Smart Export Guarantee Explained
If you have solar panels, the Smart Export Guarantee pays you for every unit of surplus electricity you send to the National Grid. Here is exactly how it works, what it pays, and how to get the most from it.
The Smart Export Guarantee: What It Is and How It Works
Solar installations registered for SEG by the end of March 2025 — a 63% increase year-on-year
Of SEG registrations are solar PV installations (2024–25 Ofgem data)
Average bundled SEG rate in 2024–25 — 244% higher than the average unbundled rate of 4.47p/kWh (Ofgem)
Without an SEG tariff, surplus electricity exported to the grid is generally unpaid
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government-backed scheme launched on 1 January 2020. Under the Smart Export Guarantee Order 2019, electricity suppliers with more than 150,000 domestic customers are legally required to offer at least one tariff that pays small-scale renewable generators for electricity exported to the grid. Ofgem administers the scheme, while the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is responsible for overall policy.
Two types of participant exist within the framework:
- SEG Licensees — electricity suppliers offering SEG tariffs
- SEG Generators — households and businesses exporting renewable electricity
The SEG applies to small-scale renewable systems including solar PV, wind, hydro, anaerobic digestion and micro combined heat and power (micro-CHP). Solar PV accounts for virtually all SEG registrations in the UK.
The key principle behind SEG
The SEG only pays for electricity you export.
When your solar panels generate more electricity than your home is using at that moment, the surplus flows back to the grid. Your smart meter records those exports, and your SEG provider pays you per kilowatt-hour (kWh) exported.
Unlike the old Feed-in Tariff (FiT), the SEG does not pay a generation tariff on all electricity produced.
The more electricity you use yourself, the lower your export volume and SEG income — but the greater your savings on imported electricity bills.
Self-consumed solar electricity is typically worth around 24–25p/kWh based on Ofgem domestic electricity rates in Q2 2026. Current fixed SEG export tariffs generally pay around 12–16p/kWh depending on supplier and eligibility.
Is there a minimum SEG rate?
No.
The government does not set a minimum payment level. Suppliers are only required to offer a tariff paying more than zero.
In practice, competition between suppliers has pushed rates considerably higher than that minimum. Choosing a competitive tariff rather than remaining on a low default export rate can often improve annual earnings by £75–£200 per year on a typical 4kWp system.
What the SEG replaced
The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme ran from April 2010 to April 2019.
The FiT paid households:
- a generation tariff on all electricity produced
- an export tariff for electricity sent to the grid
Early adopters received generation tariffs exceeding 40p/kWh for systems installed before later reductions in subsidy rates. These high payments reflected the significantly higher cost of solar panels at the time.
The SEG replaced FiT export payments for new installations from 2020 onwards.
Unlike FiT, the SEG uses supplier competition rather than government subsidy to determine export rates.
Although SEG payments are lower than historic FiT generation rates, the financial case for solar has strengthened considerably because grid electricity prices are now substantially higher. In many homes, using solar electricity directly is worth more financially than exporting it.
What technologies qualify for SEG?
The SEG covers the same renewable technologies previously supported under the Feed-in Tariff scheme.
Eligible technologies include:
- Solar photovoltaic (solar PV)
- Wind
- Hydro
- Anaerobic digestion
- Micro combined heat and power (micro-CHP)
Most technologies are eligible up to a total installed capacity of 5MW. Micro-CHP systems are eligible up to 50kW.
Solar PV accounts for virtually all domestic SEG registrations in Great Britain. According to Ofgem reporting for 2024–25, around 99.98% of registered SEG installations were solar PV systems.
Installations must be located in Great Britain. Northern Ireland operates under a separate electricity market structure and is not included within the SEG framework.
How export readings are measured
Most SEG providers require a meter capable of recording half-hourly export readings. In practice, this is usually a SMETS2 smart meter.
A SMETS2 meter automatically records how much electricity your system exports throughout the day. Some suppliers collect this data remotely, while others may occasionally request manual readings if automatic communication is unavailable.
Older analogue meters are generally not suitable for modern SEG tariffs. Some SMETS1 meters may still work depending on supplier compatibility, but many suppliers now prefer or require SMETS2 meters for half-hourly export settlement.
If you do not already have a compatible smart meter, your electricity supplier can usually arrange an upgrade. Smart meter installation is typically free for domestic customers.
Smart Export Guarantee Rates: Major UK Suppliers Compared
These are representative Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rates published by major UK suppliers as of May 2026. Export tariffs change regularly, and eligibility conditions vary between suppliers depending on your installation, smart meter type and import tariff.
Note: Always confirm the latest rate and tariff conditions directly with the supplier before registering.
| Supplier | Tariff name | Typical rate | Tariff type | Eligibility requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E.ON Next | Export Exclusive / Premium | Around 13–17.5p/kWh | Fixed | E.ON electricity customer and some installer-linked conditions may apply | Rates vary by tariff version and eligibility. Competitive bundled option for E.ON customers. |
| British Gas | Export & Earn Plus | 15.1p/kWh | Variable export tariff | Must take electricity supply from British Gas | One of the strongest mainstream supplier tariffs currently available. |
| Good Energy | Solar Savings | 15p/kWh | Variable / fixed-style export tariff | Good Energy electricity customer | One of the strongest widely available supplier tariffs without installer exclusivity. |
| Good Energy | Solar Savings Exclusive | Up to 25p/kWh | Fixed | Requires Good Energy electricity supply plus qualifying solar and battery installation | One of the highest flat-rate SEG tariffs currently available. |
| EDF Energy | Export 12m | Around 15p/kWh | Fixed | EDF electricity customer | Competitive bundled tariff for existing or switching EDF customers. |
| EDF Energy | Export Exclusive variants | Up to 24p/kWh | Fixed | Installer-linked eligibility conditions apply | Premium export tariff tied to qualifying solar installations. |
| Octopus Energy | Outgoing Fixed | 12p/kWh | Fixed | Open to most eligible customers | Reduced from 15p/kWh in March 2026. Remains one of the most widely available fixed export tariffs. |
| Octopus Energy | Intelligent Octopus Flux | Up to 32p/kWh peak export rate | Time-variable | Requires Octopus import tariff and compatible battery system | Premium peak export pricing aimed at battery households. |
| Octopus Energy | Octopus Flux | Up to 29p/kWh peak export rate | Time-variable | Requires Octopus import tariff and compatible battery system | Time-of-use export tariff designed for solar and battery systems. |
| Scottish Power | SmartGen Premium | 12p/kWh | Fixed | Scottish Power customer | Higher-paying version of SmartGen for eligible customers. |
| Scottish Power | SmartGen Standard | Around 6p/kWh | Fixed | Open eligibility | Standard export tariff with lower rates than leading suppliers. |
| Ecotricity | Solar Export | Around 8.9p/kWh | Fixed | Open to eligible generators | Supplier-agnostic tariff without import bundling requirements. |
| OVO Energy | SEG and install-exclusive tariffs | Around 4–20p/kWh | Variable | Depends on tariff and installation route | Rates vary considerably between standard and installer-linked offers. |
| British Gas | Export & Earn Flex | Around 3–6p/kWh | Variable | Open eligibility | Lower-paying non-bundled export option. |
Sources: Solar Energy UK, Sunsave, British Gas, EnergyPlus, Heatable and supplier tariff pages. Rates checked May 2026. Export tariffs can change without notice and may vary by region, installation type and supplier eligibility requirements.
Compare SEG Tariff Types Before You Register
Fixed-rate tariffs
Best for: Solar-only households
You receive the same export rate at all times of day. Earnings are predictable and no active management is required. Usually best suited to homes without battery storage.
Time-of-use tariffs
Best for: Battery and EV households
The export rate changes throughout the day, often paying more during peak evening hours. These tariffs work best with battery storage or active energy management.
Bundled tariffs
Best for: bundled import & export households
Some suppliers offer higher export rates if you also use their electricity import tariff. Always compare both the import and export costs before switching supplier.
Estimate Your Smart Export Guarantee Income
Calculate estimated annual SEG earnings based on your solar system size, export percentage and export tariff. Figures are illustrative only and use typical UK solar generation assumptions.
* Bill savings assume self-consumed solar electricity offsets imported electricity at approximately 24–25p/kWh based on Ofgem typical domestic electricity prices in Q2 2026.
Estimates are illustrative only. Actual generation and export depend on roof orientation, shading, weather conditions, system efficiency, household electricity use and battery storage behaviour.
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What You Need to Register for SEG
SEG registration is handled directly by your chosen electricity supplier, not by Ofgem. Most domestic applications are straightforward provided your installation has the correct certification and a compatible smart meter capable of recording export readings.
You must have all of these
- An MCS-certified solar PV installation. Most SEG providers use your MCS certificate number to verify the system meets recognised UK installation standards. All installations carried out by Sheffield Renewable Services are MCS certified.
- A smart meter capable of recording half-hourly export readings, usually a SMETS2 meter. Most modern UK smart meters are compatible with SEG export readings. Your electricity supplier may offer an upgrade if your current meter cannot support export measurements.
- Your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number). This is printed on your electricity bill and identifies your electricity supply point.
- Your system's installed capacity in kWp. This appears on your MCS certificate and installation paperwork.
Common points to be aware of
- Battery storage can still qualify for SEG, but supplier rules vary. Some suppliers restrict exports from grid-charged batteries, although modern battery systems can usually be configured to meet supplier requirements.
- You can register with a different company from your import electricity supplier. There is no requirement to switch energy accounts to access the best SEG rate.
- There is no government minimum SEG rate. Suppliers set their own export rates provided payments remain above zero under Ofgem rules. The difference between lower-paying and premium tariffs can exceed 10p/kWh.
- Installations in Northern Ireland are not covered by the SEG. The scheme applies only in Great Britain: England, Scotland and Wales.
Steps to Register for SEG
1. Get your MCS certificate from your installer
Your installer issues the MCS certificate after installation. It includes your certificate number, system size, installation date and installer details. Keep this document safe for SEG registration and warranty purposes.
2. Confirm your smart meter supports export readings
Check with your electricity supplier that your smart meter can record half-hourly export readings. Older SMETS1 or analogue meters may need upgrading before SEG payments can begin.
3. Compare SEG tariffs and choose a provider
Compare export tariffs before applying, as rates and eligibility rules vary between suppliers. Some higher-paying tariffs may require battery storage or bundled electricity supply tariffs.
4. Apply directly with your chosen SEG provider
Applications are usually completed online through the supplier’s website. Most providers ask for your MCS certificate number, MPAN, system size and smart meter details.
5. Export readings begin and payments follow
Once approved, your supplier begins collecting export readings from your smart meter. Payments are usually made monthly or quarterly based on the electricity exported to the grid.
Common Questions About Smart Export Guarantee
Still unsure about SEG registration? Give us a call on 0114 201 0351 — we’ll talk you through the process as part of every installation.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK scheme regulated by Ofgem that pays households for surplus renewable electricity exported to the grid. It launched in January 2020 and replaced the export element of the Feed-in Tariff.
Unlike the Feed-in Tariff, SEG only pays for electricity exported, not all electricity generated. Suppliers set their own export rates, although payments must be above zero under Ofgem rules.
How much does SEG pay in 2026?
SEG rates vary by supplier and tariff type. As of May 2026:
- Octopus Outgoing Fixed pays 12p/kWh
- British Gas Export & Earn Plus pays 15.1p/kWh
- Some battery-linked tariffs exceed 30p/kWh at peak times
A typical 4kWp solar system may earn around £120–£370 per year depending on export volume and tariff choice.
Do I need to register?
Yes. Without registering, you will not receive payment for exported electricity.
Most suppliers ask for:
- your MCS certificate
- your MPAN
- system size in kWp
- smart meter details
Applications are usually completed online through your chosen SEG provider.
Can I use a different supplier for SEG payments than my electricity?
Yes. You can register with any Ofgem-licensed SEG provider regardless of who supplies your household electricity. Some tariffs, including Octopus Outgoing Fixed, are available without switching your import supplier.
However, some higher-paying tariffs require you to take both import and export tariffs from the same company. British Gas Export & Earn Plus and E.ON Next Export Exclusive are current examples. Always compare both the import and export costs before switching supplier.
Does battery storage affect my SEG eligibility?
Battery storage can still qualify for SEG, although supplier rules vary. Some suppliers restrict exports from grid-charged batteries, while others allow them provided imported electricity is not exported for SEG payments.
Modern battery systems such as GivEnergy, Fox ESS, Sigenergy and EcoFlow can usually be configured to meet supplier export requirements where needed. Your installer should confirm the battery setup during commissioning.
Adding battery storage usually reduces the amount of electricity exported, but increases the amount used within the home. In many cases, the value of self-used electricity is higher than the value of exported electricity, improving the overall financial return from solar.
Can I register years after installing solar?
Yes. Older systems can still register for SEG provided they meet supplier requirements and have suitable certification.
However, suppliers do not usually backdate payments for previous exports.
How do I find the best SEG tariff?
Compare fixed, bundled and time-variable tariffs before applying. Homes with battery storage may benefit more from variable export tariffs, while fixed tariffs are simpler and more predictable.
Review your tariff regularly, as supplier rates and eligibility rules can change.
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