Micro-Generator Frequently Asked Questions

Micro-generators continue to comply with IS EN 50549-1 but the internal protection settings have been revised to facilitate the connection of much greater volumes of Micro-Generation on the network.

Additionally, to provide clarity and simplicity, the export rating of 6kVA single phase or 11kVA three phase, is now assessed based on the size of the Inverter through which the PV panels transport their generation. This is because the Inverter will limit any output to 6kVA/11kVA, even if there is an over-install of generation (above 6/11kVA) behind the inverter, for the purposes of increasing kWh production at times of lower light levels.

However, the peak export from their Inverter must not exceed 6kVA single phase or 11kVA three phase.

Note:  Only registered Micro-generators are eligible for any export payments.

No.  Microgenerators are equipped with protective devices which, for safety purposes, switch them off if the electricity supply is off or de-energised. 

Use of a generator for standby requires a special type of installation on which your Safe Electric Electrician can advise.

ESB Networks DAC are not responsible for the purchase or sale of any electricity.  This is a matter for a customer and their electricity supplier. 

For more information on how and when customers can expect to get paid for export, please see CRU's website at this link Remuneration of Renewables Self-consumers for exported electricity

The cost of your bill may fall because you may not be drawing as much power from the electricity network as previously.

However, there is no change to your standing charge which remains the same.

Yes. You can connect and register a micro-generator in parallel with ESB Networks provided the requirements in the updated document "Conditions Governing the Connection & Operation of Micro Generation Policy" are met.

Please familiarise yourself with the process and read the updated document  Conditions Governing the Connection & Operation of Micro Generation Policy | View PDF 518 KB

NC6 Notification Form PDF | 135 KB

Note: a separate NC6-01-R7 is no longer required as the protection settings are now embedded in the NC6 Microgeneration form. This form should be used for all new and retrospective microgeneration applications.

There is no charge to connect a Micro-generator to the ESB network provided it is Micro-Generation which can be connected under the 'inform and fit' process i.e. up to 6kVA single phase or 11kVA three phase. 

Yes. For Generators in the range 6-17kVA single phase, and >11-50 kVA three phase, a new category called Mini-generation has been created to simplify such connections. 

Further detail on Mini-generation is available in our Mini-generation page

ESB Networks have no function in qualifying equipment or installers. However, to facilitate provision of information on qualifying equipment and installers to electricity customers who wish to avail of the tariff, Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) will maintain lists of registered products and installers that meet the relevant standards and accreditation requirements. 

These lists are currently being compiled and will be available shortly on SEAI's website at:

Register of Installers

Suppliers and Installers who wish to register should contact SEAI directly:

01 8369080

Or email:

microgen@sei.ie

Micro-Generators have the potential to give an electric shock or create a dangerous hazard for you or your neighbours. For your own safety, it is important that the unit fully complies with safety standards.

Only customers who submit a valid NC6 Notification form to ESB Networks are eligible for the interim Clean Export Guarantee. 

Note: If your generator causes damage to the electricity network or to the general public you may be liable.

• Your new house must be connected to the grid before the Micro-Generator can be installed, but you can submit a Microgeneration Application form when applying for the house connection.  See response to "Can I connect my Micro-Generator to the ESB Network's Low Voltage (LV) system? above for details of the connection process and copies of any forms required. 
• A wiring certificate will be provided to the customer by the Safe Electric Member installing the Micro-Generator, which the customer should retain for their own use.

Eligibility criteria for payment for export to the grid are determined by CRU.

For more information on the eligibility criteria, please see CRU's website at this link Remuneration of Renewables Self-consumers for exported electricity

Yes, if you are eligible to receive a smart meter during this phase of the rollout, then you will need a smart meter to be paid for export.  Where customers are eligible to have a smart meter installed, ESB Networks endeavours to install a smart meter within four months of a valid NC6 form being processed by ESB Networks. 

You will not be eligible for export during the wait period to have a smart meter installed.  ESB Networks will be in contact in advance of your smart meter exchange.  For more information on the smart meter rollout please see Smart Meter upgrade

If you are not eligible to receive a smart meter during this phase of the rollout, then you can be paid based on a deemed export calculation.

For more information on how and when customers can expect to get paid for export and the metering requirements, please see CRU's website at this link: Remuneration of Renewables Self-consumers for exported electricity

No. According to the eligibility criteria introduced by CRU, if you are eligible for a smart meter, you need a smart meter to be paid for what you export back to the network. You will not be eligible for deemed export payments. 

At this point in the rollout, ESB Networks is installing smart meters at single-phase (24hr) MCC01 sites. If you are not eligible for a smart meter during this phase of the rollout, you can be paid for your export based on deemed export until you have a smart meter installed.  

If you previously chose not to avail of a smart meter at the time, you can contact ESB Networks directly to request a smart meter installation at 1800 928 123. Alternatively, you can contact your registered electricity supplier and request a smart meter. 

For more information on what types of data ESB Networks collects off your smart meter, please visit this link:  More Information on Smart Meters and Data.

If you are considering reducing or increasing current MEC, you will need to submit an updated NC6 Notification Form to ESB Networks accompanied by an updated Type Test Certification and other supporting materials. However, for the micro-generation 'inform and fit' process the upper limit on the installed inverter size is 6kVA for Single Phased and 11kVA for Three Phase, and if going beyond these limits it is necessary to consider Mini-Generation, where a technical assessment will need to be carried out so that ESB Networks can issue a quotation for Connection. See Mini-Generation here.

Note: Adding extra PV panels behind an inverter of less than 6kVA Single Phase or 11kVA Three Phase does not require ESB Networks permission.

Before doing so, ESB Networks recommends that you familiarise yourself with our 'Step-by-Step Guide' which can be found at this link here.

Following submission of an NC6 Form, it is important to notify ESB Networks if your micro-generation technology is not connected for whatever reason so ESB Networks can remove your MEC.

Further, in the event your micro-generation technology stops working on a permanent basis, it is important to notify ESB Networks of this so we can remove your MEC. 

Should you wish to request ESB Networks remove your MEC, please contact NetworksServicesBureau@esb.ie.