Get paid for the surplus electricity your solar panels export to the grid. Compare SEG tariff rates, understand eligibility requirements, and learn how to maximise your export earnings.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed scheme that ensures solar panel owners are paid for every unit of surplus electricity they export to the National Grid. Introduced in January 2020 as the replacement for the Feed-in Tariff (FiT), the SEG requires all licensed energy suppliers with 150,000 or more customers to offer an export tariff.
Unlike the old Feed-in Tariff, the SEG does not set a fixed rate. Instead, energy suppliers compete by offering their own tariff rates, which means you can shop around for the best deal. Rates currently range from 3p to over 15p per kWh, depending on the supplier and whether you choose a fixed or flexible (time-of-use) tariff.
4kW System
Export: ~1,200 kWh/yr
£36 - £180/yr
6kW System
Export: ~1,800 kWh/yr
£54 - £270/yr
10kW System
Export: ~3,000 kWh/yr
£90 - £450/yr
Based on 3-15p/kWh SEG rates. Actual earnings depend on system size, energy usage, export volume, and supplier tariff.
Current SEG tariff rates from major UK energy suppliers. Rates change regularly, so always check with your supplier for the latest figures.
| Supplier | Rate | Tariff Type |
|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy | Up to 15p/kWh | Flexible (time-of-use) |
| British Gas | 3.5p/kWh | Fixed flat rate |
| EDF Energy | 3p/kWh | Fixed flat rate |
| E.ON Next | 5.5p/kWh | Fixed flat rate |
| Scottish Power | 4p/kWh | Fixed flat rate |
| Bulb (Octopus) | 4.1p/kWh | Fixed flat rate |
Rates shown are indicative and subject to change. Last updated April 2026. Always confirm current rates directly with the supplier.
Your solar panel system must be installed by an MCS-certified installer. Midland Solar is fully MCS accredited and provides certification as standard with every installation.
You need a SMETS2 smart meter capable of recording export data in half-hourly intervals. If you do not have one, your energy supplier will install one free of charge when you sign up for SEG.
Your solar system must have a total installed capacity of 5MW or less. Virtually all residential and most commercial systems easily qualify for this requirement.
You cannot receive SEG payments if you are still on the old Feed-in Tariff scheme. If your FiT contract has ended, you are eligible to switch to SEG.
Flexible tariffs like Octopus Agile pay higher rates during peak demand periods (typically 4-7pm). With battery storage, you can store solar energy during the day and export it at peak rates, earning up to 15p/kWh instead of a flat 3-4p/kWh.
A battery lets you control when you export. Instead of exporting surplus solar during the middle of the day (when rates may be low), store it and export during peak-price windows. This can double or triple your export income.
The most valuable unit of solar electricity is one you use yourself (avoiding 24p+ grid costs). Run washing machines, dishwashers, and other appliances during sunny hours to maximise self-consumption before exporting surplus.
SEG rates change frequently. Review your export tariff at least annually and switch to a better-paying supplier if available. You are not tied to your electricity supplier for SEG; you can use a different company for export.
We make it easy to start earning from the Smart Export Guarantee. As an MCS-certified installer, every system we install automatically qualifies for SEG payments.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government scheme requiring licensed energy suppliers with 150,000+ customers to pay solar panel owners for the surplus electricity they export to the National Grid. It replaced the Feed-in Tariff in January 2020. Unlike the old scheme, SEG rates are set competitively by suppliers, meaning you can shop around for the best deal.
Get MCS-certified solar panels installed and start receiving SEG payments. We handle all the certification and help you choose the best export tariff for your situation.