Finding the best electricity tariff

The best tariff depends on when you use electricity, not just the unit rate. With solar, the import rate matters less during the day — you're using free electricity. What matters is the evening rate and export rate.

For solar-only homes: Choose the tariff with the highest export rate. Currently Electric Ireland at 24c/kWh is the best export rate in Ireland. Pair this with a competitive flat import rate.

For solar + EV: Night rate tariffs charge 8–12c/kWh overnight. This is ideal for charging your car. During the day you use solar. You get the best of both worlds.

For solar + battery: Time-of-use tariffs work well — charge your battery from cheap overnight electricity, use solar during the day, and avoid peak evening rates.

Use switcher.ie or bonkers.ie to compare tariffs. Both sites now have a solar export filter. Switch once a year at minimum — loyalty is not rewarded in the Irish energy market.