What is Feed-in Tariff?
A payment made to homeowners for excess solar electricity exported to the national grid.
Quick Answer
Ireland introduced the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) in 2022, requiring all electricity suppliers to offer export payments. Standard rates typically range from 15.2c to 19.5c per kWh, with a restricted installer-channel premium (SSE Airtricity's Activ8 tier) paying up to 32c per kWh in year one. The scheme applies to homes with systems up to 50kWp. Suppliers offering competitive export rates include Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity (both 19.5c), with Bord Gáis, Energia, Flogas and Pinergy on 18.5c.
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Feed-in Tariff Explained
A feed-in tariff (FiT) is a payment mechanism where electricity suppliers pay homeowners for surplus renewable electricity exported to the grid. The tariff rate is set by individual suppliers and may vary. Feed-in tariffs provide a financial incentive for small-scale renewable generation and help homeowners earn money from solar electricity they don't use themselves. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with 'export payment' or 'clean export premium'.
How Does Feed-in Tariff Work in Ireland?
Ireland introduced the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) in 2022, requiring all electricity suppliers to offer export payments. Standard rates typically range from 15.2c to 19.5c per kWh, with a restricted installer-channel premium (SSE Airtricity's Activ8 tier) paying up to 32c per kWh in year one. The scheme applies to homes with systems up to 50kWp. Suppliers offering competitive export rates include Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity (both 19.5c), with Bord Gáis, Energia, Flogas and Pinergy on 18.5c.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I earn from the feed-in tariff in Ireland?
Typical Irish standard export payments are 15.2–19.5c per kWh. A 4kWp system might export 1,500–2,000 kWh per year, earning €225–€390 annually at standard rates.
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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.