Homeowners in Ireland can sell any unused electricity generated by their solar panels, through guaranteed prices that are commonly known as ‘feed-in tariffs’.
Feed-in tariffs, officially Clean Export Guarantee tariffs, are offered by electricity providers, allowing you to sell any spare microgenerated electricity back to the grid.
The higher the feed-in tariff rate, the more beneficial it is for those with solar panels, as they will earn more for any extra electricity generated.
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The Best Feed-in Tariffs in 2025
The electricity provider with the best feed-in tariff in Ireland is Pinergy, at 25c per kWh. The next highest feed-in tariff – 20c per kWh – is offered by three energy suppliers: Community Power, Energia and Flogas.
Here is a full list of the best feed-in tariffs in Ireland in 2025, from highest to lowest:
| Electricity Supplier | Feed in Tariff |
|---|---|
| Pinergy | 25c per kWh |
| Energia | 20c per kWh |
| Flogas | 20c per kWh |
| Electric Ireland | 19.5c per kWh |
| SSE Airtricity | 19.5c per kWh |
| Bord Gais | 18.5c per kWh |
| Yuno Energy | 15.9c per kWh |
| Prepay Power | 15.9c per kWh |
*These rates are correct as of May 2025, and include VAT. Each rate is taken from the electricity provider’s official website.
Who pays you for surplus solar electricity?
Every electricity provider in Ireland is required to offer a Clean Export Guarantee for those who wish to sell unused electricity from renewable sources like solar or wind.
Although it sounds logical to simply choose the best rate, your feed-in tariff is determined by which company provides your electricity.
You can change providers, of course. However, it is unlikely you are producing a massive amount of surplus solar electricity to justify changing providers, unless you are also paying less for your electricity.
Every household is different and the feed-in tariff is something to take into account for those with solar panels when choosing the best electricity plan.
Eligibility for Selling Surplus Solar Electricity
Any household with surplus electricity from microgeneration such as solar panels or a wind turbine is eligible for the feed-in tariff.
The only requirement is that you must have a smart meter installed, if you are currently eligible for one.
If you are ineligible for a smart meter, you can still receive a payment for microgenerated electricity. But payments will be based on an estimate, which is known as the ‘deemed export quantity’.
Smart Meters for Microgen Payments
How much electricity from solar panels goes unused?
The amount of unused electricity generated by your solar panels depends on your PV system size and your electricity consumption.
A smaller solar set up of 2.5kWp (i.e. around 6 panels) is much more likely to see the majority of power it generates consumed in the home than a large 7kWp system (16 panels).
It also depends on how much electricity you use, and when you use it. A home where the occupants are away for much of the day, at work or at school, will see more energy exported compared to one where people are at home much of the day.
Households might export anywhere from 10% to 40% of the electricity generated by their solar panels depending on factors listed. If they wish to use this electricity themselves, they might consider installing a solar battery.
Break Even in 6 Years
A typical solar installation is fully paid back within 5 – 7 years. All solar panels we recommend are under warranty for 25 years, so you will enjoy at least 18 years of free energy generation.
0% VAT
As of 10 May 2023, the government has removed all VAT on solar installation and solar panel supply. This means solar has never been more affordable!
€1,800 SEAI Grant
There is a range of government grants available for all new solar installations. Our team will guide you through the application process.
