Electricity tariff comparison

Which tariff is best for your solar home in Ireland? The right tariff can add hundreds of euro to your savings each year.

Key rule for solar homeowners

If you have solar panels and are not on a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff, you are giving away electricity for free. Switching to a CEG tariff typically adds €150–€400 per year, depending on your system size and usage pattern.

Clean Export Guarantee (CEG)

For solar homes

The Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) is a government-mandated export payment for excess solar electricity fed into the grid. All major suppliers must offer it.

→Typically 10–24 cent/kWh for exported solar electricity
→Paid monthly based on your smart meter export readings
→Must have a smart meter and compliant solar installation
→Suppliers set their own rates — compare before switching
→Not available on all tariff types — confirm with your supplier

Compare CEG rates: check bonkers.ie or switcher.ie for current offers.

Night rate (Economy 9)

Best with heat pump or EV

Night rate tariffs offer cheaper electricity during off-peak hours (typically 11pm–8am). Ideal if you charge an EV or run a heat pump on a timer.

→Night rate typically 30–40% cheaper than day rate
→Day rate is higher than standard tariff — balance matters
→Most effective with heat pump + underfloor heating + timer
→Can be combined with solar export in some tariffs
→Check your usage pattern before switching — simulation tools available from most suppliers

Compare night rate tariffs at bonkers.ie.

EV charging tariff

For EV owners

EV-specific tariffs offer very low overnight rates for charging. Some suppliers include a free smart charger when you switch.

→EV overnight rates can be as low as 9–12 cent/kWh
→Some tariffs require a specific EV charger installed by the supplier
→Best combined with solar during the day — charge from panels, not grid
→ESB Ecars, Energia and others offer dedicated EV plans
→V2G (vehicle-to-grid) tariffs emerging — check if your EV supports it

Compare EV tariffs: check bonkers.ie or your EV manufacturer's partner tariffs.

Standard flat rate

Simplest option

Standard tariffs are the easiest but rarely the most cost-effective for solar homes. Switching to a CEG tariff is almost always worthwhile.

→Single rate for all electricity — no time-of-use considerations
→Usually no CEG export payment — solar surplus is "lost"
→Fine if you use all your solar on site and export very little
→Check if your current tariff includes CEG — many still do not

Most solar homeowners should be on a CEG tariff — contact your supplier to ask.

Tariff switching tip

Electricity tariff rates change frequently. Always compare at bonkers.ie or switcher.ie before signing a new contract. Most suppliers allow switching with 30 days notice and there are no exit fees on standard tariffs.

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