Best energy tariff for a home with solar panels (UK)

A practical UK guide to choosing between export tariffs, import tariffs and smart tariffs — with examples, pitfalls and a quote form if you’re ready to compare.

  • Understand when an export tariff matters most (and when it doesn’t)
  • Check the 6 things that change the “best” tariff for your home (meter, SEG, battery, EV, heating)
  • See two realistic scenarios with estimated numbers and clear assumptions
Get your solar-friendly energy quote See the quick answer

Estimates only. Tariff eligibility, rates and SEG export payments vary by supplier, meter type and region. Always check the supplier’s T&Cs and your MCS/SEG paperwork.

Fast answer: the “best” solar tariff depends on how you use your electricity

For most UK homes with solar PV, the best overall deal is usually a competitive import tariff first (unit rate + standing charge), then the best export option you can realistically qualify for under SEG. Export rates can help, but they typically won’t compensate for an expensive import unit rate if you still buy a lot of electricity from the grid (even with panels).

If you export a lot

Prioritise a higher SEG export rate (and confirm your meter/installation meets requirements). Still sanity-check import prices.

If you import a lot (even with solar)

A cheap standard or smart import tariff often beats chasing export alone — especially in winter and evenings.

If you have a battery or EV

A time-of-use tariff can work well, but only if you can shift demand (or charge a battery) at cheaper times and understand the peak rate.

Key takeaway: Don’t pick an export tariff in isolation. The best tariff for solar is the best total outcome: (what you pay to import) minus (what you earn from export), considering standing charges, day/night rates, and any exit fees.

Compare solar-friendly tariffs (whole of market)

If you’re ready to compare, we’ll use your postcode and a few details to match you with suitable UK domestic tariffs. You can compare import costs (unit rate + standing charge) and check export options where available.

Helpful to know before you start: Having solar panels doesn’t stop you switching supplier. Your export payments may need to be set up separately under SEG, and eligibility rules differ between suppliers.

What you’ll need (2 minutes)

  • Postcode (region affects rates)
  • Whether you have a smart meter (often needed for smart/export options)
  • If you have a battery and/or EV (changes best tariff type)
  • Rough idea of when you use electricity (daytime vs evening)

Get your quote

Fill in the essentials and we’ll guide you through the next steps.

Start your comparison

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What to look for in a solar tariff (UK checklist)

Import (what you pay)

  • Unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day) — check both.
  • Payment method: direct debit vs pay on receipt/prepayment (options vary).
  • Tariff type: fixed vs variable vs time-of-use (peak/off-peak).
  • Exit fees on fixed deals — important if you may switch again soon.
  • Meter compatibility: single-rate, Economy 7, or smart meter requirements.

Export (what you earn)

  • SEG export rate (p/kWh) and whether it’s fixed or variable.
  • How export is measured: typically needs an export-capable smart meter.
  • Eligibility rules: MCS certificate (or equivalent) and other supplier conditions.
  • Export payments: payment frequency and method.
  • Any bundling: some export offers are tied to buying import from the same supplier.
Quick sanity check: If you export relatively little (for example because you self-consume most solar via daytime use or a battery), a slightly higher export rate may not outweigh a worse import rate.

Solar tariff types compared (import + export)

Use this table to narrow down what’s likely to suit your setup. Exact rates and eligibility vary by supplier and can change, so treat this as a decision framework.

Tariff type Best for Watch-outs Typical requirements
Standard import + SEG export Homes with solar PV wanting simplicity; moderate exports; no battery/EV required. Export rate may be lower; export may be separate from import supplier. SEG eligibility; export-capable metering often needed.
High-export SEG tariff Homes that consistently export a lot (daytime empty home, larger PV). May come with higher import price or conditions; may change over time (variable). Often requires a smart meter and MCS documentation.
Time-of-use import (smart tariff) + SEG Battery/EV owners; households able to shift usage away from peak. Peak rates can be expensive; savings depend on behaviour and setup. Smart meter usually required; sometimes specific EV/battery compatibility.
Economy 7 / dual-rate import Some storage heaters or households with heavy overnight use. Day rate may be higher; not automatically best with solar alone. Economy 7-compatible meter; usage pattern suited to night rate.

Who this guide is for

  • UK households with solar PV (owned or leased)
  • People deciding between best import price vs better export
  • Battery/EV owners considering smart time-of-use tariffs

Who it may not suit

  • Businesses (this is domestic only)
  • Homes without export metering where SEG setup isn’t currently possible
  • Anyone wanting a guaranteed saving — energy pricing and usage vary

Two realistic scenarios (with estimated numbers)

These examples show how the “best” tariff can change depending on how much you import vs export. They are illustrative only and not a quote. Rates are simplified to make the maths easy to follow.

Assumptions used in both scenarios: Electricity only (gas excluded). Standing charge assumed 60p/day (£219/year). Import unit rate differs by tariff. Export paid under SEG at either 10p/kWh or 20p/kWh. All figures rounded.

Scenario A: Daytime use is high (family at home)

Annual household use
3,600 kWh
Solar generation (PV)
3,000 kWh
Self-consumed solar
1,800 kWh (60%)
Exported to grid
1,200 kWh

Grid import needed: 3,600 − 1,800 = 1,800 kWh

Option 1: Cheaper import (28p) + lower export (10p)

  • Import cost: 1,800 × £0.28 = £504
  • Standing charge: £219
  • Export earnings: 1,200 × £0.10 = £120
  • Estimated net electricity cost: £504 + £219 − £120 = £603/year

Option 2: Higher import (33p) + higher export (20p)

  • Import cost: 1,800 × £0.33 = £594
  • Standing charge: £219
  • Export earnings: 1,200 × £0.20 = £240
  • Estimated net electricity cost: £594 + £219 − £240 = £573/year

In this scenario, the higher export rate can slightly outweigh the higher import rate — because export volume is meaningful. Your actual result will depend on your import/export split and standing charge.

Scenario B: Battery increases self-consumption (lower exports)

Annual household use
3,600 kWh
Solar generation (PV)
3,000 kWh
Self-consumed solar
2,400 kWh (80%)
Exported to grid
600 kWh

Grid import needed: 3,600 − 2,400 = 1,200 kWh

Option 1: Cheaper import (28p) + lower export (10p)

  • Import cost: 1,200 × £0.28 = £336
  • Standing charge: £219
  • Export earnings: 600 × £0.10 = £60
  • Estimated net electricity cost: £336 + £219 − £60 = £495/year

Option 2: Higher import (33p) + higher export (20p)

  • Import cost: 1,200 × £0.33 = £396
  • Standing charge: £219
  • Export earnings: 600 × £0.20 = £120
  • Estimated net electricity cost: £396 + £219 − £120 = £495/year

Here, the higher export rate doesn’t really win because export volume is smaller — and standing charge dominates more of the total. This is why battery households often focus on import rates at the times they charge, not export alone.

Important: Time-of-use tariffs can change this picture. If you can charge a battery or EV mostly off-peak, a higher daytime/peak rate might still be good value — but only if your actual load-shifting is high.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)

Solar tariffs can look attractive in headlines, but the detail matters. These are the issues we see most often when households switch with solar PV.

1) Export payments aren’t automatic

Switching your import supplier doesn’t guarantee export payments. SEG export usually needs a separate application and the right metering.

2) Smart tariffs can penalise peak use

If you can’t shift usage (cooking, heating, family evenings), high peak rates can wipe out off-peak gains.

3) Standing charges matter more than you think

If solar/battery reduces your imports, the standing charge becomes a larger share of your annual cost.

Metering & eligibility gotchas

  • Export meter/readings: many SEG deals need export readings from a smart meter (supplier rules vary).
  • MCS certificate: commonly requested for SEG (or equivalent evidence for older installs).
  • SEG licensee rules: suppliers must offer SEG, but rates and terms differ widely.
  • Economy 7: check whether switching changes your meter setup or rates.

Contract details that can trip you up

  • Exit fees: common on fixed tariffs; consider if you may switch again soon.
  • Price change clauses: variable tariffs and some export rates can change.
  • Payment method: some deals are direct debit only.
  • Moving home: ask what happens to your export arrangement if you move.
If you’re unsure: start with the best-value import tariff you can get for your meter and payment method, then confirm the export option you can actually set up under SEG.

FAQs: solar panel energy tariffs in the UK

Do I need to stay with the supplier who installed my solar panels?

No. Solar PV doesn’t lock you to a particular electricity supplier. If you have an export payment arrangement, you may need to re-apply or update details when switching, depending on the supplier’s SEG process.

What is SEG and how is it different from the old Feed-in Tariff (FIT)?

SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) pays you for electricity you export to the grid under a supplier’s export tariff. The FIT scheme is closed to new applicants. If you’re on FIT, your payments work differently and you should be cautious about changes that could affect your FIT arrangement.

Official background: Ofgem guidance on the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

Do I need a smart meter for a solar export tariff?

Often, yes — particularly for export tariffs that use metered export readings. Supplier rules vary, but an export-capable smart meter is commonly needed to measure export accurately.

Can I get an export tariff if I rent my home?

Potentially. It depends on whether the property has solar PV installed and whether you can access the required installation documentation (for example, MCS certificate) and metering. Tenants can usually choose their energy supplier, but export arrangements may require cooperation from the landlord or managing agent.

Is it better to prioritise export payments or cheap import?

It depends on your net import and export volume. If you still import a lot (common in winter and evenings), import price usually has the biggest impact. If you export a lot (larger PV, low daytime use), a strong export rate can matter more. Use the scenarios above as a guide.

Will a time-of-use tariff work well with solar and a battery?

It can. The main benefit is charging your battery (or EV) at cheaper times, then using stored energy during peak periods. The risk is high peak rates if your battery is empty or you can’t shift usage. Always model your typical day and check whether you can realistically avoid peak import.

Are there any protections if things go wrong when switching?

Yes. Energy switching and billing are regulated. If you need independent help, Citizens Advice energy guidance is a good starting point.

What documents might I need for SEG export?

Commonly requested items include proof your system meets eligibility requirements (often an MCS certificate or equivalent evidence for older installs), plus meter details and bank information for payments. Requirements vary by supplier, so check before switching export provider.

Trust, methodology and sources

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Last updated
July 2026

How we assess “best tariff for solar”

We focus on what usually drives the best overall outcome for UK households with solar PV:

  • Total estimated annual cost = (import unit rate × estimated imported kWh) + standing charge − (export rate × estimated exported kWh).
  • Eligibility and practicality: whether you can actually access the tariff (meter type, smart meter, SEG requirements, payment method).
  • Risk and flexibility: fixed vs variable, exit fees, and exposure to high peak rates on time-of-use tariffs.
  • Fit for your setup: battery/EV, daytime occupancy, electric heating, Economy 7.
Limitations: We can’t know your exact import/export split without meter data, and supplier rates can change. Use this guide to narrow your options, then compare quotes using your real usage where possible.

Sources (UK)

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Updated on 2 Aug 2026