What is microgeneration?

Microgeneration refers to small-scale generation of electricity by households or small businesses to meet their own needs, in addition to their existing electricity supply. If you microgenerate electricity, you can sell your excess electricity back to the grid. 

Microgeneration involves installing a small generator powered by a renewable source such as solar, wind or hydropower and connecting this to the electricity network. Microgeneration technologies in scope for the Clean Energy Guarantee (CEG) payment include Solar Photo-Voltaic (PV), Micro-Wind, Micro-Hydro and Renewable Micro-CHP (Combined Heat and Power). 

A customer who wishes to connect a microgenerator to the network must notify ESB Networks using an NC6 or equivalent form. The form and details are available on ESB Networks website. 

Once your application has been processed, ESBN will notify your supplier of your Maximum Export Capacity (MEC). Your MEC is the maximum output of electricity that your generator can produce. Microgeneration Installations up to 50kW can qualify for a microgen payment.

The government recently announced a €400 tax exemption for electricity microgeneration. From 1 January 2024, an income disregard of up to €400/year will apply to profits arising to a qualifying person from the microgeneration of electricity.This will provide relief from income tax, USC (Universal Social Charge) and PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance).

For more information on microgeneration and our rates, please visit our microgeneration page.

Please note: if your power is at powered off status you cannot use your microgenerator to export electricity. Microgenerators have protective devices which, for safety purposes, switch them off if the electricity supply is off or de-energised.