Ecotricity Export Rates for Solar Panel Owners
Ecotricity's single 16p rate is one of the best 'no battery, no install required' export rates in the UK, the only condition being that you take Ecotricity for import. As a green supplier that reinvests in new renewables, it suits owners who want their export rate to fund more generation rather than chasing the absolute top figure. The tariff is variable, with no fixed term or exit fees.
Last verified 6 June 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Quick Answer
Ecotricity pays for exported solar electricity under the Smart Export Guarantee. Ecotricity's single 16p rate is one of the best 'no battery, no install required' export rates in the UK, the only condition being that you take Ecotricity for import. As a green supplier that reinvests in new renewables, it suits owners who want their export rate to fund more generation rather than chasing the absolute top figure.
Ecotricity SEG Export Tariffs
Like most large UK suppliers, Ecotricity publishes more than one Smart Export Guarantee rate. The higher rates come with strings attached, usually that you take Ecotricity for your import electricity too, and sometimes that they installed your system. Here is every published tier.
| Tariff | Export rate | Type | Who can get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Export Tariff | 16p/kWh | Variable | Ecotricity import customers |
- Smart Export Tariff: 16p/kWh, variable, no fixed term or exit fees. Exclusive to Ecotricity import customers.
Ecotricity Import Prices for Solar Homes
Your export rate is only half the story. What you pay to import electricity at night and on dull days matters just as much, and in the UK you can choose to keep your current import supplier and take an export tariff elsewhere. Ecotricity's standard variable import prices track the Ofgem price cap. Here is the cap level for 1 July to 30 September 2026 alongside an estimated annual import cost at typical usage (2,500 kWh).
| Import unit rate | 26.11p/kWh |
| Standing charge | 57.19p/day |
| Est. annual import cost | £861 at 2,500 kWh/yr |
Ofgem price cap, GB national average, direct debit, incl. VAT, for 1 July to 30 September 2026. Actual prices vary by region and payment method. Before solar self-consumption and export credit.
What Ecotricity Export Pays You
Annual export earnings depend on system size and how much of your generation you self-consume. These figures use Ecotricity's best rate that does not require buying an install from them.
| System size | Typical annual export | Ecotricity earnings (16p/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5 kWp (8 panels) | 1,600 kWh | £256 |
| 4.5 kWp (10-11 panels) | 2,000 kWh | £320 |
| 5.4 kWp (12-13 panels) | 2,400 kWh | £384 |
| 6.4 kWp (14-15 panels) | 2,900 kWh | £464 |
| 5.4 kWp + battery | 1,400 kWh | £224 |
A battery cuts your export volume because you self-consume more, but raises the share of your bill you avoid at the much higher import rate. See our battery storage guide for the trade-off.
How SEG Payments Work with Ecotricity
- Your system is MCS-certified. SEG payments require an MCS (or equivalent) certificate for the install and installer. Ecotricity cannot pay SEG without it.
- You have a smart meter recording exports. SEG pays for measured half-hourly exports, so you need a smart meter with an export reading set up.
- You apply to Ecotricity for SEG with your MCS certificate, MPAN and bank details. You can do this even if Ecotricity is not your import supplier.
- Export credit is paid quarterly (within 10 working days of invoice) as a bill credit or bank payment.
- Payments continue automatically unless you switch export supplier or move home.
Switching Your Export to or from Ecotricity
Switching export to Ecotricity
- You can take Ecotricity for export while keeping your current import supplier
- The higher tiers need you to switch import to Ecotricity too
- Apply with your MCS certificate, MPAN and bank details
- First payment lands at the next Ecotricity payment cycle
Switching export away from Ecotricity
- Check for any fixed-term tie-in on your export tariff
- Outstanding export credit clears on your final statement
- Re-apply for SEG with your new export supplier
- SEG is not portable, so there is a short gap during the switch
Ecotricity vs Other Suppliers for Solar Export
| Supplier | Best rate | Open to all | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy | Up to 12p/kWh flat | 4.1p/kWh | Ecotricity vs Octopus Energy |
| Good Energy | 25p/kWh | – | Ecotricity vs Good Energy |
See every supplier ranked on our SEG rate comparison page, or read the Smart Export Guarantee guide for how the scheme works.
Ecotricity Review: Good for Solar Export?
Ecotricity's single 16p rate is one of the best 'no battery, no install required' export rates in the UK, the only condition being that you take Ecotricity for import. As a green supplier that reinvests in new renewables, it suits owners who want their export rate to fund more generation rather than chasing the absolute top figure.
Ecotricity ranks 5th of 10 on best export rate. Whether it suits you depends on whether you want to switch your import supplier and on your full annual bill, not the export rate alone, which we weigh below.
Pros
- Mid-table best rate of 16p/kWh (ranked 5th of 10), competitive without leading.
Cons
- The best rate requires switching your import electricity to this supplier too.
Bottom line: Ecotricity is a reasonable option, best value if you are happy to take it for both import and export. Run your own numbers against the full ranking first.
Ecotricity SEG FAQ
What is the Ecotricity SEG export rate in 2026?
Ecotricity's best published Smart Export Guarantee rate is 16p/kWh. Rates are set by the supplier and can change, so confirm the live rate before applying.
Do I have to switch to Ecotricity for import to get their export rate?
Ecotricity's headline export rate requires you to take Ecotricity for your import electricity. In the UK you are always free to take your export tariff from a different supplier than your import.
When does Ecotricity pay SEG?
Ecotricity pays export credit quarterly (within 10 working days of invoice).
Can I get Ecotricity SEG with any installer?
Yes, as long as your system is MCS-certified. Ecotricity's open SEG rate does not require buying your install from them.
Who owns Ecotricity?
Ecotricity is part of Ecotricity Group (privately owned, founder Dale Vince).
Is SEG income taxable?
For a typical household, SEG income is not taxable, provided you are not generating significantly more than you use. The £1,000 trading allowance also covers most solar owners. If your SEG and other side income exceed £1,000 in a tax year, check whether you need to declare it.
Is Ecotricity the best supplier for solar export?
Ecotricity's best rate of 16p/kWh ranks 5th of 10 on headline rate among the suppliers we track. The 'best' supplier depends on whether you are willing to switch your import account, and on your total bill rather than the export rate alone. See our hub page for the full ranking.
Sources
- Ecotricity, ecotricity.co.uk
- Ofgem, Smart Export Guarantee, ofgem.gov.uk
Last verified: 6 June 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He researches every battery and inverter brand against manufacturer datasheets, MCS and Ofgem data, and feedback from the MCS-certified installers in our directory before publishing.
Compare Every SEG Rate
The gap between the best and worst SEG rates is worth £100 to £400 a year on a typical system. See how every UK supplier ranks on our full Smart Export Guarantee comparison.