If you generate your own electricity—typically through solar panels—you can sell surplus power back to the grid and get paid for it. This guide explains how microgeneration works in Ireland and how to maximise your earnings.
What Is Microgeneration?
Microgeneration means generating electricity on a small scale at your home or business. In Ireland, this typically means:
- Solar PV panels (most common)
- Small wind turbines (less common for homes)
- Micro-hydro (rare, requires water source)
- Micro-CHP (combined heat and power)
When you generate more electricity than you use, the surplus flows back into the grid. Under the microgeneration scheme, you get paid for this exported electricity.
How Export Payments Work
The Basic Principle
- Your solar panels generate electricity
- You use what you need in your home
- Surplus electricity exports to the grid
- Your supplier pays you for exports
- Your smart meter tracks both import and export
What You're Paid
Export rates vary by supplier:
| Supplier | Export Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Bord Gáis Energy | 24c/kWh |
| SSE Airtricity | 22c/kWh |
| Electric Ireland | 21c/kWh |
| Energia | 18c/kWh |
| Flogas | 20c/kWh |
Rates change periodically—check current offerings.
These rates compare to import rates of 30-35c/kWh, so using your own electricity is more valuable than exporting. However, export payments ensure you still benefit from surplus generation.
Clean Export Premium
The government introduced the Clean Export Premium to guarantee a minimum payment for exported renewable electricity. This is administered through suppliers and ensures microgeneration is financially viable.
Requirements for Microgeneration
1. Generating Equipment
You need a renewable generation source—most commonly solar panels. The system must be:
- Under 50kW capacity (for domestic scheme)
- Properly installed by qualified contractors
- Connected safely to the grid
2. Smart Meter
A smart meter is essential. It records:
- Electricity you import from the grid
- Electricity you export to the grid
Without a smart meter, exports can't be measured or paid.
ESB Networks installs smart meters free of charge. Request one through their website if you don't already have one.
3. Supplier Export Agreement
Not all suppliers offer export tariffs. You need to:
- Check if your supplier offers microgeneration payments
- If not, switch to a supplier that does
- Sign up for their export scheme
4. Registration
You must register as a microgeneration customer with:
- Your electricity supplier
- ESB Networks (handled through supplier usually)
How to Get Started
Step 1: Install Generation Equipment
Most commonly, this means solar panels. See our solar panels guide for costs, grants, and installer selection.
Step 2: Get a Smart Meter
If you don't have one, request a smart meter from ESB Networks. This is free and typically installed within a few weeks.
Step 3: Choose a Supplier with Export Payments
compare suppliers that offer microgeneration:
| Supplier | Offers Export? | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Bord Gáis Energy | Yes | ~24c/kWh |
| SSE Airtricity | Yes | ~22c/kWh |
| Electric Ireland | Yes | ~21c/kWh |
| Energia | Yes | ~18c/kWh |
| Flogas | Yes | ~20c/kWh |
| Yuno Energy | Check | Variable |
Switch suppliers if needed—the process is the same as a standard switch.
Step 4: Register for Microgeneration
Contact your chosen supplier to register. They'll need:
- Your MPRN (meter point reference number)
- Details of your generation system
- Confirmation of smart meter
Registration is typically straightforward and completed within a few weeks.
Step 5: Start Generating and Exporting
Once registered, your exports are automatically tracked and credited to your account.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings depend on:
- System size
- How much you export (vs use yourself)
- Export rate
Typical Export Earnings
For a 4kW solar system generating 3,400 kWh/year:
| Self-Consumption | Export (kWh) | Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 80% | 680 | €143-€163 |
| 60% | 1,360 | €286-€326 |
| 40% | 2,040 | €428-€490 |
Higher self-consumption means lower exports but greater overall savings (because self-consumption avoids 30-35c/kWh import costs).
Maximising Value
Prioritise self-consumption: Using your own electricity (saving 32c/kWh) is more valuable than exporting (earning 21-24c/kWh).
Time your usage: Run appliances when solar generation is high (midday on sunny days).
Consider battery storage: Store daytime generation for evening use, reducing exports and imports.
Choose the best export rate: Different suppliers offer different rates. Switch if you find a better deal.
Self-Consumption vs Export
Here's why self-consumption matters more:
| Action | Value per kWh |
|---|---|
| Use your own electricity | €0.32 (avoided import) |
| Export to grid | €0.21 (typical export rate) |
| Difference | €0.11 per kWh |
For every kWh you use yourself instead of exporting, you gain an extra €0.11 in value.
Tips to Increase Self-Consumption
- Run dishwashers midday when solar output is high
- Heat water during the day using timers
- Charge EVs during daytime if home
- Use smart appliances that respond to generation levels
- Install battery storage to capture daytime surplus
Tax on Microgeneration Income
Good news: microgeneration income is tax-free up to €400 per year for domestic customers.
If you earn more than €400/year from exports (unusual for most home systems), the excess is taxable as income.
Most domestic solar installations earn €150-€350/year from exports, well under the tax-free threshold.
Microgeneration for Businesses
Businesses can also register for microgeneration. The scheme is similar but with different thresholds and tax treatment.
Key differences:
- Higher capacity limits available
- Export income is taxable as business income
- May qualify for capital allowances on equipment
- Larger systems offer greater savings
Consult an accountant for business microgeneration tax implications.
Common Questions
Can I sell all my electricity?
Technically yes, but it's not financially sensible. Using electricity yourself (saving 32c/kWh) is more valuable than selling it (earning 21-24c/kWh).
What if my supplier doesn't offer export payments?
Switch to one that does. The switching process is the same as a standard switch. You don't need to change your panels or meter.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Usually not for domestic rooftop installations. See our solar panels guide for exemptions and requirements.
Can I store electricity instead of exporting?
Yes, with a battery. This lets you use more of your own generation, reducing both imports and exports. Batteries add cost but increase self-consumption.
What happens if I move house?
Your microgeneration registration is linked to your property and meter. If you move:
- The new owners inherit the solar panels
- They'd need to register for microgeneration themselves
- You'd register at your new address if you install panels there
How do I check my export figures?
Your supplier should show exports on your bill or in your online account. Your ESB Networks smart meter account also shows export data.
Is the export rate guaranteed?
Export rates can change. Suppliers set their own rates and can adjust them. However, the Clean Export Premium provides a floor price for exported renewable electricity.
Future of Microgeneration in Ireland
The microgeneration scheme is expected to expand as Ireland pushes towards climate targets:
- More suppliers likely to offer export tariffs
- Potential for higher export rates
- Smart grid integration improvements
- Community and shared schemes developing
- Peer-to-peer energy trading (future possibility)
Installing solar now positions you well for future developments.
Summary
Microgeneration lets you earn money from surplus renewable electricity. While export rates (21-24c/kWh) are lower than import costs (30-35c/kWh), they ensure your excess generation has value.
To get started:
- Install solar panels or other generation
- Request a smart meter from ESB Networks
- Switch to a supplier with export payments if needed
- Register for microgeneration
- Maximise self-consumption for best returns
The combination of self-consumption savings and export payments makes solar panels increasingly attractive for Irish homeowners.
Last updated: January 2026
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