Bord Gáis Energy vs SSE Airtricity for Solar Panels: Which Pays More?
Both Bord Gáis Energy and SSE Airtricity 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
SSE Airtricity 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 SSE Airtricity at a Glance
| Feature | Bord Gáis Energy | SSE Airtricity |
|---|---|---|
| CEG export rate | 18.50 c/kWh | 19.50 c/kWh |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly bill credit (after 3-month wait) | Quarterly bill credit |
| Cap on paid exports | None published | None on standard rate; premium tier installer-only |
| Smart meter required | Yes | Yes |
| Customer base | ~650,000 | ~750,000 |
| Parent company | Centrica plc (UK) | SSE plc (UK) |
| Annual CEG earnings (4.4 kWp, 2,000 kWh export) | €370 | €390 |
CEG Rate: Bord Gáis Energy vs SSE Airtricity
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 →SSE Airtricity
19.50 c/kWh
Standard rate (19.5 c/kWh). 'Microgen+' premium tier pays standard + 12.5 c/kWh year 1 (~32 c) and standard + 7.5 c/kWh year 2 (~27 c), restricted to customers of the Activ8 Solar/Battery installation programme; not available on switch-in alone.
Read full SSE Airtricity review →On rate alone, SSE Airtricity 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 | SSE Airtricity | 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 SSE Airtricity?
SSE Airtricity wins on standard rate (19.5 vs 18.5 c/kWh), about €20/year extra on a typical 4.4 kWp system. SSE also operates a 'Microgen+' premium tier paying up to 32 c/kWh, but it's restricted to customers of partner installers (check with your installer before assuming you qualify). Bord Gáis ties this back with integrated solar finance through Bord Gáis Energy Solar. Standalone existing solar owner: lean SSE. Buying solar + supply together: consider the Bord Gáis bundle.
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 SSE Airtricity?
SSE Airtricity 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 SSE Airtricity pay CEG?
SSE Airtricity pays CEG quarterly 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. SSE Airtricity: None on standard rate; premium tier installer-only.
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
- SSE Airtricity , sseairtricity.com
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 SSE Airtricity are two of eleven Irish suppliers offering a Clean Export Guarantee tariff. See how all of them rank on our full comparison.