cap on paid exports | None published | None published |
| Smart meter required | Yes | Yes |
| Customer base | ~650,000 | ~1.1 million |
| Parent company | Centrica plc (UK) | ESB (state-owned) |
| Annual CEG earnings (4.4 kWp, 2,000 kWh export) | €370 | €390 |
CEG Rate: Bord Gáis Energy vs Electric Ireland
Bord Gáis Energy
18.50 c/kWh
"Microgen Export Plan": 18.5 c/kWh ex-VAT (~20.2 c/kWh inc 9% VAT). Paid quarterly, starting 3 months after registration.
Read full Bord Gáis Energy review →Electric Ireland
19.50 c/kWh
Variable rate, subject to change. Largest customer base in the country.
Read full Electric Ireland review →On rate alone, Electric Ireland wins by 1.00 c/kWh. On a typical 4.4 kWp system exporting around 2,000 kWh per year, that adds up to €20 per year in additional export earnings.
Earnings by System Size
| System | Annual export | Bord Gáis Energy | Electric Ireland | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6 kWp (6 panels) | 1,200 kWh | €222 | €234 | €12 |
| 3.5 kWp (8 panels) | 1,600 kWh | €296 | €312 | €16 |
| 4.4 kWp (10 panels) | 2,000 kWh | €370 | €390 | €20 |
| 5.3 kWp (12 panels) | 2,400 kWh | €444 | €468 | €24 |
| 5.3 kWp + battery | 1,400 kWh | €259 | €273 | €14 |
Verdict: Bord Gáis Energy or Electric Ireland?
Electric Ireland edges Bord Gáis on rate (19.5 vs 18.5 c/kWh), about €20 a year extra on a typical 4.4 kWp system. That's rarely enough to drive a switch on its own. Pick on the basis of import unit rate, standing charge and any sign-up offers; the export rate is a tie-breaker, not the deciding factor. If you're a high-export household (large system, no battery, low daytime usage) the gap doubles. Then the call leans Electric Ireland.
Whichever you pick, also consider the import unit rate, standing charge, and any sign-up bonuses, CEG income is rarely the deciding factor on its own. See our full CEG rate comparison for all eleven Irish suppliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays more for solar export, Bord Gáis Energy or Electric Ireland?
Electric Ireland pays 19.50 c/kWh versus Bord Gáis Energy at 18.50 c/kWh. The difference is 1.00 c/kWh, worth roughly €20 per year on a typical 4.4 kWp Irish home system.
How often does Bord Gáis Energy pay CEG?
Bord Gáis Energy pays CEG quarterly bill credit (after 3-month wait).
How often does Electric Ireland pay CEG?
Electric Ireland pays CEG per billing cycle.
Can I switch suppliers without losing CEG payments?
Yes. Switching takes 2–14 days and you don't lose power. Outstanding CEG with your old supplier clears on your final bill; you re-register the microgenerator with your new supplier and CEG resumes from the next bill.
Does either supplier cap how much export it pays for?
Bord Gáis Energy: None published. Electric Ireland: None published.
Is the CEG payment taxable?
Under Section 216D of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (as extended by Finance Act 2025 to 31 December 2028), the first €400 per year of CEG export income is exempt from income tax. Income above that is taxable.
Compare other suppliers
Sources
- Bord Gáis Energy , bordgaisenergy.ie
- Electric Ireland , electricireland.ie
Last verified: 6 May 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the Irish solar energy market since 2023. He fact-checks all content against official SEAI data and maintains relationships with SEAI-registered installers across Ireland.
Compare All CEG Rates
Bord Gáis Energy and Electric Ireland are two of eleven Irish suppliers offering a Clean Export Guarantee tariff. See how all of them rank on our full comparison.