Electric Ireland vs SSE Airtricity for Solar Panels: Which Pays More?
Both Electric Ireland 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 Electric Ireland at 19.50 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.
Electric Ireland vs SSE Airtricity at a Glance
| Feature | Electric Ireland | SSE Airtricity |
|---|---|---|
| CEG export rate | 19.50 c/kWh | 19.50 c/kWh |
| Payment frequency | Per billing cycle | Quarterly bill credit |
| Cap on paid exports | None published | None on standard rate; premium tier installer-only |
| Smart meter required | Yes | Yes |
| Customer base | ~1.1 million | ~750,000 |
| Parent company | ESB (state-owned) | SSE plc (UK) |
| Annual CEG earnings (4.4 kWp, 2,000 kWh export) | €390 | €390 |
CEG Rate: Electric Ireland vs SSE Airtricity
Electric Ireland
19.50 c/kWh
Variable rate, subject to change. Largest customer base in the country.
Read full Electric Ireland 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 →Both Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity pay the same headline rate of 19.50 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 | Electric Ireland | SSE Airtricity |
|---|---|---|
| Payment frequency | Per billing cycle | Quarterly bill credit |
| Cap on paid exports | None published | None on standard rate; premium tier installer-only |
| Contract terms | Standard supply contract; 30 days notice on changes | Standard supply contract |
| Customer base | ~1.1 million | ~750,000 |
| Parent company | ESB (state-owned) | SSE plc (UK) |
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: Electric Ireland or SSE Airtricity?
Both suppliers pay 19.50 c/kWh, the export rate is a tie. Decide on payment cadence (Electric Ireland: per billing cycle vs SSE Airtricity: quarterly), import unit rates and standing charges. The export side is functionally identical for most solar households.
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 SSE Airtricity?
SSE Airtricity pays 19.50 c/kWh versus Electric Ireland at 19.50 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 Electric Ireland pay CEG?
Electric Ireland pays CEG per billing cycle.
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?
Electric Ireland: 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
- Electric Ireland , electricireland.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
Electric Ireland 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.