Best Electricity Tariff for Solar Panels and Battery in Ireland (2026)

Solar PV can reduce the electricity you import from the grid during daylight hours. Many homes now add battery storage so excess solar electricity can be used later in the evening. Even with solar and a battery, most households still import electricity at certain times, so your electricity plan continues to affect total savings.

Compare electricity plans for solar and battery homes

Quick answer: what is usually best for solar and battery homes?

For most homes with solar PV and a battery, the best electricity plan is the one that keeps imported electricity affordable outside solar hours while not adding unnecessary fixed costs. Some households benefit from time-based pricing, but only if their routine matches cheaper time windows.

How solar and batteries change your electricity usage

Solar PV: reduces daytime imports when you are generating electricity.
Battery storage: can shift solar electricity into evening hours and reduce peak-time imports.
Winter reality: generation is lower in winter, so you may import more electricity when it is cold and dark.

This is why it is important to compare the full bill, not just one headline rate.

What to compare when choosing a tariff for solar and battery

Unit rate for imported electricity: you still buy electricity at times, so the import rate matters.
Standing charge: a low unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge.
Peak pricing: if a plan has high peak rates, evening imports can become expensive.
Time-based pricing fit: smart tariffs can work well for some households, but only if your routine matches the cheaper time windows.

Before switching, review current market pricing on our Electricity Rates Ireland (2026) guide.

Should you choose a smart tariff for solar and battery?

A smart tariff can suit solar and battery homes if you can reliably use cheaper time bands to reduce imported electricity costs during low generation periods. However, some plans also include higher peak rates, so it is important to compare the full pricing structure.

To understand time-based pricing, read: Smart Tariffs Ireland (2026).

When a flat-rate plan may be better

You already cover most daytime usage with solar and your remaining imports are spread across the day.
You cannot reliably avoid expensive peak windows.
The smart plan standing charge or peak rate offsets the off-peak benefit.

In these cases, a competitive flat-rate plan may be better. See: Cheapest Electricity in Ireland (2026).

Installing solar PV or battery storage?

If you are planning solar PV, battery storage or both, you can start here to view options and request quotes from registered installers:

Once your system is installed, reviewing import rates and tariff structure helps protect your long-term savings.

Compare electricity plans for solar homes

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FAQs

What is the best electricity tariff for solar panels and a battery in Ireland?

The best tariff is the one that keeps imported electricity affordable outside solar hours and does not add high fixed costs. Some homes benefit from time-based pricing, but only if their routine matches cheaper time windows.

Do I still need to switch electricity provider if I have solar and a battery?

Often, yes. Even with solar and battery storage, most homes still import electricity at certain times of day and year. Comparing plans can reduce import costs and protect savings.

Is a smart tariff always better for solar and battery homes?

Not always. Some smart tariffs have higher peak rates or higher standing charges. It depends on your import pattern and your ability to shift usage.

What matters more: unit rate or standing charge?

Both matter. A low unit rate can be offset by a high standing charge. Comparing the full estimated annual bill is the best approach.

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