Bord Gáis Energy vs Energia for Solar Panels: Which Pays More?
Both Bord Gáis Energy and Energia 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
Energia pays the higher CEG rate at 18.50 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 €0 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 Energia at a Glance
| Feature | Bord Gáis Energy | Energia |
|---|---|---|
| CEG export rate | 18.50 c/kWh | 18.50 c/kWh |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly bill credit (after 3-month wait) | Bi-monthly bill credit |
| Cap on paid exports | None published | None, unlimited exports paid |
| Smart meter required | Yes | Yes |
| Customer base | ~650,000 | ~400,000 |
| Parent company | Centrica plc (UK) | Energia Group (PE-backed, Irish HQ) |
| Annual CEG earnings (4.4 kWp, 2,000 kWh export) | €370 | €370 |
CEG Rate: Bord Gáis Energy vs Energia
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 →Energia
18.50 c/kWh
Unlimited exports, no cap on volume paid for. Bi-monthly bill credit.
Read full Energia review →Both Bord Gáis Energy and Energia pay the same headline rate of 18.50 c/kWh, so there is no advantage on export earnings alone. The decision comes down to payment cadence, billing terms and total annual bill. What actually differs between the two is summarised below.
What Actually Differs
The CEG rate is the same, so use these factors to decide.
| What it is | Bord Gáis Energy | Energia |
|---|---|---|
| Payment frequency | Quarterly bill credit (after 3-month wait) | Bi-monthly bill credit |
| Cap on paid exports | None published | None, unlimited exports paid |
| Contract terms | 12-month standard contract | Standard supply contract |
| Customer base | ~650,000 | ~400,000 |
| Parent company | Centrica plc (UK) | Energia Group (PE-backed, Irish HQ) |
Since the export rate is identical, the import unit rate and standing charge are what determine your total annual bill. Check both suppliers' live tariffs before switching.
Verdict: Bord Gáis Energy or Energia?
It's a draw on rate. Both pay 18.5 c/kWh. The tie-break is payment cadence: Energia credits bi-monthly, Bord Gáis quarterly. Energia also explicitly states 'unlimited exports paid' which matters for larger systems. For small-to-medium home setups the suppliers are functionally interchangeable on the export side; pick on import rate and standing charge.
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 Energia?
Energia pays 18.50 c/kWh versus Bord Gáis Energy at 18.50 c/kWh. The difference is 0.00 c/kWh, worth roughly €0 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 Energia pay CEG?
Energia pays CEG bi-monthly bill credit.
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. Energia: None, unlimited exports paid.
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
- Energia , energia.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 Energia are two of eleven Irish suppliers offering a Clean Export Guarantee tariff. See how all of them rank on our full comparison.