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Energia for Solar Panel Owners

Written by John RooneySolar Energy EditorUpdated 7 May 2026

Energia pays 18.5 c/kWh under its microgeneration scheme, the same rate as Bord Gáis and Flogas, but with two distinguishing features: explicitly 'unlimited exports' (no volume cap) and a bi-monthly payment cadence rather than quarterly. For larger solar systems with high export volumes, the unlimited-cap policy matters.

CEG: 18.50 c/kWh
Bi-monthly bill credit
~400,000

Last verified 6 May 2026

Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy

Quick Answer

Energia pays 18.50 c/kWh for exported solar electricity under the Clean Export Guarantee, bi-monthly bill credit. Unlimited exports, no cap on volume paid for. Bi-monthly bill credit. For a typical 4.4 kWp Irish home exporting around 2,000 kWh per year, that's about €370 in annual export earnings.

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Energia Microgen / CEG Plan

CEG rate18.50 c/kWh (inc VAT)
Payment frequencyBi-monthly bill credit
Smart meter requiredYes, for measured exports
Cap on exports paidNone, unlimited exports paid
Contract termsStandard supply contract
Parent companyEnergia Group (PE-backed, Irish HQ)

Unlimited exports, no cap on volume paid for. Bi-monthly bill credit.

What Energia CEG Is Worth to You

Annual export earnings depend on system size and how much of your generation you self-consume.

System sizeTypical annual exportEnergia earnings
2.6 kWp (6 panels)1,200 kWh222
3.5 kWp (8 panels)1,600 kWh296
4.4 kWp (10 panels)2,000 kWh370
5.3 kWp (12 panels)2,400 kWh444
5.3 kWp + battery1,400 kWh259

How CEG Payments Work with Energia

  1. Your installer notifies ESB Networks (NC6 form) to register your inverter as a microgenerator. Energia cannot pay CEG until ESBN approves this.
  2. You register with Energia via their app, account portal or customer service, including MPRN, NC6 confirmation and IBAN.
  3. Your smart meter records imports and exports half-hourly, with readings flowing to Energia automatically.
  4. CEG payment lands bi-monthly bill credit as a bill credit (or cash payout where supported).
  5. Subsequent payments are automatic unless you change supplier or move house.

Switching to or from Energia

Switching to Energia

  • Sign up online or by phone, switch completes in 2–14 days
  • Re-register your microgenerator (NC6 + MPRN)
  • First CEG credit lands at the next billing cycle
  • Existing exports during the switch are paid by your old supplier

Switching away from Energia

  • Check for early-exit fees on your tariff (most CEG plans don't charge)
  • Final bill clears any outstanding CEG credit
  • CEG isn't portable, re-register with new supplier
  • Best time: end of your billing period to capture all earnings

Energia vs Other Suppliers for Solar

SupplierCEG RatePaymentCompare
Bord Gáis Energy18.50 c/kWhQuarterly bill credit (after 3-month wait)Energia vs Bord Gáis Energy
Flogas18.50 c/kWhEvery 2 monthsEnergia vs Flogas
Electric Ireland19.50 c/kWhPer billing cycleEnergia vs Electric Ireland
Pinergy25.0 c/kWhMonthly bill creditEnergia vs Pinergy

See the full ranking on our CEG rate comparison page.

Energia Microgen FAQ

What is the Energia CEG rate in 2026?

Energia pays 18.50 c/kWh (inclusive of VAT) for exported solar electricity, bi-monthly bill credit.

When does Energia pay CEG?

Energia pays CEG bi-monthly bill credit as a bill credit on your electricity account.

Can I switch to Energia as a solar owner?

Yes. Every Irish supplier is required by law to offer a CEG tariff. Switching takes 2–14 days and you don't lose power. You re-register your microgenerator with Energia and CEG payments resume from the next billing cycle.

Does Energia cap how many kWh of export it pays for?

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.

Is Energia the best supplier for solar?

Energia's CEG rate of 18.50 c/kWh ranks 5th of 9 in the Irish market. The 'best' supplier depends on your overall bill, not just export rate, compare import unit rates, standing charges and any sign-up bonuses on our hub page.

Sources

Last verified: 6 May 2026

Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy

JR
John RooneySolar Energy Editor

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.

SEAI data verifiedIndependent research3+ years covering Irish solar

Compare All CEG Rates

Switching to the highest-paying supplier is worth €100–€300 a year on a typical 4.4 kWp system. See how every Irish supplier ranks on our full Clean Export Guarantee comparison.

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