SSE Airtricity for Solar Panel Owners
SSE Airtricity pays 19.5 c/kWh as its standard Clean Export Guarantee rate, credited quarterly. It also operates a 'Microgen+' premium tier paying up to 32 c/kWh, but that rate is restricted to customers of SSE installer partners and is not available on switch-in alone. For most solar owners switching from another supplier, the standard rate is what applies.
Last verified 6 May 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Quick Answer
SSE Airtricity pays 19.50 c/kWh for exported solar electricity under the Clean Export Guarantee, quarterly bill credit. 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. For a typical 4.4 kWp Irish home exporting around 2,000 kWh per year, that's about €390 in annual export earnings.
SSE Airtricity Microgen / CEG Plan
| CEG rate | 19.50 c/kWh (inc VAT) |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly bill credit |
| Smart meter required | Yes, for measured exports |
| Cap on exports paid | None on standard rate; premium tier installer-only |
| Contract terms | Standard supply contract |
| Parent company | SSE plc (UK) |
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.
What SSE Airtricity CEG Is Worth to You
Annual export earnings depend on system size and how much of your generation you self-consume.
| System size | Typical annual export | SSE Airtricity earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2.6 kWp (6 panels) | 1,200 kWh | €234 |
| 3.5 kWp (8 panels) | 1,600 kWh | €312 |
| 4.4 kWp (10 panels) | 2,000 kWh | €390 |
| 5.3 kWp (12 panels) | 2,400 kWh | €468 |
| 5.3 kWp + battery | 1,400 kWh | €273 |
How CEG Payments Work with SSE Airtricity
- Your installer notifies ESB Networks (NC6 form) to register your inverter as a microgenerator. SSE Airtricity cannot pay CEG until ESBN approves this.
- You register with SSE Airtricity via their app, account portal or customer service, including MPRN, NC6 confirmation and IBAN.
- Your smart meter records imports and exports half-hourly, with readings flowing to SSE Airtricity automatically.
- CEG payment lands quarterly bill credit as a bill credit (or cash payout where supported).
- Subsequent payments are automatic unless you change supplier or move house.
Switching to or from SSE Airtricity
Switching to SSE Airtricity
- 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 SSE Airtricity
- 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
SSE Airtricity vs Other Suppliers for Solar
| Supplier | CEG Rate | Payment | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Ireland | 19.50 c/kWh | Per billing cycle | SSE Airtricity vs Electric Ireland |
| Bord Gáis Energy | 18.50 c/kWh | Quarterly bill credit (after 3-month wait) | SSE Airtricity vs Bord Gáis Energy |
| Pinergy | 25.0 c/kWh | Monthly bill credit | SSE Airtricity vs Pinergy |
| Energia | 18.50 c/kWh | Bi-monthly bill credit | SSE Airtricity vs Energia |
See the full ranking on our CEG rate comparison page.
SSE Airtricity Microgen FAQ
What is the SSE Airtricity CEG rate in 2026?
SSE Airtricity pays 19.50 c/kWh (inclusive of VAT) for exported solar electricity, quarterly bill credit.
When does SSE Airtricity pay CEG?
SSE Airtricity pays CEG quarterly bill credit as a bill credit on your electricity account.
Can I switch to SSE Airtricity 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 SSE Airtricity and CEG payments resume from the next billing cycle.
Does SSE Airtricity cap how many kWh of export it pays for?
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.
Is SSE Airtricity the best supplier for solar?
SSE Airtricity's CEG rate of 19.50 c/kWh ranks 2nd 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
- SSE Airtricity , sseairtricity.com
- CRU, Microgeneration consumer information , cru.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
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.