If you have solar panels (or another qualifying low-carbon generator), the Smart Export Guarantee means you should be getting paid for every unit of electricity you send to the grid. Many households aren’t registered, or are getting a poor rate. Here’s how to fix that.
How the Smart Export Guarantee Works
When your solar panels generate more electricity than your home is using, the surplus is exported to the national grid. Under the Smart Export Guarantee:
- You register with an SEG-licensed supplier
- Your smart meter records how much you export
- The supplier pays you per kWh at the agreed tariff rate
- You receive payment monthly or quarterly
The government requires all licensed suppliers with 150,000+ customers to offer an SEG tariff. The rate must be above zero — but suppliers set their own rates competitively.
Who Can Apply for Smart Export Guarantee
To be eligible for SEG, your system must:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Technology | Solar PV, wind turbine, micro-CHP, AD biogas, hydro |
| Maximum capacity | 5 MW (50 kW for micro-CHP) |
| Certification | MCS-certified installer and equipment |
| Registration | System registered with relevant body (usually automatic via installer) |
| Metering | Smart meter or suitably accurate export meter |
Most standard residential solar installations qualify automatically if installed by an MCS-certified installer.
Best SEG Tariffs in 2026
Rates change frequently — always compare current rates at the time of applying. These are indicative ranges based on 2026 market:
| Supplier | SEG tariff type | Approx. rate |
|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy | Outgoing Octopus (fixed) | ~15p/kWh |
| Octopus Energy | Outgoing Agile (variable — peaks and troughs) | 1p to 24p/kWh |
| E.ON | Fixed SEG tariff | ~12p/kWh |
| British Gas | Fixed export tariff | ~10p/kWh |
| EDF | Fixed export tariff | ~11p/kWh |
| OVO Energy | Fixed export tariff | ~11p/kWh |
| Scottish Power | Fixed export tariff | ~12p/kWh |
Note: You do not have to use the same supplier for import (electricity you buy) and export. You can be on SEG with one supplier and buy electricity from another. However, some suppliers offer better combined deals.
Fixed vs Flexible (Agile) SEG Tariffs
Fixed SEG Tariffs
- One rate per kWh regardless of time of day
- Predictable, easy to calculate earnings
- Typically 10–15p/kWh in 2026
Flexible / Agile SEG Tariffs
- Rate varies by time of day based on wholesale electricity prices
- Can be very high during peak demand (up to 24p+ in peak periods)
- Can be very low or minimum overnight
- Best if you can control when you export (e.g. battery storage helps)
- More complex to track but potentially more lucrative
How Much Could You Earn?
Earnings depend on your system size, roof orientation, and how much electricity you self-consume vs export.
Typical solar system export:
| System size | Annual generation | Typical self-consumption | Annual export |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW | ~2,550 kWh | 50% | ~1,275 kWh |
| 4kW | ~3,400 kWh | 50% | ~1,700 kWh |
| 6kW | ~5,100 kWh | 40% | ~3,060 kWh |
Annual earnings at 15p/kWh:
| Export volume | Annual earnings at 15p |
|---|---|
| 1,000 kWh | £150 |
| 1,700 kWh | £255 |
| 3,000 kWh | £450 |
How to Apply for SEG
- Contact your chosen SEG supplier — apply online or by phone
- Provide your MCS certificate number — issued by your installer
- Confirm your smart meter can measure export — check with the supplier
- Sign the SEG agreement — the supplier’s export contract
- Start earning — usually from the date of registration
The process typically takes 2–4 weeks. Earnings can be backdated to registration date.
Smart Meter Requirements
Your smart meter must accurately measure export. Check:
| Meter type | Export capability |
|---|---|
| SMETS2 (second generation) | ✅ Usually supports export metering |
| SMETS1 (first generation) | ⚠️ May not — check with supplier |
| Economy 7 / older dual-rate meters | ❌ Usually not compatible — upgrade required |
| Dedicated export meter | ✅ Works (sometimes used as alternative) |
If your meter can’t measure export, your supplier should arrange an upgrade at no cost to you.
Battery Storage and SEG
If you have battery storage alongside solar:
- Your battery charges from excess solar during the day
- You export only what the battery can’t absorb
- You can potentially time exports to coincide with higher Agile tariff periods
Batteries significantly reduce export volume but increase the value of what you do export and reduce your import of grid electricity. The financial case for batteries is separate from SEG but relevant to your overall solar economics.
Can I Switch SEG Supplier?
Yes. You can switch your SEG supplier at any time — it’s separate from your electricity supplier contract. If a competitor is offering a better rate, apply to switch. There are typically no exit fees or lock-in periods on SEG tariffs.