Microgeneration
Information on the remuneration of renewables self-consumers for exported electricity
Microgeneration means the generation of electricity by equipment installed in homes or small businesses.
Where this electricity originates from a renewable source, such as solar (i.e. photovoltaic “PV” panels), from small wind turbines, from hydro or from micro-renewable combined heat and power (CHP) then the electricity is regarded as renewable.
Electricity generated from renewable sources which is then stored in a battery and used – or exported to the grid at a later time - is also renewable.
The term “microgeneration” is sometimes used to refer to generation capacity of up to 1,000 kW, though this broader range can include mini-scale and small-scale as well as micro-scale generation.
If you already have a microgeneration system installed and have a question which is not answered here about payment for your exported electricity, your supplier may be best placed to answer specific questions relating to the products and service they provide to you, including:
- Details about your particular export tariff and contract with your selected supplier;
- How and when and how much you will get paid or credited for your export; and
- Whether you are eligible for payment and whether it is based on the metered amount from a smart meter or based on a “deemed export quantity” calculation, in the absence of a smart meter.
ESB Networks may be best placed to answer specific questions relating to requirements about safety considerations and capacity limitations of the generation equipment being hooked onto your electricity connection to the grid. Information on ESB Networks’ website includes their ‘Step-by-Step Guide’ on microgeneration and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.