30-Second Overview
Solar energy export allows Irish businesses to earn payments for surplus electricity generated by their solar PV panels and exported to the national grid. For businesses, the main benefits include:
- Lower electricity bills: Using solar electricity on-site reduces the amount purchased from suppliers.
- Export revenue: Surplus electricity exported to the grid generates additional income.
- Reduced energy price volatility: Generating electricity on-site reduces exposure to fluctuating electricity prices, providing greater long-term cost certainty.
The financial return depends on the installation cost, payback period, electricity import prices and the rates paid for exported electricity.
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What Is Solar Energy Export?
Solar energy export is the process of sending surplus electricity generated by solar PV panels back to the national grid. When a business generates more electricity than it consumes, the excess can be exported rather than going unused.
In Ireland, eligible smaller solar installations receive payments for exported electricity under the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG). Payment rates vary between electricity suppliers, although most major suppliers offer broadly comparable rates.
Larger commercial solar installations operate under different export arrangements, with payments determined by the applicable export agreement rather than the standard supplier rates advertised for smaller installations.
Businesses with battery storage have another option. Instead of exporting all surplus solar electricity, they can store some of it for use later, reducing the amount purchased from the grid during evenings or periods of higher electricity prices. Whether storing or exporting electricity provides better financial value depends on electricity import rates, export payments, battery costs and the business's electricity usage patterns.
For businesses, the financial return from solar panels comes from two main sources: savings on electricity consumed on-site and payments for surplus electricity exported to the grid. Battery storage can further improve the financial return where the savings justify the additional investment.
Solar Energy Export Rates by Supplier
| Electricity Supplier | Rate per kWh (exc VAT) | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Bord Gáis | 18.5 c/kWh | Quarterly Credit |
| Electric Ireland | 21.0 c/kWh | Credit as per Billing Cycle |
| Energia | 18.5 c/kWh | Credit as per Billing Cycle |
| Flogas | 18.5 c/kWh | Credit as per Billing Cycle |
| SSE Airtricity | 19.5 c/kWh | Quarterly Credit |
| Yuno Energy | 17.2 c/kWh | Twice Yearly Credit |
| Go Power | 14 c/kWh | Quarterly Credit |
| Pinergy | 18.5 c/kWh | Credit as per Billing Cycle |
Last Updated: October 2026.
Important: The export rates shown above apply to eligible smaller solar PV installations. These rates are set by the individual electricity suppliers and can change over time.
Larger Commercial Solar Installations: Larger solar PV installations have different export arrangements. Payments depend on the terms of the export agreement and can be linked to wholesale electricity prices.
Do Businesses with Solar Panels Still Pay for Electricity?
Yes. Businesses with solar PV panels still need an electricity supply contract because solar generation does not always match their electricity consumption.
Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, with output varying according to weather conditions and the time of year. Businesses continue purchasing electricity from the grid when their solar panels cannot meet demand, particularly overnight and during winter.
The cost of imported electricity remains important. A competitive electricity contract reduces the cost of the electricity your business still purchases, while solar generation reduces the amount you need to buy.
Businesses with battery storage can also use stored solar electricity outside daylight hours, further reducing grid imports.
What Determines the Financial Return from Solar Panels?
The financial return from installing solar panels depends on the cost of the installation, how much electricity is generated, how much is consumed on-site and the rates paid for electricity imported from and exported to the grid. The main factors are:
- Installation cost and payback period: The installation cost, electricity savings and export revenue together determine how long it takes to recover the initial investment.
- Solar export payments: Surplus electricity exported to the grid generates additional revenue. Export rates are generally lower than electricity import prices, making on-site consumption more financially valuable.
- Electricity consumed on-site: Using solar electricity directly reduces the amount purchased from suppliers. The higher the electricity import price, the greater the financial value of each kWh generated and consumed on-site.
- Battery storage: Batteries allow businesses to store surplus solar electricity for use later, reducing grid purchases during evenings and periods of higher electricity prices. The additional savings must justify the cost of the battery.
Businesses should assess the financial return based on their electricity consumption profile, installation costs, expected export revenue and payback period, rather than solar generation alone.
💡 Solar panel sizing is particularly important. An oversized installation can generate substantial surplus electricity that is sold at lower export rates rather than used to offset more expensive grid electricity.
Can Businesses Export Solar Energy?
Yes. Irish businesses can export surplus electricity generated by their solar PV panels to the national grid, provided their installation meets the relevant grid connection, registration and metering requirements.
Smaller eligible installations receive payments under the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), with export rates set by individual electricity suppliers. Larger commercial installations require different export arrangements, with payments determined by the applicable agreement.
Businesses that generate more electricity than they consume during weekends, holidays or other periods of low demand can earn revenue from exporting the surplus.
However, exporting electricity is not always the most financially attractive option. Using solar electricity on-site generally delivers greater value because it reduces the amount of electricity purchased from the grid at higher import prices.
What Is the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS)?
The Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is an Irish Government initiative designed to encourage homes, businesses, farms and community organisations to generate renewable electricity.
For businesses, the scheme supports investment in solar PV installations through grants and other measures, subject to eligibility requirements.
The Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) is separate. It provides payments for surplus renewable electricity exported to the national grid by eligible customers, with rates determined by individual electricity suppliers.
Businesses considering solar panels should assess the available installation grants, expected electricity savings, export payments and overall investment payback period before proceeding.
For more information on installation costs, available supports and financial returns, see our Microgeneration for Business guide.
How Utilityfair Helps Businesses with Solar Panels Reduce Electricity Costs
Installing solar panels reduces the amount of electricity your business purchases from the grid, but securing competitive electricity import rates remains important. Utilityfair compares electricity prices and contract options across all Irish suppliers to help businesses reduce the cost of the electricity they still need to purchase. Our Senior Energy Advisors can help you:
- Compare electricity prices: Review offers from all Irish suppliers based on your remaining grid consumption and estimated annual costs.
- Choose the right contract: Compare fixed-price contracts, wholesale trackers and flexible purchasing options based on your electricity usage and exposure to market prices.
- Review your electricity consumption: Assess how solar generation affects your grid electricity requirements and the most suitable contract structure.
- Manage contract renewals: Monitor contract expiry dates and compare new supplier offers before your existing agreement ends.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Solar export rates vary between electricity suppliers. As of October 2026, the rates range from 14.0 c/kWh to 21.0 c/kWh for eligible smaller installations.
Larger commercial solar installations have different export arrangements, with payments determined by the applicable export agreement.
Yes. Irish businesses with eligible solar PV installations can receive payments for surplus electricity exported to the national grid.
Smaller installations qualify for payments under the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), subject to the relevant connection, registration and metering requirements. Larger installations require separate export arrangements.
Using solar electricity on-site generally provides greater financial value than exporting it.
This is because electricity import prices are generally higher than solar export payments. Every kWh consumed directly reduces the amount purchased from the grid, while exported electricity earns the applicable export rate.
Businesses need suitable metering arrangements to measure or determine the electricity exported to the grid. Where no export meter is in place, a deemed export amount can be agreed with ESB Networks.
The requirements depend on the installation size, meter type and applicable export scheme. Businesses should confirm their metering and registration requirements with ESB Networks and their electricity supplier.
Yes. Battery storage allows businesses to retain surplus solar electricity generated during the day and use it later, including during evenings or periods of higher electricity demand.
Whether battery storage is financially worthwhile depends on the installation cost, electricity import rates, export payments and the business's consumption profile.
Yes. Having solar panels does not prevent a business from changing electricity supplier.
Businesses should compare electricity import prices, contract terms and any applicable export arrangements before switching. The lowest import price does not necessarily provide the best overall financial outcome when export payments are also considered.
Businesses can reduce electricity costs by increasing on-site consumption of solar generation, securing competitive electricity import rates and reviewing whether battery storage provides a worthwhile financial return.
Utilityfair compares electricity prices and contract options across all Irish suppliers, helping businesses secure competitive rates for the electricity they continue purchasing from the grid.
Yes. Exporting renewable energy helps reduce carbon footprint, supports climate targets, and strengthens ESG reporting.
By correctly sizing solar installations, monitoring consumption patterns, using an export-capable meter, and selecting the most favourable supplier.
