How much does SEG pay?

SEG rates vary widely between suppliers, typically from around 4p/kWh at the low end to over 25p/kWh on the best smart tariffs. Most competitive flat-rate tariffs sit around 12p–20p/kWh in 2026. Because rates change often and vary by supplier, it pays to compare regularly.

Why did SEG replace the Feed-in Tariff?

The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) closed to new applicants on 31 March 2019. It paid both a generation tariff and an export tariff, and became expensive as solar costs fell. SEG launched on 1 January 2020 as a simpler, market-based replacement that pays only for exported electricity, with suppliers setting their own competing rates.

Do I need a smart meter for SEG?

Yes, in almost all cases. Most SEG tariffs require a smart or export meter capable of measuring your export half-hourly (typically a SMETS2 meter). Without accurate export readings your supplier can't pay you, so getting a compatible smart meter installed is an essential first step.

Who can apply for SEG?

Any household or business in Great Britain with an eligible renewable generator up to 5 MW (50 kW for micro-CHP) can apply. The installation usually needs to be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or an equivalent, and you'll need a meter that measures export.

Which technologies qualify for SEG?

Solar PV, wind, hydro, micro-CHP and anaerobic digestion all qualify. Solar PV is by far the most common. Generation capacity must be 5 MW or less (50 kW or less for micro-CHP).

Can I have SEG without battery storage?

Absolutely. Most SEG customers don't have a battery — surplus solar is exported directly to the grid and you're paid for it. A battery is optional and simply lets you store surplus to self-consume later or export at higher-value times on a smart tariff.

Which supplier pays the most for SEG?

It changes frequently, but Octopus Energy, OVO and E.ON Next have consistently offered some of the most competitive rates, with smart time-of-use tariffs occasionally paying the most at peak times. Always compare current rates before signing up — and remember you can use a different supplier for export than for import.

Can I switch SEG suppliers?

Yes. You're free to switch your SEG export tariff to any licensed SEG supplier at any time, and you don't have to buy your electricity from the same company. Switching is often the quickest way to increase your export income.

Can I use a different supplier for SEG and my energy?

Yes. Your import (electricity you buy) and your SEG export can be with two different suppliers. Some suppliers pay a higher SEG rate only if you're also an import customer, so weigh up the combined deal.

Is SEG income taxable?

For most households, SEG payments from a domestic solar installation are not taxable, as they typically fall within HMRC's treatment of domestic microgeneration. If you generate at a larger scale or as a business, tax may apply — check with HMRC or an accountant for your situation.

Can I receive SEG and FIT at the same time?

No. You can't be paid the export element under both schemes for the same electricity. If you're on the Feed-in Tariff you keep those payments for the rest of your term — and because FIT export rates are often generous, most FIT customers should stay put rather than move to SEG.

How do batteries affect SEG payments?

A battery lets you store surplus solar instead of exporting it immediately. You can self-consume that stored energy in the evening (avoiding costly imports) or export it later at a higher rate on a smart tariff. Batteries reduce the volume you export but usually increase the total value you get from your solar.

How often are SEG payments made?

This depends on your supplier — payments are commonly made quarterly, though some pay monthly or annually. Payments may arrive as bill credit or a direct payment. Check your supplier's SEG terms for the exact schedule.

What's the difference between a fixed and variable SEG tariff?

A fixed SEG tariff pays the same rate per unit for the length of the contract, giving predictable income. A variable tariff can change over time and may follow market or time-of-use pricing, which can pay more at peak periods but is less predictable.

What is a time-of-use export tariff?

A time-of-use (smart) export tariff pays different rates depending on when you export. Exporting during peak-demand periods — when the grid is short of power — can earn far more than a flat rate. These tariffs reward households with batteries that can time their exports.

How do I apply for a SEG tariff?

Choose a SEG supplier, then apply directly with proof of your MCS certificate, meter details (MPAN), a photo of your installation and your bank details. Once approved, the supplier begins crediting you for exported electricity.

Does my solar system size affect how much I earn?

Yes. A larger system generates and exports more, so it earns more SEG income — but it also costs more to install. A 4 kW system might export around 1,700 kWh a year, while a 6 kW+ system could export 2,800 kWh or more. Use our Solar Savings Calculator to estimate your own figures.

How much of my solar do I actually export?

For a typical home without a battery, roughly 40–60% of generation is exported and the rest is self-consumed. Adding a battery, working from home or timing appliance use can shift more into self-consumption, which usually saves more than the SEG rate pays.

Is it better to export or self-consume my solar?

Self-consumption is usually more valuable because you avoid buying electricity at the import rate (often 25p+/kWh), which is higher than most SEG export rates. Export whatever you can't use — but where possible, use it yourself first.

Can businesses claim SEG?

Yes. Commercial premises with eligible renewable generation up to the capacity limits can claim SEG in the same way as households, provided they meet the metering and certification requirements.

What happens to SEG if I move house?

SEG is tied to the property's generation and meter, not to you personally. If you move, the new owner can apply for SEG on the existing system, and you would set up a new arrangement at your new home if it has eligible generation.

Do SEG rates change over time?

Yes. Suppliers set their own SEG rates and can change them, launch new tariffs or withdraw old ones. Fixed tariffs hold your rate for the contract term, while variable tariffs can move. This is why comparing your export tariff periodically is worthwhile.

Will SEG make solar panels worth it?

SEG improves the economics of solar by paying for surplus generation, but the biggest saving usually comes from self-consumption — using your own free electricity instead of buying it. Together, self-consumption and SEG income can meaningfully shorten your solar payback period.

Can I get SEG with a shared or communal roof?

It can be possible for community or shared installations, but metering and ownership need to be clear so export can be measured and attributed correctly. Speak to your installer and prospective SEG supplier about the specific arrangement.

Are solar panels worth it in the UK in 2026?

For most homes with an unshaded, roughly south-facing roof, yes. Typical payback is now around 7–10 years, helped by higher electricity prices and Smart Export Guarantee payments for the power you send back to the grid.

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?

The SEG requires larger suppliers to pay you for surplus solar electricity you export to the grid. Rates vary widely by supplier, so it pays to compare — the best SEG tariffs can be several times more generous than the worst.

Do I need a battery with solar panels?

A battery isn't essential but it raises self-consumption by storing daytime generation for evening use, which usually improves overall savings. Whether it pays back depends on your usage pattern and the battery price.

How much can solar panels save per year?

A typical 4kW system saves many UK households £400–£900 a year on electricity plus SEG export income, depending on system size, how much you use during daylight and your unit rate.

Which suppliers offer the best solar export rates?

Octopus and a handful of specialist suppliers regularly top the SEG tables. Use our supplier comparison to check current export rates before you commit.

Back to HomeSolar & Battery Hub

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Tariffs Guide

The Smart Export Guarantee lets eligible UK households earn money for surplus renewable electricity they export back to the National Grid. Choosing the right SEG tariff can significantly increase the long-term savings from your solar investment.

Estimate My Solar Savings Compare Energy Suppliers

18 min read Last updated 1 July 2026

What Is the Smart Export Guarantee?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government-backed scheme, launched on 1 January 2020, that requires larger energy suppliers to pay you for surplus renewable electricity you export to the National Grid. If your solar panels generate more than you use, that spare power is sent back to the grid — and under SEG, you get paid for every unit.

Why it replaced the Feed-in Tariff. The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) closed to new applicants on 31 March 2019. It paid for both generation and export and became costly as solar prices fell. SEG is a simpler, market-based replacement: suppliers set their own competing export rates, so it pays to shop around.

Which technologies qualify. Solar PV, wind, hydro, micro-CHP and anaerobic digestion all qualify, up to 5 MW (50 kW for micro-CHP). Solar PV is by far the most common.

Who can apply and how payments work. Any GB household or business with an eligible, certified generator and a smart meter that measures export can apply. Your SEG supplier reads your half-hourly export and pays you — as bill credit or direct payment — at your agreed rate.

How SEG Tariffs Work

Whatever your solar doesn't power in your home is exported and measured. Here's the journey every exported unit takes:

Solar panels generate

Your panels turn daylight into electricity throughout the day.

Home uses electricity

Your appliances, lights and devices use solar power first — this is self-consumption.

Surplus is exported

Any electricity you don't use flows back out to the National Grid.

Smart meter measures export

Your smart meter records exactly how much you send back, half-hourly.

Supplier pays you SEG

Your SEG supplier credits or pays you for every unit exported at your agreed rate.

Measuring export. A smart or export meter records exactly how much you send to the grid, half-hourly.
Smart meter requirement. Most tariffs need a SMETS2 smart meter reporting half-hourly readings.
Payment methods. You're paid as bill credit or a direct payment, usually monthly, quarterly or annually.
Fixed tariffs. A set rate per unit for the whole contract — predictable income.
Variable tariffs. Rates can change over time, following the market.
Time-of-use export. Smart tariffs pay more when you export at peak-demand times — ideal with a home battery.

Who Can Apply?

SEG is open to households and businesses in Great Britain with an eligible renewable generator. Your installation usually needs to be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or an equivalent standard, and you must have a meter that measures export.

Solar PV

Up to 5 MW

The most common SEG technology — rooftop solar panels on homes and businesses.

Wind

Up to 5 MW

Small domestic and community wind turbines that export surplus generation.

Hydro

Up to 5 MW

Micro-hydro schemes using flowing water to generate renewable electricity.

Micro-CHP

Up to 50 kW

Micro combined heat and power units that generate electricity as a by-product of heating.

Anaerobic digestion

Up to 5 MW

Generation from biogas produced by breaking down organic matter.

Certification & size limits. Generation capacity must be 5 MW or less (50 kW or less for micro-CHP). Keep your MCS certificate, meter MPAN and installation photos to hand — you'll need them when you apply.

Which Suppliers Offer SEG Tariffs?

SEG rates and features vary widely between suppliers. The table below compares typical 2026 export rates, tariff type and compatibility. Rates change frequently — always confirm the current rate before applying, and remember you can use a different supplier for export than for your electricity.

SEG suppliers compared by export rate, fixed or variable tariff, smart tariff availability, battery compatibility and EV tariff compatibility
Supplier	Export rate	Type
Octopus Energy	15p – 27p/kWh	Fixed & Variable
E.ON Next	16.5p/kWh	Fixed
British Gas	15.1p/kWh	Fixed
OVO Energy	20p/kWh	Fixed
EDF Energy	12p – 15p/kWh	Fixed & Variable
Scottish Power	12p/kWh	Fixed
So Energy	10p – 20p/kWh	Fixed & Variable
Good Energy	16p/kWh	Fixed

Rates are illustrative 2026 estimates and change regularly. Compare live rates on our Supplier Monitor and each supplier's own website before signing up.

How Much Could You Earn?

Your SEG income depends on how much you generate, how much you export and your tariff rate. These examples assume a mid-market ~15p/kWh rate and around half of generation exported:

Example annual SEG income by solar system size, showing typical generation, estimated export and estimated annual income
System	Typical home	Annual generation	Est. export	Est. SEG income
Small — 2 kW	Flat or small terraced home	~1,700 kWh / yr	~850 kWh / yr	£85 – £150 / yr
Average — 4 kW	Typical semi-detached home	~3,400 kWh / yr solar generation (not household consumption)	~1,700 kWh / yr	£170 – £300 / yr
Large — 6 kW+	Larger detached home	~5,100 kWh / yr	~2,800 kWh / yr	£280 – £500 / yr

Disclaimer: earnings vary considerably depending on your generation, how much you self-consume, your export rate and the weather. Get a personalised estimate with the Solar Savings Calculator.

How Battery Storage Affects SEG

A home battery changes the maths. Instead of exporting surplus solar immediately at the SEG rate, you can store it and use it later — or export it when rates are highest.

Self-consumption. Storing surplus to use in the evening avoids buying grid electricity at ~25p+/kWh — usually worth more than the SEG rate.
Exporting stored electricity. On a smart time-of-use tariff, you can discharge to the grid at peak times for a premium rate.
Time-of-use charging. Charge from cheap off-peak power overnight, then self-use or export at peak.
Maximising value. The best strategy blends self-consumption and well-timed export.
Export vs store. As a rule: self-consume first (biggest saving), then export what's left.

Read the Battery Storage Guide

SEG vs Feed-in Tariff (FIT)

SEG replaced FIT for new installations, but the two schemes work quite differently. If you're already on FIT, you keep it — and it often pays more, so most FIT customers should stay put.

Comparison of the Smart Export Guarantee and the Feed-in Tariff across availability, eligibility, payments, meter requirements, export calculation and existing customers
Feature	Smart Export Guarantee	Feed-in Tariff
Availability	Open to new installations since 1 January 2020.	Closed to new applicants on 31 March 2019.
Eligibility	Solar PV, wind, hydro, micro-CHP and anaerobic digestion up to 5 MW.	Same technologies, but no longer accepting new sign-ups.
Payments	Export only — you're paid for electricity you send to the grid.	Both a generation tariff (for everything you produced) and an export tariff.
Meter requirements	A smart or export meter that measures half-hourly export.	Often estimated export at a deemed 50% of generation.
Export calculation	Metered — you're paid for exactly what you export.	Usually deemed (assumed) rather than actually measured.
Existing FIT customers	You keep your FIT payments — you can't have both, so stay on FIT if it pays more.	Continue receiving payments for the remainder of your 20/25-year term.

How to Maximise SEG Payments

Small changes can noticeably increase your export income. These are the highest-value moves, rated by effort and impact:

Compare SEG tariffs regularly

Export rates vary hugely between suppliers and change often. Reviewing your rate yearly is the single easiest win.

EasyHigh impactHigher rate per unit exported

Install a smart meter

A SMETS2 smart meter that reports half-hourly is required for most SEG tariffs and unlocks smart time-of-use rates.

EasyHigh impactAccess to better tariffs

Add battery storage

A battery lets you store surplus and export it at peak times on a smart tariff, or self-consume more to cut import costs.

InvolvedHigh impactMore value from every unit

Shift heavy use off-peak of generation

Run the dishwasher, washing machine and EV charging around your export window to balance self-use and income.

EasyMedium impactBetter self-consumption

Monitor export performance

Use your supplier app or inverter monitoring to check you're actually being paid for what you export.

EasyMedium impactCatch missed payments

Keep panels clean and clear

Dirt, moss and shading cut generation. Occasional cleaning keeps export volumes — and income — up.

ModerateMedium impactMore generation to export

Optimise inverter settings

A good installer can tune charge/discharge and export limits so you export when rates are highest.

InvolvedMedium impactSmarter export timing

Consider EV charging strategy

Charging an EV from surplus solar reduces export but avoids costly grid imports — often worth more than the SEG rate.

ModerateHigh impactAvoids peak import costs

Common SEG Mistakes

Choosing the wrong tariff type

A high fixed rate suits homes with no battery; a smart time-of-use rate rewards those who can export at peak. Pick the one that matches how you use energy.

Missing smart meter readings

If your smart meter isn't reporting export readings, you won't be paid. Check your export readings are flowing to your supplier.

Not comparing suppliers

You can be with one supplier for import and another for SEG export. Many people leave money on the table by never switching their export tariff.

Ignoring battery settings

A poorly configured battery may export cheaply at the wrong time or hold charge it should be selling. Review your settings each season.

Assuming every supplier pays the same

SEG rates range from a few pence to over 25p/kWh. The gap between the best and worst tariff can double your export income.

The Future of SEG

As the UK grid decarbonises, exporting flexibly is becoming more valuable. Here's where SEG is heading:

Smart export tariffs

More suppliers are launching time-of-use export rates that pay far more when the grid needs power most.

Time-of-use export

Half-hourly settlement lets you be paid the true value of your electricity, minute by minute, rather than a flat rate.

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G)

V2G chargers will let your EV battery export to the grid at peak times, turning your car into a household income source.

Home battery integration

Tighter integration between batteries, tariffs and grid signals will automatically export at the most profitable times.

Flexible electricity markets

As the grid decarbonises, households that can shift and export flexibly will be rewarded with the best rates.

SEG & Solar Calculators

To estimate your export income, start with the Solar Savings Calculator to see how much you'd generate and self-use, then use the Energy Bill Calculator to understand your current spend and how much export could offset it.

A dedicated SEG Earnings Calculator is on the way — for now these tools give you an accurate picture of the income your exported solar could deliver.

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79/100

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Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Tariffs Guide

What Is the Smart Export Guarantee?

How SEG Tariffs Work

Who Can Apply?

Solar PV

Wind

Hydro

Micro-CHP

Anaerobic digestion

Which Suppliers Offer SEG Tariffs?

How Much Could You Earn?

How Battery Storage Affects SEG

SEG vs Feed-in Tariff (FIT)

How to Maximise SEG Payments

Compare SEG tariffs regularly

Install a smart meter

Add battery storage

Shift heavy use off-peak of generation

Monitor export performance

Keep panels clean and clear

Optimise inverter settings

Consider EV charging strategy

Common SEG Mistakes

Choosing the wrong tariff type

Missing smart meter readings

Not comparing suppliers

Ignoring battery settings

Assuming every supplier pays the same

The Future of SEG

Smart export tariffs

Time-of-use export

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G)

Home battery integration

Flexible electricity markets

SEG & Solar Calculators

Related PowerGuardian Tools

SEG Earnings Calculator

Solar Savings Calculator

Energy Bill Calculator

EV Charging Cost Calculator

Home Energy Efficiency Score

Standing Charge Calculator

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Solar Savings Calculator

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Smart Export Guarantee?

How much does SEG pay?

Why did SEG replace the Feed-in Tariff?

Do I need a smart meter for SEG?

Who can apply for SEG?

Which technologies qualify for SEG?

Can I have SEG without battery storage?

Which supplier pays the most for SEG?

Can I switch SEG suppliers?

Can I use a different supplier for SEG and my energy?

Is SEG income taxable?

Can I receive SEG and FIT at the same time?

How do batteries affect SEG payments?

How often are SEG payments made?

What's the difference between a fixed and variable SEG tariff?

What is a time-of-use export tariff?

Do I need MCS certification to get SEG?

How do I apply for a SEG tariff?

Does my solar system size affect how much I earn?

How much of my solar do I actually export?

Is it better to export or self-consume my solar?

Can businesses claim SEG?

What happens to SEG if I move house?

Do SEG rates change over time?

Will SEG make solar panels worth it?

Can I get SEG with a shared or communal roof?

Solar panels and battery storage

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