Microgeneration & Solar Export Payments in Ireland
Since February 2022, Irish homeowners and businesses can sell surplus solar electricity back to the grid under the Microgeneration Support Scheme. Export rates range from 15–32c/kWh depending on your supplier, and the first €400/year of export income is tax-free until the end of 2028.
Last updated March 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Quick Answer
Irish homeowners with solar panels can sell excess electricity back to the grid at 15–32c/kWh depending on their supplier. The first €400/year of export income is tax-free until 2028. You need an NC6 form from ESB Networks and a smart meter to start earning.
Rates as of early 2026. Verify directly with your supplier.
How does microgeneration export work in Ireland?
Ireland's Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) requires all electricity suppliers to offer a payment for surplus electricity exported to the grid by microgeneration customers. Here's how the process works from installation to your first export payment.
“The Microgeneration Support Scheme enables households to sell surplus electricity to their supplier, providing a financial return and helping Ireland meet its renewable electricity targets of 80% by 2030.”
Install a Solar PV System
Have an SEAI-registered installer fit your solar panels. A typical residential system is 3–6 kWp. Your installer handles the technical specifications and safety certification.
NC6 Application to ESB Networks
Your installer submits the NC6 notification form to ESB Networks on your behalf. This notifies ESB that a microgeneration system has been connected. No separate application fee applies for systems up to 50 kWp (residential) or 6 MWp (non-residential).
Smart Meter Installation
ESB Networks installs a smart meter at your property free of charge (if you don't already have one). The smart meter records both electricity imported from the grid and electricity exported to it, in 30-minute intervals.
Register with Your Electricity Supplier
Contact your electricity supplier to register as a microgenerator. Most suppliers have an online sign-up form. You'll need your MPRN, system size, and NC6 confirmation. Some suppliers require you to be an existing customer.
Start Earning Export Payments
Once registered, your supplier pays you for every kWh of surplus electricity exported to the grid. Payments appear as a credit on your electricity bill or as a separate payment, depending on your supplier.
What are the solar export rates in Ireland in 2026?
Under the Clean Export Guarantee (also known as the feed-in tariff), all licensed electricity suppliers must offer a payment when you sell solar electricity back to the grid. Compare the best solar export rates below. Rates vary significantly (from 18.5c to 25c per kWh), so it pays to compare before signing up.
| Supplier | Export Rate | Annual Export Earnings (4kWp) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinergy | 25c/kWh | €375/yr | Pay-as-you-go supplier. No lock-in contract. |
| Community Power | 20c/kWh | €300/yr | Community-owned energy supplier. |
| Electric Ireland | 19.5c/kWh | €293/yr | Largest supplier in Ireland. Straightforward signup. |
| SSE Airtricity (Standard) | 19.5c/kWh | €293/yr | Standard rate without Activ8 premium. |
| Bord Gáis Energy | 18.5c/kWh | €278/yr | Part of Centrica group. |
| Energia | 18.5c/kWh | €278/yr | Also offers import + export bundle tariff. |
| Flogas | 18.5c/kWh | €278/yr | Clean Export Premium tariff. |
Rates as of February 2026 and subject to change. Always verify directly with your supplier. Export rates are not regulated; suppliers set their own rates under the CEG framework. Annual earnings assume a 4kWp system exporting ~1,500 kWh/year.
Some installers offer premium export rates through specific supplier partnerships (e.g. Activ8 Energies offers 32c/kWh Year 1 and 27c/kWh Year 2 through SSE Airtricity). These rates are only available if you install through that installer and are not included in the comparison above.
Self-Consumption vs. Export: What's More Valuable?
Using your own solar electricity (self-consumption) saves you 30–43c/kWh by avoiding grid imports. Exporting earns you 15–32c/kWh. Self-consumption is therefore always more valuable. A solar battery can increase your self-consumption rate from a typical 30–40% to 60–80%, reducing what you export and maximising savings.
How do you complete the NC6 form for solar export?
The NC6 form is the official notification to ESB Networks that a microgeneration system has been connected to the electricity grid at your property. It's a mandatory step before you can earn export payments.
What Your Installer Does
- ✓ Completes the NC6 notification form with system details (capacity, inverter type, protection settings)
- ✓ Submits the form to ESB Networks via their online portal
- ✓ Provides a Safe Electric completion certificate
- ✓ Ensures the system meets EN 50549 grid code requirements
What ESB Networks Does
- ✓ Processes the NC6 notification (typically 5–10 working days)
- ✓ Installs or upgrades your meter to a smart meter (free of charge)
- ✓ Configures the meter to record import and export separately
- ✓ Notifies your electricity supplier that export metering is active
Important
Do not submit the NC6 form yourself. It must be completed by a qualified electrician (your solar installer). For residential systems up to 50 kWp, no planning permission or separate ESB Networks application is required. The NC6 is a notification, not an application: ESB Networks cannot refuse connection for qualifying systems.
Do you pay tax on solar panel income in Ireland?
Revenue has confirmed specific tax rules for income earned from selling surplus electricity from a domestic microgeneration system.
Tax-Free Allowance
- ✓ First €400/year of export income is completely tax-free
- ✓ Extended to end of 2028 (Budget 2026)
- ✓ Applies to individuals only (not companies)
- ✓ No need to register for tax or file a return if under €400
Above €400/Year
- • Income above €400 is taxable at your marginal income tax rate
- • Must be declared on your annual tax return (Form 11 or Form 12)
- • USC and PRSI may also apply to the taxable portion
- • Most residential systems earn well under €400/year in exports
Typical Export Earnings
A typical 4 kWp residential solar system in Ireland exports roughly 1,500–2,000 kWh/year to the grid (assuming 30–40% self-consumption). At an export rate of 19c/kWh, that's €285–€380/year, comfortably within the tax-free threshold for most homeowners.
What regulations govern microgeneration in Ireland?
Microgeneration in Ireland is governed by several bodies. Here's who does what.
Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)
Sets rules for the Clean Export Guarantee. Requires all suppliers to offer an export tariff. Monitors compliance.
SEAI
Administers the solar PV grant (up to €1,800). Maintains the registered installer list. Publishes energy data and guidance.
ESB Networks (ESBN)
Manages the electricity grid. Processes NC6 notifications. Installs smart meters. Maintains the distribution network.
Department of Environment, Climate & Communications
Sets national energy policy. Established the Microgeneration Support Scheme. Legislates the tax-free threshold.
Revenue Commissioners
Administers the €400/year tax-free allowance for domestic microgeneration income.
Your Electricity Supplier
Sets export payment rates. Manages your microgeneration registration. Pays you for exported electricity via bill credit or bank transfer.
Related Guides
Where can you find official microgeneration information?
For the most up-to-date information, refer to these official resources.
SEAI — Solar Electricity Grant
Grant application, eligibility, registered installer list
CRU — Microgeneration
Clean Export Guarantee rules, supplier obligations
ESB Networks — Microgeneration
NC6 form, smart meters, grid connection process
Gov.ie — Microgeneration Support Scheme
Government policy, scheme overview, legislation
Revenue — Microgeneration Tax Treatment
€400 tax-free threshold, filing requirements
SEAI — Registered Solar PV Companies
Find an SEAI-registered installer near you
Frequently Asked Questions About Microgeneration
How much can I earn from selling solar electricity in Ireland?
Export rates range from 15–32c/kWh depending on your supplier. A typical 4 kWp system exports 1,500–2,000 kWh/year, earning €285–€380 annually. The first €400/year is tax-free until end 2028.
Do I need a smart meter to get export payments?
Yes. A smart meter is required to measure both imported and exported electricity. ESB Networks installs smart meters free of charge, and your installer can request this as part of the NC6 process.
What is the NC6 form?
The NC6 is a notification form submitted to ESB Networks by your installer. It notifies the grid operator that a microgeneration system has been connected at your property. It's required before export metering can begin. Your installer handles this, so you don't need to fill it in yourself.
Can I switch electricity supplier and keep my export payments?
Yes. You can switch supplier at any time. Your new supplier must also offer an export tariff under the Clean Export Guarantee. Compare rates before switching, as export tariffs vary significantly between suppliers.
Do I need to pay tax on solar export income?
The first €400/year is tax-free (extended to end 2028). Most residential systems earn less than this. If your export income exceeds €400, the excess is taxable at your marginal income tax rate and must be declared on your annual tax return.
Can I export solar electricity without the SEAI grant?
Yes. The export scheme is completely separate from the SEAI grant. You can sell surplus electricity regardless of whether you received a grant. You just need an NC6 notification, a smart meter, and registration with a supplier.
What is the best solar export rate in Ireland?
Pinergy currently offers the highest standard export rate at 25c/kWh with no lock-in contract. Some installers offer premium rates through supplier partnerships (up to 32c/kWh through SSE Airtricity), but these are only available if you install through that specific installer. Rates as of early 2026.
How much do solar panels earn per year in Ireland?
A typical 4 kWp residential solar system earns €278–€375 per year in export payments, depending on your supplier's rate. This is in addition to the savings from self-consumption, which are worth €900–€1,300 per year. Combined, solar panels save or earn €1,200–€1,700 annually. See our solar panels cost guide for full pricing and find an installer to get started.
Can you sell electricity back to the grid in Ireland?
Yes. Since 2022, Irish homeowners with solar panels can sell surplus electricity back to the grid. All electricity suppliers are required to offer an export tariff under the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) scheme. Rates range from 15–32c/kWh depending on your supplier. You need a smart meter and an NC6 form submitted by your installer. The first €400/year of export income is tax-free.
What is the Clean Export Guarantee in Ireland?
The Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) is a scheme regulated by the CRU (Commission for Regulation of Utilities) that requires all Irish electricity suppliers to offer a payment rate for surplus electricity exported to the grid by microgenerators. It guarantees that homeowners with solar panels can earn money from excess generation. Rates vary by supplier from 15–32c/kWh.
What is the Electric Ireland microgeneration export rate?
Electric Ireland pays 19.5c/kWh for exported solar electricity in 2026. This is their standard Clean Export Guarantee rate. Other suppliers may offer higher rates — for example, Pinergy pays 25c/kWh and SSE Airtricity offers up to 32c/kWh through installer partnerships. Compare all rates before choosing.
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.
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