Selling Solar Power Back to the Grid in Ireland: How the Micro-generation Support Scheme Works
If you’re considering solar panels for your home, you’ve probably heard that you can sell excess electricity back to the grid. But how does that actually work in Ireland? Is it worth it? What’s involved?
Thanks to the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS), Irish homeowners can now earn money for the extra solar energy they don’t use — and the process is simpler and more rewarding than you might think.
Let’s break it all down so you can see how selling energy back to the grid can add even more value to your PV solar investment.
☀️ What Is the Micro-generation Support Scheme?
The Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is a government-backed initiative designed to encourage homeowners to generate their own renewable electricity, primarily through solar panels.
Under this scheme, if your PV solar system produces more electricity than you use at home, the surplus can be exported to the national grid, and you’ll receive a credit on your electricity bill for every unit you send out.
This payment is known as the Clean Export Premium (CEP).
💶 How Much Will You Get Paid?
In 2022, the minimum Clean Export Premium (CEP) was set by the government at €0.135 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). That means for every unit of excess electricity you export, you earn 13.5 cents.
However — and here’s where it gets interesting — most electricity providers in Ireland are offering even higher rates than the minimum. In fact, many offer rates that are roughly half the cost of their peak electricity tariffs, which can be more lucrative over time.
💡 Pro Tip: Shop around. Since electricity providers set their own CEP rates, it’s worth comparing offers to find the best deal for your exported energy.
📋 Do I Need Extra Equipment or Paperwork?
Not at all — the process is simple and we make it even easier.
All of our PV solar installations are fully export-capable. You do not need a hybrid inverter or batteries to export electricity to the grid. The system is designed to do that automatically.
As part of our installation service, we also provide and help you submit the NC6 form, which registers your system with ESB Networks and enables you to start receiving the Clean Export Premium — at no extra cost to you.
Once that’s in place and your electricity provider is notified, you’re good to go!
🏡 Why Exporting Makes Sense
1. Turn Your Excess into Income
During long summer days, your solar panels may generate more power than you can use — especially if you’re out during the day. Rather than wasting that power, exporting it gives you real financial return for every kWh.
2. Faster Payback on Your System
Between reduced electricity bills and income from the grid, you’ll see your return on investment much quicker. For many homeowners, this can shorten the payback period by 1–2 years.
3. No Need for a Battery
While batteries can be useful for storing energy to use at night, they aren’t required to export to the grid. If a battery isn’t in your budget right now, exporting is a great alternative way to maximise your solar power.
4. Simple and Automatic
Once your system is set up and registered, there’s nothing else you need to do. Your electricity provider will track your exported energy via your smart meter and apply a credit directly to your bill.
🧾 How Do I Start Exporting?
Here’s how the process typically works:
Install your solar system – We ensure every system we install is grid-export ready.
We provide and help submit your NC6 form – This registers your system with ESB Networks.
Choose your electricity provider wisely – Compare CEP rates to maximise your return.
Start exporting – Once activated, any excess electricity will automatically be sent to the grid and credited to you.
🔍 What to Watch Out For
Smart meter required – To receive payment for exported electricity, you’ll need a smart meter installed by ESB Networks. If you don’t have one yet, you can request it — it’s usually installed free of charge.
Check your provider’s CEP rate – Some may offer higher rates than others. Don’t assume all providers offer the same deal.
Energy usage habits – If you’re home during the day and using most of your solar power directly, you may have less excess to export. That’s not a bad thing — using your own energy saves you money too!
✅ Final Thought
Adding solar panels to your home already makes sense from both a financial and environmental standpoint — but exporting excess energy to the grid makes it even better.
With generous Clean Export Premiums, easy setup, and no need for extra equipment, the Micro-generation Support Scheme in Ireland helps you get the most out of your solar investment.
So whether you’re already planning your solar install or just starting to explore options, remember: your roof can earn you money — even when you’re not using the power.
💡 Thinking about going solar?
We provide export-ready PV systems and handle the NC6 paperwork for you — so you can start saving and earning from day one.
