Selling Back to the Grid with Solar: Clean Export Guarantee Explained 2026
- Colum Gallagher
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
If you’re installing solar panels in Ireland, one of the biggest questions is: can you actually get paid for the electricity you don’t use?
The answer is yes — thanks to the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG).
Introduced under Ireland’s Microgeneration Support Scheme, the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) means you can get paid for any excess solar electricity you send back to the grid. This payment — often called a solar export tariff — usually comes as bill credit on your account. In this guide, we’ll show you how it works, how much you can earn, and how to get the most from it in 2026.
What is the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG)?
The Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) is a payment you receive from your electricity supplier for any unused renewable electricity you export to the national grid. In simple terms:
Your solar panels generate electricity
You use what you need in your home
Any excess is automatically sent to the grid
You get paid per kWh exported
Unlike older feed-in tariffs, the CEG is a market-based system, meaning different suppliers offer different rates.
How Do you Sell Electricity Back to the Grid?
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how microgeneration works in Ireland:
1. Install Solar Panels
Once your solar PV system is installed, it begins generating electricity during daylight hours.
2. Use Your Own Electricity First
Your home will automatically use the solar energy you generate — reducing your electricity bills.
3. Export Excess Energy
Any unused electricity is exported back to the grid via your ESB connection.
4. Get Paid Through the CEG
Your electricity supplier calculates how much energy you export and pays you accordingly.
Payments are typically made as bill credits on your electricity account.
Smart meters track exports in real time
Some suppliers offer rates up to ~€0.24 per kWh
What Do You Need to Qualify?
To sell electricity back to the grid in Ireland, you’ll need:
A solar PV system (microgeneration)
A smart meter to measure exported electricity
A registered connection with ESB Networks (NC6 form)
An electricity supplier that offers a CEG tariff
Good news: most modern solar installations include all of this as standard.
How Much Can You Earn from Solar Export in Ireland?
Your earnings depend on:
System size (kWp)
How much electricity you use vs export
Your supplier’s CEG rate
Typical Example:
4kWp system
Exporting ~30–50% of energy
Earning €150–€400+ per year
While this won’t replace your income, it can significantly reduce your payback period and boost long-term savings.
Ready to install solar panels on your home? Book your free, no-obligation solar consultation today.
Clean Export Guarantee vs SEAI Solar Grants
It’s important to understand that:
SEAI Solar Grants → reduce upfront installation cost
CEG Payments → provide ongoing income after installation
Together, they make solar far more affordable:
Lower initial investment
Ongoing yearly returns
Reduced electricity bills
This combination is why solar adoption in Ireland is growing rapidly.
Key Benefits of the Clean Export Guarantee
1. Earn from Excess Energy
Instead of wasting unused electricity, you turn it into income.
2. Faster Payback on Solar Panels
Export payments help recover installation costs sooner.
3. Supports Ireland’s Renewable Goals
Microgeneration plays a key role in Ireland’s target of increasing renewable electricity to 70% by 2030.
4. No Supplier Lock-In
Most major electricity suppliers in Ireland offer CEG tariffs, with varying rates. You can switch suppliers to access better export rates
Tips to Maximise Your Solar Export Income
To get the most from the CEG:
Compare supplier rates — they vary significantly
Install a smart meter early to ensure accurate payments. If you don’t yet have a fully activated smart meter, your supplier may use estimated (‘deemed’) export values.
Balance self-consumption vs export
Consider a battery if you want to use more energy at home instead
Remember: using your own electricity usually saves more than exporting it — but the CEG ensures nothing goes to waste.
Key Takeaways
The Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) lets you sell excess solar energy back to the grid
It’s part of Ireland’s Microgeneration Support Scheme
You’ll need a smart meter and registered system
Payments vary by supplier but can reach up to €0.24 per kWh
Combined with SEAI grants, it makes solar a strong long-term investment
Want to reduce your electricity bills and gain more energy independence? Book your free, no-obligation assessment and see how much you could save.
FAQ: Clean Export Guarantee in Ireland
1. Can I sell electricity back to the grid in Ireland?
Yes — homeowners can sell excess solar electricity through the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) under the Microgeneration Support Scheme.
2. Do I need a smart meter for the CEG?
Yes — a smart meter is required to accurately measure how much electricity you export and ensure you get paid correctly.
3. How much is the Clean Export Guarantee rate?
Rates vary by supplier, typically between €0.18 - €0.24 per kWh, depending on the supplier.
4. Is income from selling electricity taxable?
In Ireland, up to €400 per year from microgeneration is tax-free for households.
5. What’s the difference between the CEG and a feed-in tariff?
The CEG is Ireland’s official, regulated system for paying households for exported electricity, replacing older informal feed-in tariffs.
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