Clean Export Guarantee
A payment for every unit (kWh) of electricity your solar panels send back to the grid, credited on your bill. The rate per unit is set by your supplier, so it is worth comparing.
Last checked July 2026
What it is
Your electricity supplier pays you for the solar electricity you send back to the grid, at a rate per unit (kWh) that shows up as a credit on your bill.
Who can get it
- You have solar panels (or other microgeneration) at home that sometimes produce more than you use
- Your smart meter records what you export, half hour by half hour
- Your installer has registered your system with ESB Networks (the NC6 form for systems under 6kW single phase or 11kW three phase or the NC7 form for larger systems up to 50kW)
- CRU rules require suppliers to pay customers for the electricity they export, but each supplier sets its own rate per kWh, so the amount differs and is worth comparing.
- Your smart meter records the units you export. Once ESB Networks has processed your installer's form it tells your supplier, so you do not need to contact your supplier yourself.
- The payment usually appears as a credit on your electricity bill, although some suppliers issue a separate statement.
- Separately, profits of up to €400 a year from selling surplus electricity are exempt from Income Tax, USC and PRSI. Budget 2027 announced a rise to €600, with no start date given yet.
How to apply
Applications go through CRU / suppliers. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 25 July 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
What is the Clean Export Guarantee?
A payment from your electricity supplier for the solar electricity you send back to the grid, at a rate per unit (kWh), credited on your bill.
How much do I get?
It depends on your supplier, as each sets its own rate per kWh. Because the rates differ, it is worth comparing suppliers.
What do I need to receive it?
Your system registered with ESB Networks, which your installer does with the NC6 form (or the NC7 form for a larger system). Your smart meter records the units you export and ESB Networks tells your supplier once the form is processed.
How am I paid?
Usually as a credit on your electricity bill for the units you exported over the billing period.
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