The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government scheme that requires larger energy suppliers to offer tariffs paying solar panel owners for electricity they export to the National Grid. Unlike the old Feed-in Tariff, SEG rates are set by suppliers rather than the government — so rates vary significantly and change regularly.
To qualify, you need: an MCS-certified solar installation, a smart (SMETS2) meter, and a valid SEG tariff with your chosen supplier.
| Supplier | Rate | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy (Outgoing Octopus) | 15p/kWh | Fixed | Best fixed rate. Requires Octopus import tariff. |
| Octopus Energy (Agile Export) | Variable | Half-hourly | Can exceed 30p/kWh at peak demand times |
| EDF Energy | 12p/kWh | Fixed | No requirement to buy from EDF |
| E.ON Next | 5.6p/kWh | Fixed | Low rate but reliable |
| British Gas | 5.5p/kWh | Fixed | Available without switching import tariff |
| OVO Energy | 12p/kWh | Fixed | Good rate, requires OVO import tariff |
| Scottish Power | 5.24p/kWh | Fixed | Low but widely accessible |
A typical 4kW Midlands system generates around 3,600 kWh/year. Without a battery, a household might export 60–65% of that — approximately 2,200 kWh. At different SEG rates:
The choice of SEG tariff can make a £200+ annual difference — it's worth spending 10 minutes switching.
Octopus's Agile Export is variable — rates are set half-hourly based on wholesale electricity prices. This is complex to optimise but can pay very well during peak demand periods (typically 4–7pm on winter weekdays). A battery with smart controls (GivEnergy or Fox ESS systems integrate with Octopus Agile natively) can time exports to maximise income.
For simplicity, Octopus's 15p fixed rate is the best guaranteed return.
We handle SEG registration for all our customers as part of our installation service. You'll need your MCS certificate (which we provide) and to sign up for a tariff with your chosen supplier. The process typically takes 2–4 weeks after installation.
Get a free no-obligation survey from our MCS certified local engineers. Most installations completed in a single day.
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