What is a solar export tariff (SEG) in the UK?

A solar export tariff (usually called the Smart Export Guarantee or SEG) is a payment you receive for surplus electricity your solar panels export to the grid. You’ll typically be paid per kWh exported, based on readings from an eligible smart meter or export meter.

How do I choose the best solar export tariff in the UK?

Compare export unit rates (p/kWh), whether the export rate is fixed or variable, contract terms (including exit fees), payment frequency, and any requirements such as having an eligible smart meter and MCS certification. The best option depends on how much you export, your import tariff, and whether you use a battery or smart immersion diverter to increase self-consumption.

Do I need to switch my electricity supplier to get a good export tariff?

Not always. Some suppliers offer SEG export tariffs to customers even if they don’t take their import supply with them, while others require both import and export to be with the same provider. Check the eligibility rules of the tariff you’re considering.

Can I get paid for solar export without a smart meter?

Most SEG tariffs require a compatible smart meter capable of providing export readings (or an approved export meter). Without one, you may not be eligible, or you may face limited options. If you’re unsure, check your meter type and ask your supplier what they accept for export payments.

Do I need MCS certification to join a solar export tariff?

In many cases, yes. SEG licensees commonly require your solar PV system (and installer) to be MCS certified, or to meet equivalent standards accepted under their scheme rules. You’ll usually need documentation such as the MCS certificate and proof of commissioning.

How much can I earn from exporting solar power?

Earnings depend on how many kWh you export and your export rate. Factors like system size, household usage patterns, battery storage, and seasonality all affect export volumes. A higher self-consumption rate can reduce exports but may lower your import bills—so it’s worth looking at both import savings and export income together.

Is it better to export solar power or store it in a battery?

It depends on the difference between your import unit rate and export unit rate, plus your usage patterns. If import electricity is much more expensive than the export rate, storing and using your solar later can provide better value. If the export rate is strong and you don’t need the energy later, exporting can be attractive. Many households use a mix: store first, export excess.

Can I have more than one export tariff at the same time?

No—your export meter can generally only be registered to one export tariff at a time. If you change export tariffs, your new provider will take over the export MPAN registration, and payments will then follow the new tariff terms.

How are solar export payments calculated and paid?

Payments are usually based on metered export readings (kWh exported) multiplied by the export rate on your tariff. Suppliers may pay monthly or quarterly, and some may apply minimum payout thresholds. Make sure your export readings are being received correctly (often via your smart meter) to avoid payment delays.

How do I start getting a solar export tariff?

You’ll typically need (1) an eligible solar PV installation (often MCS certified), (2) an export-capable smart meter or approved export meter, and (3) to apply to an SEG export provider with your installation and meter details. If you’re considering solar or want to maximise export income, start by reviewing guidance and next steps at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/guidesfaqs/best-solar-export-tariff-uk.

Best solar export tariff in the UK (2026 guide)

Compare UK solar export tariffs (SEG) in a practical way: what “best” really means for your system, your meter, and your usage — plus how to switch safely.

Clear explanation of SEG export tariffs and who can get them
Side-by-side comparison table and a decision checklist
Two realistic scenarios with estimated export income (assumptions shown)

Compare export-friendly energy deals See the SEG checklist

Guidance only. Export rates and eligibility vary by supplier and may change. Always check tariff terms, meter requirements and exit fees before switching.

Fast answer: what’s the best solar export tariff in the UK?

For most UK homes, the “best” solar export tariff is the one that pays a competitive pence-per-kWh export rate and actually fits your setup — your smart meter, how much you export, whether you want a fixed or variable rate, and whether the supplier requires you to take their import tariff too.

Key point: In the UK, most households are on the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) (not the old Feed-in Tariff). SEG rates can change and may come with eligibility rules (e.g., smart meter, MCS certificate). “Best” isn’t universal — it’s personal to your export pattern and tariff terms.

Key takeaways (quick)

Export rate matters, but so do terms (caps, index-linking, switching rules).
Most SEG tariffs need a smart meter configured for export (or approved export measurement).
If you also switch your import tariff, check the standing charge and unit rate — it can outweigh a higher export rate.
Battery owners should check whether a tariff pays for battery discharge and whether there are restrictions.

What you’ll get from this guide

A practical way to choose: fixed vs variable vs time-of-export.
A comparison table of the types of export tariffs you’ll see in the UK.
Two realistic scenarios with numbers you can adapt to your system.
Common pitfalls (smart meter delays, deemed export misunderstandings, exit fees).

Compare export tariffs — without guesswork

If you generate electricity from solar panels, the best export tariff is usually the one that matches how you export (daytime surplus vs battery discharge) and what you’re willing to switch (export-only vs bundled import + export).

Before you compare, gather these details

Your meter: Smart meter (SMETS2/SMETS1) and whether it records export readings.
Proof of installation: MCS certificate (or other acceptable evidence). This is commonly required for SEG.
Typical export volume: If you don’t know it, we can estimate from system size, occupancy and battery use.
Switching constraints: Any exit fees, end dates, or bundled products (e.g., EV tariff, boiler cover).

Important: A higher export rate doesn’t always mean a better outcome. If you must switch your import tariff too, a higher standing charge or unit rate can cancel out extra export income.

Get an export-friendly comparison

Share a few details and we’ll help you compare whole-of-market import tariffs and highlight export tariff options and eligibility checks.

How export tariffs work in practice (UK)

Export payment is typically based on metered kWh sent to the grid, paid in p/kWh.

Eligibility commonly includes an approved installation standard (often MCS) and a compatible meter.

Supplier rules vary: some allow export-only; others require you to take import electricity too.

Compare solar export tariff types (SEG): what to pick

UK suppliers structure export tariffs in a few common ways. Use the table below to match the tariff type to your household pattern.

Tariff type	Best for	Watch-outs	What to check in terms
Flat-rate (fixed/variable) export	Most households wanting simplicity and predictable p/kWh.	Variable rates can change; fixed rates may be time-limited.	Rate type, how/when it can change, payment frequency, any export cap.
Time-of-export export	Battery owners who can shift export to higher-paying windows.	Complexity; may need half-hourly data and specific metering setup.	Required meter type, how export is measured, time bands, data access permissions.
Tracker / index-linked export	People comfortable with rates moving up/down (potentially daily/periodically).	Income uncertainty; may drop at times of high national generation.	How the index is set, minimum rate (if any), update frequency, cancellation terms.
Bundled import + export “smart” plan	Households who will switch electricity import too and can benefit from off-peak charging.	Import standing charge / unit rate may be higher; exit fees may apply.	Total bill impact, standing charge, off-peak windows, export eligibility, contract length.

Reality check: Export income is usually smaller than the value of using your solar at home (because import electricity often costs more than the export rate pays). For many homes, the “best” result comes from a good import tariff plus a decent export rate — not export rate alone.

Decision checklist: who a higher export rate suits (and who it doesn’t)

It may suit you if…

You export a lot (daytime empty home, or large PV vs usage).
Your import tariff is already competitive (so the export uplift is “extra”).
You have (or plan) a battery and can manage export timing (where relevant).
Your supplier allows export payments without restrictive conditions.

It may not suit you if…

You self-consume most solar (home all day) — export is low.
You’d have to move to a pricier import tariff to access the export rate.
You’re in a fixed contract with high exit fees.
Your meter/export readings aren’t set up yet (payments may be delayed).

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

These are illustrative estimates to help you sense-check export tariffs. Your generation/export will vary by region, roof, shading, system size, and how you use electricity.

Scenario A: typical family, modest export

Annual export: 1,200 kWh (smaller surplus)
Export rate: 12p/kWh (flat-rate SEG example)
Estimated export income: 1,200 × £0.12 = £144/year
If you found a rate at 18p/kWh instead: income ˜ £216/year (difference: £72/year)

Assumption: export is metered and paid for all exported units; no minimum/maximum export payment constraints in tariff terms.

Scenario B: larger PV + battery, higher export

Annual export: 2,800 kWh (bigger surplus / managed export)
Export rate: 15p/kWh
Estimated export income: 2,800 × £0.15 = £420/year
If your import standing charge rises by £0.08/day to access this export plan, that adds ˜ £29/year to your costs — which reduces the net benefit.

Assumption: battery export is eligible under the supplier’s export terms. Some tariffs treat battery discharge differently — always check.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK SEG)

Export tariffs can be straightforward once set up, but these are the issues that most often trip people up in the UK.

1) Smart meter/export reading delays

SEG payments typically require a meter that can provide export readings. If your meter isn’t configured correctly, you may not be paid until readings are available.

2) Import tariff becomes worse

Some export deals look great, but require switching import electricity to a higher standing charge or unit rate. Always compare the whole bill.

3) Contract terms and exit fees

Fixed plans may have exit fees. If you’re likely to move home or change usage (e.g., getting an EV), flexibility may matter more than a slightly higher export rate.

4) Battery export restrictions

Some suppliers have rules about paying for export that originates from a battery rather than “live” solar generation. Check eligibility if you plan to export stored energy.

5) Payment frequency and admin

Export payments may be credited monthly, quarterly, or at another interval. If cashflow matters, choose a supplier with clear payment schedules and statements.

6) Eligibility evidence (MCS, etc.)

Most SEG applications ask for evidence (commonly MCS). If you’ve moved into a home with solar, you may need to locate paperwork or ask the installer.

Tip: If you’re comparing two export tariffs, calculate the difference in pounds: (rate difference in £/kWh) × (your annual export kWh). Then sanity-check it against any import price increase or exit fee.

FAQs: solar export tariffs (UK)

1) What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?

SEG is the UK scheme that requires larger electricity suppliers to offer a tariff that pays eligible households for electricity they export to the grid. Rates and terms are set by suppliers, so they vary.

2) Do I need a smart meter to get paid for solar export?

In many cases, yes — or you’ll need an approved meter arrangement that can provide export readings. Requirements vary by supplier, but metered export readings are central to SEG payments.

3) Can I get an export tariff if I don’t buy my electricity from that supplier?

Sometimes. Some suppliers offer export-only arrangements; others require you to take their import tariff as well. Always check the supplier’s SEG eligibility rules and any bundle requirements.

4) I’m on the Feed-in Tariff (FIT). Should I switch to SEG?

Usually, moving off FIT isn’t recommended without careful checking because FIT terms can be valuable and are separate from SEG. If you’re on FIT, get advice and review your documentation before changing anything.

5) How are SEG payments made and how often?

It depends on the supplier. Some credit export payments to your bill; others pay by bank transfer. Payment frequency can be monthly, quarterly, or another schedule — check the tariff terms.

6) Does the export rate include VAT?

Export payments are generally presented as a p/kWh rate in the tariff terms. Treatment can vary by supplier presentation and billing. If you’re comparing offers, ensure you’re comparing like-for-like and read the tariff documentation.

7) What’s the difference between export kWh and generation kWh?

Generation is the electricity your panels produce. Export is the surplus electricity you don’t use at home and send to the grid. SEG pays on exported units, not total generation.

8) I’ve moved into a house with solar panels — can I claim export?

Often yes, but you’ll likely need installation evidence (commonly the MCS certificate) and a compatible meter for export readings. If paperwork is missing, you may need to contact the previous owner, installer, or your local authority building control records where relevant.

9) Can I be paid for exporting from a battery (not just solar)?

It depends on the supplier’s rules and how your export is measured. Some tariffs and products are designed for smart export; others may restrict what qualifies. Always confirm in writing if battery export is central to your plan.

Trust, methodology and editorial standards

Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Energy Specialist (UK domestic energy)
Last updated: February 2026

Our promise: We aim to help you choose the right tariff type and avoid common mistakes. We don’t promise a specific export income because rates, eligibility, and your export volume can change.

How we assess “best” (and limitations)

For this guide, we define “best solar export tariff” as the best overall fit for a typical UK household with solar PV — not just the highest advertised p/kWh.

Eligibility fit: smart meter/export readings, installation evidence (commonly MCS), supplier participation in SEG.
Tariff structure: flat-rate vs time-based vs tracker/index-linked, plus how often rates can change.
Whole-bill impact: where export is tied to import, we consider standing charge, unit rates, and contract length.
User experience: clarity of terms, payment method and frequency, and known admin friction points (e.g., meter configuration).

Limitations to be aware of

We don’t publish a single “#1” supplier because availability and terms can change quickly and may differ by customer type and meter.
Export income depends on your export kWh — which varies widely by home and season.
Some smart tariffs have more complex rules; always read the Key Terms / Tariff Information Label where provided.

EnergyPlus aims to keep this page current, but if you spot a tariff rule change or broken link, please contact us via the site.

Sources (UK)

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No guaranteed savings. Tariffs and SEG rates can change. Always confirm eligibility, contract terms and fees before switching.

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Updated on 6 Mar 2026