Energy Export Payments in Northern Ireland allow you to earn money by sending unused renewable electricity from your system back to the grid. Whether you have solar panels or wind turbines, this scheme provides a way to generate income while contributing to cleaner energy. Unlike the rest of the UK, Northern Ireland operates a unique system where suppliers offer their own export tariffs, regulated annually to ensure fairness.
Key Points:
- Eligibility: Systems must meet G98/NI standards, be MCS-certified, and have proper documentation (e.g., MCS certificate, meter details).
- Payment Types: Based on actual export (measured) or estimated export (deemed).
- Supplier Tariffs: Fixed, variable, or time-of-use rates are available.
- Documentation: Includes MCS certificate, meter readings, and commissioning documents.
Export payments are calculated by multiplying exported kWh by the supplier’s tariff rate. For example, exporting 2,000 kWh at 10.32p per kWh could earn £206.40 annually. To get started, ensure your system complies with regulations, gather the required documents, and register with a supplier offering competitive rates.
Eligibility Requirements for Energy Export Payments
To qualify for export payments, your renewable energy system must meet specific technical standards and provide the necessary documentation.
What Systems Qualify?
For your renewable energy system to be eligible, it must adhere to a set of technical criteria. The system must connect using the G98/NI process, which is a simplified ‘fit and inform’ method that does not require prior approval from NIE Networks. The system must also be certified, stay within size limits, and use equipment that complies with G98/NI standards.
For solar panel installations, the inverter size is capped at 3.68kW for single-phase connections and 11.04kW for three-phase connections. While you can install larger solar panel arrays, only the inverter capacity is subject to these limits.
All equipment must hold MCS certification (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) or meet equivalent standards. This applies to both the technology itself and the installer. Additionally, the equipment must be listed on the ENA register to confirm compliance with G98/NI requirements.
Systems installed on or after 27 April 2019 must comply with the EREC G98/NI standard, as older systems under the G83 standard are no longer accepted.
"Installations commissioned on or after 27 April 2019 must meet all of the requirements set out in the new Engineering Recommendation EREC G98/NI. After this date commissioning of new Micro-generators type tested to the existing EREC G83 standard will NOT be permitted."
- Northern Ireland Electricity Networks
For other renewable technologies, the following size limits apply:
- Micro-CHP systems: Up to 50kW electricity capacity.
- Solar, wind, hydro, and anaerobic digestion systems: Up to 5MW capacity for export tariff eligibility.
After installation, you’ll need Building Control approval. Planning permission is generally not required unless the system is installed on listed buildings, in conservation areas, or is ground-mounted.
Once your system meets these technical requirements, the next step is to gather the required documentation to register for export payments.
Required Documentation
To set up export payments, you’ll need to submit specific documents. The most important is your MCS certificate, which confirms that your installation meets the required standards.
"The technology and installer must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or equivalent. Energy suppliers may ask you to provide an MCS certificate to prove your installation meets this standard."
Here’s what you’ll need:
- MCS certificate: Verifies compliance with required standards.
- Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) and meter serial number.
- Proof of an installed import/export meter.
For systems connected under the G98/NI process, additional commissioning documents must be submitted within 30 days of going live, including:
- Electrical schematic.
- Type verification certificate.
- Installer declaration.
A micro-generator test certificate is also required. This document confirms compliance with G98/NI standards and must include details such as the manufacturer, model, rating, phase information, peak short circuit current, prime mover type, and fuel source.
If you’re installing multiple systems within 500 metres of each other over a 28-day period, you’ll need to follow the more detailed G98/NI Stage 2 process. This involves submitting extra documentation and undergoing a network assessment by NIE Networks.
Having all the necessary paperwork ready before contacting energy suppliers will streamline the application process, allowing you to start receiving export payments without delays.
How to Register for Energy Export Payments
Once your system and documents meet all necessary requirements, the next step is to register with your electricity supplier to start receiving export payments. This involves reaching out to your supplier, providing the relevant details, and familiarising yourself with their payment schedules.
Checking Supplier Export Tariffs
Begin by contacting your electricity supplier to check if they offer export tariffs. If your current supplier doesn’t provide this option or their rates aren’t competitive, consider switching to one with better terms.
Suppliers typically offer different types of tariffs:
- Fixed-rate tariffs: These pay a consistent rate per kWh throughout the year.
- Variable-rate tariffs: Rates fluctuate based on market conditions.
- Time-of-use tariffs: Payments vary depending on when you export energy, with higher rates often available during peak demand times.
It’s important to ask about additional conditions, such as minimum export requirements or standing charges. Some suppliers might require you to export a certain amount annually before they set up payments, while others could charge fees for managing your export account.
Once you’ve selected a supplier and confirmed their tariff terms, you can move on to submitting the necessary information.
Submitting Required Information
After choosing a supplier, you’ll need to complete their application process by providing specific details about your system. This usually includes:
- MCS certificate: Proof of system certification.
- MPRN: Your Meter Point Reference Number.
- Meter serial number: Found on your electricity meter.
- System details: Information on your system’s capacity and inverter size.
This data helps the supplier verify your system’s eligibility for their export tariff and calculate your expected payments. If your installation is in Northern Ireland and connected through NIE Networks, include any commissioning documents already submitted to them.
You’ll also need to provide an initial meter reading to establish a baseline for tracking your energy exports. If you have an import/export meter, supply readings from both registers. For systems without a dedicated export meter, suppliers may use deemed export calculations based on your system’s size and typical generation output.
Finally, you’ll need to sign a generation agreement, which outlines payment rates, meter reading schedules, and your responsibilities as an exporter.
Understanding Annual Payment Cycles
Once your account is set up, it’s crucial to understand how your supplier handles payment cycles. Export payments are often made quarterly or annually, with tariff years typically running from 1st October to 30th September.
If your system is installed partway through a cycle, your first payment will usually cover only the months remaining until the end of that tariff year.
Keep accurate meter readings and maintain clear communication with your supplier. Some suppliers require regular meter readings, while others may schedule annual inspections to verify your export data. Staying on top of these requirements ensures you don’t miss deadlines and helps you manage your finances effectively.
How Payments Are Calculated and Issued
Your annual export payments are calculated by multiplying the total kilowatt-hours (kWh) you export by your supplier’s rate. This simple formula gives you an estimate of your potential income.
Measured vs. Deemed Export
The way your payments are calculated depends on whether your system uses a dedicated export meter or relies on deemed export estimates.
- Measured Export: If your system has an import/export meter, payments are based on the actual amount of energy sent back to the grid. This method ensures precise calculations.
- Deemed Export: For systems without export meters, suppliers use deemed export estimates. These estimates are based on your system’s capacity, typical generation patterns, and assumed energy use. While not as precise as measured export, this method offers a consistent way to calculate payments.
Payment Rates and Timing
Export rates are set annually and vary between suppliers. For instance, Power NI‘s export rate for 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025 is 10.32p per kWh. Rates are fixed for the tariff year, which runs from 1 October to 30 September, and are usually published near the end of the cycle.
Most customers receive their payments in late October, covering the entire tariff year. However, delays can occur if meter readings need verification or if your metering equipment has been updated. For example, exporting 2,000 kWh at the current rate would result in an annual payment of approximately £206.40.
Unlike other parts of the UK, Northern Ireland does not participate in the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. Instead, individual suppliers offer tailored export tariffs for eligible microgenerators.
To ensure smooth payment processing, submit a clear photograph of your meter when providing readings. This can help resolve any disputes quickly. If you make changes to your export system, let your supplier know right away, as this could affect your payment calculations.
Next, find out how to manage your payments and address any potential issues.
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Tips for Managing Payments and Troubleshooting
Handling export payments effectively starts with ensuring your meter readings are precise and submitted on time.
Submitting Meter Readings
Providing accurate meter readings is essential for receiving the correct export payments. Suppliers rely on these readings to calculate the energy you’ve exported. If your readings are incorrect or missing, it could delay your payments – especially during times like meter verification or after replacing metering equipment. To avoid these issues, notify your supplier immediately if you’ve had a meter change or upgrade. Keeping your readings up to date is the best way to prevent any hiccups in the payment process.
Addressing Payment Delays or Errors
Suppliers like Power NI typically process payments annually, often around late October. However, delays can happen due to additional meter verification or billing errors. If this occurs, you may be entitled to compensation, as regulated by Ofgem. Stay proactive by keeping an eye on payment schedules and addressing any discrepancies quickly.
Where EECO Energy Can Help
EECO Energy goes beyond simple registration and payment calculations to make the export process as smooth as possible. They ensure your solar PV and battery systems are fully prepared for energy export.
Solar PV Installation and Export Readiness
EECO Energy specialises in installing MCS-certified solar PV systems equipped with G98/G99 compliant inverters, meeting the export payment requirements in Northern Ireland. They simplify the paperwork by providing essential documents like MCS certificates and commissioning reports. Additionally, they work with your electricity supplier to set up export-enabled smart meters and record your system’s initial generation and export readings. This helps ensure a seamless start to your billing cycle.
For even better energy management, EECO Energy also offers advanced battery solutions.
Battery Storage and Duracell Systems
As an approved installer of Duracell battery systems, EECO Energy configures battery storage to help you get the most out of your energy system. They fine-tune battery charge and discharge schedules to maximise self-consumption while taking advantage of favourable export tariff periods. For instance, a 4 kWp system in Belfast might export 35-50% of its energy, but adding a 5-10 kWh battery could reduce exports to 15-30% by increasing self-consumption. EECO Energy evaluates these outcomes during their design survey and adjusts export settings to ensure surplus energy is properly measured without affecting your payments.
Keeping these systems running efficiently requires ongoing care and support.
Maintenance and Support Services
EECO Energy offers a comprehensive maintenance package that includes:
- Remote monitoring for inverters and batteries
- Annual performance checks to ensure systems are running smoothly
- Firmware updates to keep devices up to date
They also tackle metering issues, validating export data against supplier records. If there are discrepancies in export figures or payment schedules, EECO Energy provides evidence like time-stamped inverter logs, meter photos, and commissioning details. When switching suppliers or replacing meters, they supply all necessary documentation – such as MPRN numbers, meter serials, and certifications – and assist with re-commissioning checks. They also liaise directly with supplier technical teams to resolve any metering or data flow issues that could impact your export payments.
Conclusion
Energy export payments in Northern Ireland offer homeowners a chance to earn money from surplus solar PV generation while contributing to a cleaner energy grid. To make the most of these payments, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria, select the right export tariff, and ensure your system is correctly set up from the very beginning.
Getting your system professionally installed and supported is crucial. Opting for an MCS-certified setup with compliant inverters, accurate documentation, and a smart meter lays the groundwork for smooth energy exports. Adding a battery storage system can also help you manage excess energy more efficiently without affecting your export earnings.
Keeping your system running smoothly involves regular meter readings, maintaining up-to-date paperwork, and staying in touch with your energy supplier. These steps ensure you receive payments promptly and without hassle, making the process straightforward and rewarding.
With the right setup, not only can you lower your energy bills, but you can also create a new income stream. Your roof becomes more than just a shelter – it turns into a valuable asset. By relying on expert advice for installation, maintenance, and supplier coordination, energy export payments can become a dependable part of your household’s energy plan.
FAQs
How can I choose the best export tariff for my energy system in Northern Ireland?
Choosing the right export tariff for your energy system in Northern Ireland involves weighing a few key factors, like your system’s capacity, how much energy you typically export, and your financial priorities. Fixed-rate tariffs offer a steady payment per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is predictable and straightforward. On the other hand, variable or time-of-use tariffs might pay more during peak times, making them a good fit if you have a solar battery to store and release energy strategically.
When deciding, think about your energy habits – do you export energy steadily throughout the day, or only during certain hours? Analysing your system’s performance and speaking with a renewable energy expert can help you make a choice that boosts your earnings while meeting your energy goals.
What should I do if my energy export payments are delayed or incorrect?
If you’re experiencing delays or inaccuracies in energy export payments in Northern Ireland, the first step is to contact your energy supplier. Report the issue and request a resolution, as delays can sometimes stem from meter verification processes or updates to your account.
Should the issue remain unresolved, you can escalate it to Ofgem, the energy regulator. They can assist with disputes and may guide you on claiming compensation for any errors or delays. To make the process smoother, ensure you keep detailed records of all communications and any relevant documentation.
For persistent problems, it might be worth examining your energy system setup to confirm everything is running as it should. Partnering with a trusted energy specialist, such as EECO Energy, can help ensure your system is configured correctly for precise export readings and timely payments.
Will adding a battery to my solar PV system impact my eligibility for energy export payments in Northern Ireland?
Adding a battery to your solar PV system in Northern Ireland usually doesn’t impact your ability to receive energy export payments. You can still benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which lets you earn money by sending any surplus electricity you generate back to the grid.
In fact, a battery storage system can make your solar setup even more efficient. It allows you to store excess energy for later use or to export it during periods when rates are higher, helping you get the most out of your solar energy system in terms of both savings and earnings.
