Electric Ireland vs Pinergy for Solar Panels: Which Pays More?
Both Electric Ireland and Pinergy 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 2 July 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 Pinergy 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.
Electric Ireland vs Pinergy at a Glance
| Feature | Electric Ireland | Pinergy |
|---|---|---|
| CEG export rate | 19.50 c/kWh | 18.50 c/kWh |
| Payment frequency | Per billing cycle | Monthly bill credit |
| Cap on paid exports | None published | None published |
| Smart meter required | Yes | Yes |
| Customer base | ~1.1 million | ~80,000 |
| Parent company | ESB (state-owned) | Pinergy (Irish-owned, founded 2013) |
| Annual CEG earnings (4.4 kWp, 2,000 kWh export) | €390 | €370 |
CEG Rate: Electric Ireland vs Pinergy
Electric Ireland
19.50 c/kWh
Variable rate, subject to change. Largest customer base in the country.
Read full Electric Ireland review →Pinergy
18.50 c/kWh
Reduced from 25 c/kWh to 18.5 c/kWh ex-VAT effective 1 August 2026, bringing it into line with the mid-market. Monthly bill credit.
Read full Pinergy 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 | Electric Ireland | Pinergy | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6 kWp (6 panels) | 1,200 kWh | €234 | €222 | €12 |
| 3.5 kWp (8 panels) | 1,600 kWh | €312 | €296 | €16 |
| 4.4 kWp (10 panels) | 2,000 kWh | €390 | €370 | €20 |
| 5.3 kWp (12 panels) | 2,400 kWh | €468 | €444 | €24 |
| 5.3 kWp + battery | 1,400 kWh | €273 | €259 | €14 |
Verdict: Electric Ireland or Pinergy?
After Pinergy cut its CEG rate from 25 c/kWh to 18.5 c/kWh on 1 August 2026, Electric Ireland's 19.5 c/kWh now edges ahead by 1 c/kWh, worth roughly €20 per year on a typical 4.4 kWp Irish system exporting 2,000 kWh. That gap is small, so decide on the total bill: Electric Ireland offers the reassurance of the country's largest supplier, while Pinergy pays its (now lower) rate as a monthly credit rather than per billing cycle.
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, Electric Ireland or Pinergy?
Electric Ireland pays 19.50 c/kWh versus Pinergy 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 Electric Ireland pay CEG?
Electric Ireland pays CEG per billing cycle.
How often does Pinergy pay CEG?
Pinergy pays CEG 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?
Electric Ireland: None published. Pinergy: 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
- Electric Ireland , electricireland.ie
- Pinergy , pinergy.ie
Last verified: 2 July 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
Electric Ireland and Pinergy are two of eleven Irish suppliers offering a Clean Export Guarantee tariff. See how all of them rank on our full comparison.