What the Smart Meter Rollout Means for Irish Solar Homeowners

Ireland’s nationwide smart meter rollout is transforming how we use and understand electricity and for solar homeowners, it’s a major step forward. Whether you already have panels or are thinking about going solar, smart meters are unlocking new ways to track energy, earn from exports, and optimise your system’s performance.

Here’s what it all means for you as a solar-powered homeowner in Ireland.

⚡ What Is a Smart Meter?

A smart meter is a digital electricity meter that automatically records and sends your energy usage to ESB Networks. Unlike traditional meters, it provides real-time data on how much electricity you’re using and when.

For solar users, it also records how much surplus energy you send back to the grid, making it essential for getting paid through export tariffs like the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG).

🌞 Why Smart Meters Matter for Solar Homeowners

Before smart meters, tracking solar exports was difficult. Old-style meters couldn’t tell how much power was generated or exported, meaning homeowners missed out on potential income.

Now, smart meters allow:

• Accurate export payments through the CEG.
• Time-of-use tariffs, helping you charge EVs or batteries when electricity is cheapest.
• Real-time insight into how much energy your panels produce, use, and export.

In short: smart meters put solar owners in control.

💰 Getting Paid for What You Export

One of the biggest benefits of having a smart meter with solar panels is automatic export tracking. When your solar system generates more electricity than you use, that excess power flows back to the national grid and your smart meter records it.

You’ll then receive a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) payment from your electricity provider, typically as a credit on your bill. Rates vary depending on the supplier, but most pay between €0.13 and €0.21 per kWh (as of 2025).

This means your solar investment doesn’t just save you money, it can earn you money too.

🕒 Time-of-Use Tariffs: A Smarter Way to Save

With a smart meter, homeowners can switch to time-of-use electricity tariffs, where the price changes throughout the day. This allows you to:

• Run appliances when electricity is cheapest (usually overnight).
• Charge your EV or home battery during off-peak hours.
• Maximise self-consumption by syncing your usage with solar generation.

In combination with a solar battery, this can dramatically reduce reliance on grid power, especially during peak hours.

🔋 Smart Meters and Solar Batteries

If you already have or are planning to install a solar battery, a smart meter takes your setup to the next level. Together, they create a data-driven energy system that automatically balances when to store, use, or export power.

This means:

• Greater energy independence.
• Lower energy bills.
• Improved payback time on your solar system.

Some suppliers even offer smart battery tariffs, allowing you to buy and store cheap off-peak power to use later, or sell it back when prices are high.

🏡 Smart Meter Rollout: What You Need to Know

ESB Networks is rolling out smart meters nationwide, aiming to have them installed in every home by the end of 2025. Most installations are free, and the process is quick, usually under 45 minutes.

Once installed, you can access your real-time data through the ESB Networks online portal or your electricity supplier’s app.

If you have solar panels, make sure to:

• Confirm your meter supports export readings.
• Register for the Clean Export Guarantee with your supplier.
• Review your tariff options to make the most of smart pricing.

🌍 The Future: Smarter, Cleaner, More Connected

As Ireland continues its renewable energy transition, smart meters will play a key role in creating a flexible, sustainable energy grid.

For solar homeowners, this means:

• More control over energy use.
• More ways to save and earn.
• A system ready for charging EVs, smart homes, and future solar innovations.

In short, smart meters don’t just measure energy, they empower it.

🌞 Ready to power your home the smart way?

Get your free solar quote today with WattCharger, Ireland’s trusted solar and EV charging experts. We’ll design a system that maximises your savings and minimises your carbon footprint.