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Can I Sell Excess Electricity Back to the Grid?
July 01, 2025
As more and more Irish homeowners install solar PV systems, one question comes up time and time again: “Can I sell the electricity I don’t use back to the grid?”
The short answer is yes. Under the right conditions, you can receive payments for your excess self-generated electricity exported to the national grid.
In this article, we will explain how export energy works in Ireland, what you need to qualify and the return you can expect.
1. How Do Homes Generate Excess Electricity?
When your solar system generates more electricity than your home is using at a given time, that surplus is considered excess. This typically happens on bright days when electricity use is low, such as when no one is home.
Without battery storage, this extra electricity would otherwise go unused. Fortunately, Ireland has a system in place which allows homeowners to export their unused electricity and get paid for it.
2. The Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS)
To support Ireland’s transition to cleaner energy, the government introduced the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS). It’s designed to encourage homeowners to generate their own renewable electricity through solar PV or micro-wind.
Under this scheme, eligible homes can export unused electricity to the national grid and receive payment in return. It’s part of a broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and increase the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources in Ireland.
3. The Clean Export Guarantee (CEG)
Under the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS), the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) is the way that you can get paid for any self-generated electricity you send back to the grid.
Here’s how it works:
• You generate solar power at home.
• If you have a battery, you solar system will charge your battery as a priority.
• Any excess is sent to the national grid.
• Your electricity supplier pays you per kilowatt hour (kWh) exported.
There is no set Microgeneration rate, this will differ depending on your electricity provider. Some solar companies have exclusive partnerships with major energy companies to get a better microgeneration rate for their customers.
Top Tip
If you want to benefit from Microgeneration Support Scheme, make sure to ask your solar installer what the current Microgeneration Rate is for your energy provider, and if they provide better rates through an energy partner.
4. What You Need to Qualify
To be paid under the Microgeneration Support Scheme, you’ll need the following:
• Smart Meter: A smart meter is essential to measure how much electricity you export. Without it, there’s no way to track or credit your exported energy.
• NC6 Form Submitted: This form notifies ESB Networks of your microgeneration setup. It’s usually submitted by your installer.
• Compliant Installation: Your solar PV system must be installed safely and in accordance with Irish standards.
• Supplier Notification: Once your smart meter is in place and the system is registered, notify your energy supplier so they can begin payments.
5. Is It Worth Exporting If I Have a Battery?
Yes, even if you have a battery, exporting excess electricity can still be worthwhile.
Battery storage allows you to store solar energy for later use, typically in the darker evenings when your panels aren’t generating electricity, or during periods of low daylight when production may not meet your household’s energy requirements. This helps to reduce your reliance on the grid and can lower your electricity bills even further.
However, once your battery is fully charged, any additional electricity your system produces has nowhere to go unless you export it.
That’s where the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) and Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) come in. Instead of letting that surplus electricity go to waste, it’s automatically sent to the grid, and you’re paid for every unit exported.
So, it’s not a choice between battery storage or exporting to the grid, they work well together and help you make full use of your solar system.
6. How to Start Selling Excess Electricity
If you’re a homeowner with solar PV and want to begin exporting, here’s what to do:
1. Install a compliant solar PV system
2. Submit the NC6 form to ESB Networks (usually done by your installer)
3. Install a smart meter meter if you don’t already have one
4. Notify your energy supplier
5. Start receiving credits or payments
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do all electricity providers offer the Clean Export Guarantee?
A: Most do, but rates and processes vary. It’s worth comparing options.
Q: What if I don’t have a smart meter?
A: You won’t be eligible for export payments until one is installed. You can request a smart meter from ESB Networks if you haven’t been upgraded yet.
Q: Can I track how much I export?
A: Yes, most smart meters, in-home displays and solar system apps let you see how much electricity is being sent to the grid.
Q: Is it better to use the electricity myself or export it?
A: Generally, it’s more valuable to use your own electricity directly, it saves you paying retail rates. Exporting is a good way to benefit from what would otherwise be lost.
8. Pros and Cons
Pros
• Offset electricity bills
• Faster return on investment
• Supports national energy goals
• Reduces waste
Cons
• Export energy should not replace battery storage where needed
• Value of exported energy is typically lower than the value of self-consumed energy
9. Conclusion
Yes, as a homeowner in Ireland, you can sell excess electricity back to the grid, and it’s becoming easier and more rewarding to do so. With the Clean Export Guarantee and support for microgeneration, solar PV is not just a way to cut your bills, it can also provide a modest return.
If you’re considering solar or already have it installed, it’s worth checking your setup to make sure you’re getting the most from your system.
Find out how much you could save, and earn, with solar.
Complete the form below for a free, no-obligation solar quote and see how much your home could benefit from exporting excess electricity to the grid.