Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Best Export Tariffs UK
Get paid for the solar electricity you export to the grid. Here's how the SEG works, which suppliers pay the most, and how to maximise your earnings.
Quick Answer
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government scheme that requires large energy suppliers to pay you for surplus solar electricity you export to the grid. Rates range from 3p to 15p per kWh depending on your supplier and tariff. It replaced the Feed-in Tariff, which closed to new applicants in March 2019. You need an MCS-certified installation and a smart meter to qualify.
What Is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government scheme introduced in January 2020 that requires licensed electricity suppliers with 150,000 or more customers to offer a tariff for small-scale low-carbon electricity exported to the grid. In practice, this means if you have solar panels and generate more electricity than you use, your supplier must pay you for the surplus.
The SEG replaced the Feed-in Tariff (FiT), which closed to new applicants on 31 March 2019. Unlike the FiT, the SEG does not pay you for electricity you generate — only for what you export. Tariff rates are not set by the government; instead, each supplier sets its own rate, which means there is significant variation between providers.
The scheme covers solar PV, wind, micro-CHP, hydro, and anaerobic digestion installations up to 5MW capacity (50kW for micro-CHP). For most homeowners with rooftop solar, the key requirement is that your system must be installed by an MCS-certified installer and you must have a smart meter.
How Much Do You Get Paid?
SEG export rates currently range from around 3p/kWh to 15p/kWh, depending on your supplier and the type of tariff you choose. Fixed tariffs offer a guaranteed rate per kWh, while variable or time-of-use tariffs fluctuate based on wholesale electricity prices and the time of day you export.
The only legal requirement is that the tariff must be greater than zero — suppliers can technically offer as little as 0.1p/kWh. In practice, competition between suppliers has pushed rates into the 3–15p range for most tariffs.
Key Point
You are not locked into your energy supplier for SEG payments. You can have one supplier for your import (buying electricity) and a different supplier for your export (SEG payments). This means you can shop around for the best export tariff independently.
Best SEG Tariffs Compared (2026)
Here are the current SEG export tariffs from major UK energy suppliers. Rates change frequently, so always check directly with the supplier before signing up.
| Supplier | Tariff Name | Rate (p/kWh) | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy | Flux | 12–15p | Variable | Requires Octopus import tariff. Best for battery owners. Pays most during peak hours (4–7pm). |
| Octopus Energy | Fixed Export | 4.1p | Fixed | Simple, predictable rate. No special requirements. |
| Octopus Energy | Agile Outgoing | Variable (avg 7–10p) | Variable | Tracks wholesale prices. Can exceed 20p at peak times. Requires Agile import tariff. |
| E.ON Next | Next Export | 4.1p | Fixed | Straightforward fixed rate. |
| OVO Energy | SEG | 4.0p | Fixed | Available to all OVO customers. |
| So Energy | SEG | 3.5p | Fixed | Fixed rate with no lock-in period. |
| British Gas | SEG | 3.2p | Fixed | Must be a British Gas customer for import. |
| EDF | Export | 3.0p | Fixed | Simple fixed rate. No minimum export requirement. |
Rates are indicative and subject to change. Last updated: March 2026. Always verify directly with the supplier.
SEG vs Feed-in Tariff: What's the Difference?
The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) closed to new applicants on 31 March 2019. If you're already on the FiT, keep it — it's significantly more generous than the SEG. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Feed-in Tariff (FiT) | Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Closed to new applicants (March 2019) | Open to new applicants |
| What it pays for | All generation + export | Export only |
| Rates | 15–20p/kWh (generation) + 5–6p/kWh (export) | 3–15p/kWh (export only) |
| Rate guarantee | Fixed for 20 years, index-linked to inflation | No guarantee — rates set by supplier |
| Smart meter required | No (deemed export at 50%) | Yes |
| Typical annual income | £800–£1,200 (4kW system) | £80–£300 (4kW system) |
Important
If you are already receiving Feed-in Tariff payments, do not switch to the SEG. FiT payments are guaranteed for 20 years from your installation date and are worth significantly more. You cannot re-join the FiT once you leave.
How to Maximise Your SEG Income
The SEG pays less than the old Feed-in Tariff, but with the right setup and tariff choice you can still earn a meaningful return on your exported electricity.
Get a Smart Meter
A smart meter is required for SEG eligibility. It records your actual export in half-hourly intervals, which is essential for time-of-use tariffs that pay more during peak hours.
Choose a Time-of-Use Tariff
If you have a battery, choose a variable or time-of-use export tariff like Octopus Flux or Agile Outgoing. These pay significantly more during peak demand (4–7pm) when you can discharge your battery to the grid.
Shift Exports to Peak Times
With a battery system, store daytime solar generation and export it during the evening peak (4–7pm). On time-of-use tariffs, peak export rates can be 2–3x the daytime rate.
Compare Tariffs Annually
SEG rates change frequently and you can switch supplier at any time. Review your export tariff at least once a year to ensure you're getting the best rate. You can have a different supplier for import and export.
SEG Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee, you need to meet the following requirements:
MCS-certified installation
Your solar panel system must be installed by an MCS-certified (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) installer. This is non-negotiable — DIY installations do not qualify.
Smart meter
You must have a SMETS2 smart meter (or equivalent) that can record half-hourly export data. Contact your energy supplier to arrange a free smart meter installation if you don't have one.
Generation capacity up to 5MW
The SEG covers installations with a total installed capacity (TIC) of up to 5MW for solar PV. Most domestic systems are 3–6kW, well within this limit.
Not receiving Feed-in Tariff
You cannot receive both FiT and SEG payments for the same installation. If you're already on FiT, you should stay on it.
Apply through your chosen supplier
You apply directly to the energy supplier whose SEG tariff you want to join. You'll need your MCS certificate and smart meter details.
How Much Can You Earn from SEG?
Your actual SEG earnings depend on your system size, how much electricity you export (rather than use yourself), your tariff rate, and whether you have a battery to time your exports.
4kW System Without Battery
A typical 4kW domestic system generates around 3,400–4,000 kWh per year. Without a battery, you'll export roughly 50% of your generation (around 1,700–2,000 kWh).
| Tariff Rate | Annual Export Income |
|---|---|
| 3p/kWh (basic fixed) | £51–£60 |
| 4.1p/kWh (mid-range fixed) | £70–£82 |
| 7–10p/kWh (Agile avg) | £119–£200 |
| 12–15p/kWh (Flux peak) | £204–£300 |
4kW System With Battery
With a battery, you'll use more of your own generation (self-consumption rises to 70–80%), so you export less — around 800 kWh. However, you export at peak times when rates are highest.
| Tariff Rate | Annual Export Income |
|---|---|
| 3p/kWh (basic fixed) | £24 |
| 4.1p/kWh (mid-range fixed) | £33 |
| 12–15p/kWh (Flux peak) | £96–£120 |
Note: the real value of a battery is in the electricity bill savings (using stored solar instead of buying from the grid at 24–28p/kWh), not just the export income.
Remember
SEG income is only part of the picture. The biggest financial benefit of solar panels is the electricity you don't buy from the grid. Every kWh you use directly from your panels saves you 24–28p/kWh at current electricity prices — far more than any SEG tariff pays for export.
How to Apply for the Smart Export Guarantee
Applying for the SEG is straightforward. Here's the step-by-step process:
Get solar panels installed by an MCS-certified installer
Your installer must be MCS-certified. After installation, you'll receive an MCS certificate, which you'll need for your SEG application. You can find MCS-certified installers in your area through our directory.
Ensure you have a smart meter
Contact your energy supplier to request a SMETS2 smart meter if you don't already have one. Installation is free. Your smart meter must be able to record export data in half-hourly intervals.
Compare SEG tariffs
Use the tariff comparison table above to find the best rate for your situation. Consider whether a fixed or variable tariff suits you, and whether you have a battery to take advantage of time-of-use rates.
Apply to your chosen supplier
Apply directly through your chosen supplier's website. You'll need your MCS certificate number, smart meter MPAN, and proof of installation. Most applications are processed within 2–4 weeks.
Start earning
Once approved, your export payments will begin automatically. Most suppliers pay quarterly, either as a credit on your energy bill or as a direct payment to your bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Smart Export Guarantee
Can I switch SEG supplier?
Yes. You can switch your SEG export supplier at any time, and it doesn't have to be the same company you buy your electricity from. There are no exit fees for leaving an SEG tariff. Simply apply to the new supplier and cancel with your existing one.
Do I need a smart meter for SEG?
Yes. A smart meter (SMETS2 or equivalent) is a mandatory requirement for SEG eligibility. It must be capable of recording half-hourly export data. Contact your energy supplier to arrange a free smart meter installation.
Can I be on SEG and Feed-in Tariff at the same time?
No. You cannot receive both FiT and SEG payments for the same installation. If you're already on the Feed-in Tariff, stay on it — FiT rates are significantly higher and guaranteed for 20 years. If you install a new, separate solar system, that new system could be eligible for SEG.
How much does SEG pay per kWh?
SEG rates range from around 3p to 15p per kWh as of 2026. The exact rate depends on your supplier and tariff type. Fixed tariffs typically pay 3–4p/kWh, while variable time-of-use tariffs like Octopus Flux can pay 12–15p/kWh during peak hours.
Is SEG income taxable?
For most domestic solar panel owners, SEG income is not taxable. HMRC allows up to £1,000 of miscellaneous income tax-free under the trading allowance. Since most domestic SEG earnings are well below this threshold, you won't need to pay tax or declare the income.
What happened to the Feed-in Tariff?
The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme closed to new applicants on 31 March 2019. It was replaced by the Smart Export Guarantee in January 2020. Existing FiT recipients continue to receive their guaranteed payments for the full 20-year term. The FiT paid for all generation plus export, making it significantly more generous than the SEG.
Can I get SEG with a DIY solar installation?
No. Your solar panels must be installed by an MCS-certified installer to qualify for the SEG. MCS certification ensures the installation meets safety and quality standards. DIY installations, even if competent, do not qualify.
How long does it take to get approved for SEG?
Most SEG applications are processed within 2–4 weeks. You'll need to provide your MCS certificate, smart meter MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number), and proof of installation. Some suppliers offer a fully online application process.
Related Guides
Sources
- Ofgem — Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) — ofgem.gov.uk
- Energy Saving Trust — Smart Export Guarantee — energysavingtrust.org.uk
- Octopus Energy — Outgoing Tariffs — octopus.energy
- UK Government — Feed-in Tariffs Closure — gov.uk
- MCS — Microgeneration Certification Scheme — mcscertified.com
Last updated: March 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 fact-checks all content against official MCS and Ofgem data and maintains relationships with MCS-certified installers across the UK.
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