EcoPower vs Electric Ireland for Solar Panels: Which Pays More?
Both EcoPower 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 EcoPower at 15.20 c/kWh. For a typical 4.4 kWp Irish solar home exporting 2,000 kWh/year, the difference is €86 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.
EcoPower vs Electric Ireland at a Glance
| Feature | EcoPower | Electric Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| CEG export rate | 15.20 c/kWh | 19.50 c/kWh |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Per billing cycle |
| Cap on paid exports | None published | None published |
| Smart meter required | Yes | Yes |
| Customer base | Smaller supplier | ~1.1 million |
| Parent company | EcoPower (Irish-owned) | ESB (state-owned) |
| Annual CEG earnings (4.4 kWp, 2,000 kWh export) | €304 | €390 |
CEG Rate: EcoPower vs Electric Ireland
EcoPower
15.20 c/kWh
Lowest published standard CEG rate of the active suppliers tracked.
Read full EcoPower 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 4.30 c/kWh. On a typical 4.4 kWp system exporting around 2,000 kWh per year, that adds up to €86 per year in additional export earnings.
Earnings by System Size
| System | Annual export | EcoPower | Electric Ireland | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6 kWp (6 panels) | 1,200 kWh | €182 | €234 | €52 |
| 3.5 kWp (8 panels) | 1,600 kWh | €243 | €312 | €69 |
| 4.4 kWp (10 panels) | 2,000 kWh | €304 | €390 | €86 |
| 5.3 kWp (12 panels) | 2,400 kWh | €365 | €468 | €103 |
| 5.3 kWp + battery | 1,400 kWh | €213 | €273 | €60 |
Verdict: EcoPower or Electric Ireland?
Electric Ireland wins on rate at 19.50 c/kWh versus EcoPower at 15.20 c/kWh, a 4.30 c/kWh gap worth roughly €86 per year on a typical 4.4 kWp Irish system exporting 2,000 kWh. That gap is significant enough to be worth switching for, assuming import unit rates are broadly comparable.
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, EcoPower or Electric Ireland?
Electric Ireland pays 19.50 c/kWh versus EcoPower at 15.20 c/kWh. The difference is 4.30 c/kWh, worth roughly €86 per year on a typical 4.4 kWp Irish home system.
How often does EcoPower pay CEG?
EcoPower pays CEG quarterly.
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?
EcoPower: 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
- EcoPower , ecopower.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
EcoPower 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.