What is Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
A UK scheme where licensed electricity suppliers pay homeowners for excess solar electricity exported to the grid.
Quick Answer
UK electricity suppliers currently offer SEG export rates of around 13–15p per kWh with the best tariffs, though rates are set by individual suppliers and can change. You need a smart meter and an MCS-certified installation to qualify. The SEG replaced the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) and provides a guaranteed route to payment for exported solar electricity.
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Explained
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a scheme that requires licensed UK electricity suppliers (with 150,000+ customers) to offer a payment to small-scale generators for surplus electricity exported to the national grid. It was introduced in January 2020 to replace the Feed-in Tariff scheme. Under the SEG, suppliers set their own export tariff rates, creating a competitive market. Homeowners with MCS-certified solar PV systems and a smart meter can earn money for every kWh of electricity they do not use themselves.
How Does Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Work in the UK?
UK electricity suppliers currently offer SEG export rates of around 13–15p per kWh with the best tariffs, though rates are set by individual suppliers and can change. You need a smart meter and an MCS-certified installation to qualify. The SEG replaced the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) and provides a guaranteed route to payment for exported solar electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I earn from the Smart Export Guarantee?
Export rates vary by supplier, typically around 13–15p per kWh with the best tariffs. A 4kWp system exporting 1,500–2,000 kWh per year could earn £200–£300 annually, depending on your self-consumption rate and supplier.
Do I need a smart meter for the SEG?
Yes. Your energy supplier must install a smart meter that records both imports and exports before you can receive SEG payments.
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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.