Which Supplier Has the Best Microgeneration Rates in Ireland?
As of March 2026, Pinergy are offering the best microgeneration rate of 25.0 cents per kWh including VAT.
Below, you will find a table outlining the Irish electricity supplier's current microgeneration rates:
| Supplier | Microgeneration Rate | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Prepay Power | €0.1589 per kWh | Twice yearly credit |
| Yuno Energy | €0.1589 per kWh | Twice yearly credit |
| Bord Gáis | €0.1850 per kWh | Quarterly credit |
| Flogas | €0.1850 per kWh | Credit every two months |
| Electric Ireland | €0.1950 per kWh | Credit as per billing cycle |
| Energia | €0.2000 per kWh | Credit as per billing cycle |
| Pinergy | €0.2500 per kWh | Monthly credit |
| SSE Airtricity | €0.3200 per kWh | Quarterly credit via premium |
Rates include VAT. Last updated: November 2025.
If you are considering switching to a new supplier for their microgeneration rate, make sure to compare their unit rates for electricity.
Despite having a competitive microgeneration rate, they may have a higher standard unit rate or indeed standing charges compared to other microgeneration suppliers.
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How Do I Get Started With Microgeneration Rates?
To begin selling your excess electricity back to the grid, you'll first need to ensure you have a suitable microgeneration system installed.
The process is straightforward, but it requires a few key steps to get your system registered and earning money.
Here is a breakdown of the process:
- Installation: Get a qualified installer to set up your microgeneration system, such as solar panels. They will ensure it meets all the necessary standards and requirements.
- Notify the ESB: Your installer should submit a Notification of an Electrical Installation form (NC6) to ESB Networks. This form confirms that your system is installed correctly and is safe to connect to the grid. This is a crucial step for official registration.
- Get a Smart Meter: If you don't already have one, you will need a smart meter installed. This device accurately measures both the electricity you import from the grid and the excess electricity you export.
- Contact Your Supplier: Once your smart meter is installed, inform your electricity supplier that you have a microgeneration system. They will then be able to start measuring your exports and applying the agreed-upon feed-in tariff to your account.
How Do Microgeneration Rates Work?
Microgeneration rates, also known as feed-in tariffs, are payments made by electricity suppliers to homeowners or business for the surplus renewable electricity they export to the national grid.
This initiative is part of the Micro-Generation Support Scheme (MSS) and aims to incentivise home and business owners to invest in microgenerated energy.
While solar panels are the most common microgeneration technology, the Microgeneration Support Scheme also applies to a range of other systems:
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Micro Wind Turbines | Small-scale wind turbines can be installed on your property to generate electricity from the wind. These are particularly effective in rural or coastal areas with consistent wind speeds. They offer a great way to generate power during periods when there is little sunshine. |
| Micro Hydro Systems | If you have access to a stream or river with a sufficient flow, a micro-hydro system can convert the energy from moving water into electricity. While less common, these systems offer a highly reliable and consistent source of renewable energy. |
| Micro-Combined Heat and Power (CHP) | These systems generate both electricity and useful heat from a single fuel source, often natural gas or biomass. They are highly efficient and can be a good option for businesses or larger homes with significant heating and electricity demands. |
These technologies allow you to generate renewable energy from different sources, providing options for a variety of homes and businesses.
However, in the event that excess electricity is being produced, depending on the electricity supplier, this can be then sold back into the national grid.
This is a breakdown of how it works:
- Electricity Generation: Your microgeneration system generates electricity.
- Self-Consumption: You use the generated electricity to power your home or business, typically it is used for hot water.
- Export: Any electricity you generate that you don't immediately use is automatically exported back to the national grid through your connection.
- Metering: Your smart meter measures the amount of electricity you export.
- Payment: Your electricity supplier pays you a pre-agreed rate, the feed-in tariff, for each kWh of electricity you export. This payment is typically credited to your electricity bill.
How Much Can I Earn With Microgeneration Rates?
The amount you can earn from microgeneration depends on several factors, including:
- The size of your microgeneration system: Larger systems generally produce more surplus electricity.
- The amount of electricity you export: This is influenced by your energy consumption habits and the generation capacity of your system.
- The feed-in tariff rate offered by your electricity supplier: Rates vary between suppliers.
- Weather conditions (for solar and wind): More sunshine or wind will lead to higher generation.
Below you'll find a breakdown of how much you could potentially save:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual generation of a 4 kWp solar system | 1,000 kWh |
| Average export amount | 25% |
| Estimated annual export (1,000 kWh × 0.25) | 250 kWh |
| Estimated annual earnings (250 kWh × 0.20c) | €50 |
Figures are for illustrative purposes only and actual export amounts may vary.
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Understanding Your Microgeneration Payments
The money you earn from exporting electricity isn't typically sent as a separate payment. Instead, it is usually credited directly to your electricity bill.
This credit offsets what you owe for the electricity you've used from the grid.
Here's how it generally works:
- Export Measurement: Your smart meter measures the total amount of electricity you export over a specific billing period.
- Calculation: Your supplier multiplies this amount by their microgeneration rate (e.g., 20c per kWh) to calculate your total earnings.
- Bill Credit: This amount is then shown as a credit on your electricity bill.
- Net Billing: The total amount you owe for your imported electricity is reduced by the amount you earned from your exports. If your export credit is more than your imported electricity costs, the remaining credit may be carried over to your next bill.
For example: If you used €100 worth of electricity from the grid in a billing cycle but exported €40 worth of electricity, your final bill would be €60.
Who Is Eligible for Microgeneration Rates?
The Microgeneration Support Scheme is generally open to a wide range of applicants, including:
- Homeowners: Individuals looking to install solar panels or other microgeneration technologies on their property.
- Farmers: Agricultural businesses seeking to generate their own renewable energy.
- Small businesses: Enterprises aiming to reduce their energy costs and environmental impact.
- Community groups: Organizations undertaking local renewable energy projects.
Specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the type of microgeneration technology and the scale of the installation.
It's advisable to consult with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and your chosen installer for detailed requirements.
Are Microgeneration Rates Better Than a Storage Battery?
Solar battery storage systems are becoming increasingly popular in conjunction with microgeneration, particularly solar PV.
Batteries store excess electricity generated during peak times for later use, such as during the evening when solar generation is low.
This can significantly increase self-consumption and reduce reliance on the grid but has the knock on effect of reducing the amount of export potential your microgenerators have.
Therefore, the choice isn't straightforward; it depends on personal preferences and individual energy needs.
Below you will find a comparison of both and what they can offer:
| Feature | Microgeneration Rates (Feed-in Tariffs) | Storage Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Benefit | Earning from exported electricity | Increased self-consumption, backup power |
| Financial Return | Direct earnings based on export volume | Savings from reduced grid consumption |
| Energy Independence | Limited | Significantly increased |
| Export Volume | Higher | Lower |
| Grid Reliance | Higher during low generation | Lower overall |
| Upfront Cost | Minimal direct cost (part of solar installation) | Significant additional cost |
Given the varying benefits to both, it is recommended to consider carefully which option will work best for you and your own personal energy needs.
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Are Microgeneration Rates Worth It?
Whether feed-in tariffs are "worth it" depends on individual circumstances and priorities.
Here's a look at some pros and cons:
Pros
- Reduces energy bills: By using your own generated electricity and earning from exports, you can significantly lower your electricity costs.
- Contributes to a greener environment: Microgeneration reduces reliance on fossil fuels and helps lower your carbon footprint.
- Provides a return on investment: Feed-in tariffs help to offset the initial cost of installing a microgeneration system.
- Increases energy independence: You become less reliant on the national grid and fluctuating electricity prices in Ireland.
- Supports renewable energy development: By participating in microgeneration, you contribute to the growth of sustainable energy in Ireland.
Cons
- Initial investment costs: Installing microgeneration technologies like solar panels can be a significant upfront expense.
- Feed-in tariff rates can vary: The amount you earn from exports depends on the rates offered by suppliers, which can change.
- Weather dependency: The amount of electricity generated by solar and wind systems is dependent on weather conditions.
- Administrative processes: There are application and registration processes involved in setting up a microgeneration system and receiving feed-in tariff payments.
- Potential impact of battery storage: If you install a battery, your export earnings will likely decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microgeneration Rates in Ireland
There is no explicit cap on the total amount of energy you can export under the Clean Export Guarantee scheme.
However, there may be limits on the size of the microgeneration system eligible for the scheme. It's always best to check the specific terms and conditions outlined by ESB Networks and your electricity supplier.
Yes, generally you will need a smart meter to accurately measure the amount of electricity you export. Smart meters record both your import and export of electricity, providing the necessary data for your supplier to calculate your feed-in tariff payments.
If a smart meter is not available to you, your export may be calculated based on an estimated or "deemed" export quantity.
The deemed export quantity is an estimation of the amount of surplus electricity your microgeneration system is likely to export.
If you switch electricity suppliers, your new supplier will become responsible for paying you the feed-in tariff for any electricity you export after the switch.
You will need to inform your new supplier that you have a microgeneration system and provide them with the necessary details, such as your MPRN number.
You can only export electricity to your contracted electricity supplier and cannot choose which supplier to sell to.
If you have microgenerators but your supplier does not offer microgeneration rates, you will need to switch to an electricity supplier who offers these rates to avail of them.
If you have a smart meter, you will typically be able to view your import and export data through an online portal or app provided by your electricity supplier or ESB Networks. This allows you to track your energy generation, consumption, and export in near real-time.
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