CEG, NC6 and NC7: the Irish export rules, plainly
8 June 2026 · 5 min read
NC6 covers single-phase systems up to 6 kWp; above that needs an NC7 notification. CEG pays for exported units. Here is what each means for your quote.
What are NC6 and NC7?
NC6 and NC7 are the ESB Networks notification routes for connecting home solar to the grid. NC6 covers single-phase systems up to 6 kWp and is a simple notification. Above 6 kWp you need an NC7 mini-generation notification, which is a heavier process. Knowing which applies before you quote keeps the connection on track.
Why the 6 kWp threshold matters on the quote
The threshold sits right where many Irish homes with an EV or heat pump want to be. A system at 5.9 kWp and one at 6.5 kWp follow different connection paths, so the line between them affects timelines and paperwork, not just yield. It pays to be deliberate about landing on the right side of it, or to set the homeowner's expectations clearly when NC7 is the right call.
What is the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG)?
The CEG is the payment a homeowner receives for the electricity their system exports to the grid. Suppliers set their own CEG rates, so the export value depends on who the homeowner is with. For a quote to be honest, the export figure should reflect current Irish supplier rates rather than a generic assumption.
How Caolú handles it
Caolú flags the correct NC6 or NC7 route automatically based on the system size, and applies current CEG export rates in the savings model. That means the payback figure on the proposal is built from the real Irish rules, not a rounded guess, which is exactly the kind of accuracy a homeowner comparing three quotes will test you on.