Do I need to be an Octopus Energy customer to get paid for solar export?

Some SEG tariffs require you to take your import (electricity supply) with the same provider, while others may allow export-only applications. If you’re comparing options, Energy+ can help you understand eligibility and the steps to switch or apply so you can start getting paid for export.

How do I qualify for a solar export tariff (SEG)?

Typically you’ll need MCS-certified solar panels (or equivalent evidence for older installs), a compatible export meter (often a smart meter), and proof your system is connected to the grid. Requirements can vary by supplier and tariff.

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and how does it work?

SEG is a UK scheme that requires large electricity suppliers to pay small-scale generators for the electricity they export to the grid. You generate solar power, use what you need in your home, and the excess is exported and measured so you can be paid based on actual export.

How much will I be paid for exporting solar electricity?

Your earnings depend on the export rate (pence per kWh), how much surplus energy you export, and the tariff type (fixed vs variable, standard vs time-based). Improving self-consumption (e.g., using appliances when the sun is shining) can reduce export but lower import costs—so the best setup depends on your goals.

Is a smart meter required for Octopus solar export tariffs?

Most SEG export tariffs use smart meter readings to accurately measure export. If you don’t have one yet, you may need a smart meter installed before you can be paid for export.

How do I apply for an Octopus solar export tariff?

You’ll usually need to provide your MCS certificate (or equivalent), details of your solar PV system, and export meter information. If you’d like help comparing export tariffs and understanding the application steps, use Energy+ to review options and move forward with confidence.

Can I switch export tariffs if I already receive payments?

In many cases you can switch to a different SEG export tariff, but eligibility rules and timings vary by supplier. Before switching, check whether the new tariff requires you to take import supply with the same provider and whether any changes are needed to your metering setup.

What’s the difference between fixed and variable solar export rates?

A fixed export rate pays the same amount per kWh regardless of time or market conditions. A variable export rate can change over time, and time-based tariffs may pay different rates depending on the time of day. The best choice depends on your export profile and risk preference.

Will adding a home battery increase my SEG payments?

A battery typically increases self-consumption by storing solar energy for later use, which can reduce exports (and therefore SEG payments) while lowering the electricity you need to buy from the grid. Depending on your tariff mix, a battery can improve overall savings—even if export payments decrease.

How quickly can I start getting paid for my solar exports?

Timescales vary depending on supplier checks, meter setup, and the evidence you provide. Once your export tariff is active and readings are being received, payments are usually made on a regular schedule (often monthly or quarterly, depending on the provider).

Where can I compare Octopus solar export rates and get help choosing the right tariff?

You can use Energy+ to compare solar export tariff options and understand eligibility, smart meter requirements, and the steps to apply. Visit https://www.energyplus.co.uk/octopus-energy-solar-tariff to learn more.

Octopus Energy Solar Tariff: compare export rates & switch

Q: What is the Octopus Energy solar tariff?

The Octopus Energy solar tariff is a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) export tariff that pays you for surplus electricity your solar panels generate and export to the grid. If you have solar PV (and usually a smart meter), you can earn ongoing payments for the energy you don’t use at home.

Already got solar panels (or planning to)? Compare the Octopus Energy solar export tariff against whole-of-market export and import options, and get a personalised quote in minutes.

Compare Octopus export options with other UK suppliers
Check eligibility (smart meter, MCS/SEG, battery setup)
Switch online with support from EnergyPlus — home energy only

Get solar tariff quotes How Octopus solar export works

Rates vary by region, meter type and tariff availability. We’ll show comparable options based on your postcode and setup.

Compare Octopus Energy Solar Tariff options — whole of market

If you generate electricity at home, you can earn money for the power you export back to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Octopus Energy offers export tariffs, but it’s not always the best fit for every household.

EnergyPlus compares Octopus export tariffs alongside other UK suppliers’ export and import deals (where available). We’ll help you find a combination that matches how you use energy — whether you’re:

Exporting lots of solar because you’re out during the day
Using a home battery and shifting energy to evenings
Considering a time-of-use import tariff to charge cheaply overnight
New to solar and want to ensure your paperwork (MCS/SEG) is in order

Good to know: You can often choose an export tariff separately from your electricity import tariff, subject to supplier rules and meter compatibility. We’ll show what’s possible for your postcode and setup.

Looking for an Octopus-only quote? We can still help — but comparing first can highlight better export rates or a more suitable import tariff for your usage pattern.

What is the Octopus Energy Solar Tariff?

In the UK, “Octopus Energy solar tariff” usually refers to an Octopus export tariff that pays you for the electricity your solar panels generate and you don’t use at home — the energy you export to the National Grid. Export payments are made under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which replaced the old Feed-in Tariff (FiT) for new applicants.

Octopus has offered different export options over time, with terms that may change. The key point is that export tariffs vary by:

Export rate (pence per kWh), and whether it’s fixed or variable
Eligibility rules (smart meter, MCS certificate, meter readings)
Whether you must also import electricity from the same supplier
How you’re paid (credit to bill vs bank transfer) and payment frequency

Export tariff vs import tariff

Your import tariff is what you pay for electricity you use from the grid. Your export tariff is what you earn for electricity you send back. The best setup often optimises both — especially if you have a battery or can move usage off-peak.

SEG and FiT: what matters today

If you’re on FiT, you may already receive generation and export payments under a legacy scheme. SEG is typically for newer installations. If you’re unsure which applies, we’ll help you identify the best next step before switching.

Why compare Octopus solar export tariffs with EnergyPlus?

Whole-of-market perspective

Export tariffs and availability can change. We compare suitable options from across the market (where available), so you’re not limited to one supplier’s rules.

Matched to how you actually use energy

A high export rate isn’t always best if your import unit rate is high. We consider your likely self-consumption, battery charging patterns and time-of-use needs.

Switch with less hassle

We’ll highlight common pitfalls: missing MCS documentation, wrong meter setup, and timing your switch so you don’t lose export credits.

Up-to-date eligibility checks

Some export tariffs require a smart meter capable of half-hourly readings. We’ll help you understand what’s required before you apply.

Home energy only (no business)

This page and quote journey are designed for UK households. If you’re a domestic customer, you’re in the right place.

Clarity on rates & terms

We focus on what matters: unit rates, standing charges (import), export rates, payment terms, and any conditions that affect your real-world returns.

Ready to compare? Get your solar tariff quotes and see which combination could suit your home.

How Octopus solar export tariffs work (and what you need)

Most UK solar export tariffs follow the same structure: your export meter readings (often smart meter data) are used to calculate how many kWh you export, then you’re paid at an agreed rate.

Confirm your solar installation paperwork. Usually an MCS certificate (or equivalent accepted evidence) is required for SEG eligibility.
Check your meter setup. Many export tariffs require a smart meter that can record export, sometimes with half-hourly readings enabled.
Pick your export tariff. Compare rates and rules (e.g. export-only vs tied to import).
Choose an import tariff that complements it. If you have a battery or EV, time-of-use import can materially change your costs.
Switch and start exporting. Your supplier will confirm the start date, export readings method, and payment schedule.

Quick glossary: solar export terms in the UK
Term	What it means for you
SEG (Smart Export Guarantee)	The scheme that pays households for electricity exported to the grid (for eligible installations).
MCS	Certification typically required to prove your solar PV installation meets standards for SEG.
Export meter reading	How your exported kWh is measured — often via smart meter; some tariffs require half-hourly data.
Self-consumption	The proportion of solar you use at home rather than exporting. Higher self-consumption reduces import costs.
Battery storage	Lets you store solar to use later. Can change whether you benefit more from export payments or cheaper import periods.

Tip: If you’re awaiting a smart meter installation, you can still request quotes now. We’ll flag which tariffs may need a compatible meter before switching.

Eligibility: can you get an Octopus solar export tariff?

Eligibility depends on the specific tariff terms at the time you apply, but most SEG export tariffs (including those from Octopus) commonly require:

Your solar PV system is certified

MCS certificate (most common)
Or accepted equivalent evidence (varies by supplier)
System details match the application

Your meter can measure export

Smart meter preferred/required on many tariffs
Export MPAN/meter configuration correctly set
Some tariffs may require half-hourly readings

You’re a domestic customer

Home energy only (not business supply)
Property has a standard domestic meter setup
You’re authorised to switch the energy account

You can provide basic details

Address and postcode
Installation date and installer info (if asked)
Export readings method (smart meter / manual)

Not sure what you have? That’s common with newly purchased homes. Submit the form above and we’ll guide you on what to check (e.g. MCS paperwork, meter type, export configuration).

How to maximise savings with a solar export tariff

The “best” Octopus Energy solar tariff (or any export tariff) depends on what you’re optimising for: cashback for exports or lower import costs. These practical tips help most UK homes:

Shift usage into daylight

Run washing machines, dishwashers and immersion heaters when the sun is generating. This increases self-consumption and reduces what you buy from the grid.

Optimise battery behaviour

If you have storage, the best outcome may be a strong off-peak import rate plus sensible export. Charging/discharging strategy can matter as much as the headline export rate.

Check standing charges

Export rates look attractive, but your overall bill also depends on import standing charges and unit rates. We show the bigger picture for your region.

Which setup are you? (and what to compare)
Your situation	Tariff focus	What we’ll check
Out during the day, lots of export	Prioritise higher export rate	SEG eligibility, smart meter export readings, payment terms
Home most days, use solar directly	Balance export + lower import	Import unit rate & standing charge, export rate, flexibility
Solar + battery	Time-of-use import often key	Off-peak periods, half-hourly meter needs, export options

Want the fastest route to the right answer? Submit your details for quotes and we’ll narrow down the best-fit tariffs for your home.

Octopus Energy solar tariff FAQs

Is Octopus the best solar export tariff in the UK?

Not always. The best option depends on your region, meter capability, and whether you need a particular import tariff too. Comparing whole-of-market is the safest way to find a suitable export rate and overall bill.

Do I need to be an Octopus import customer to get paid for export?

Some export tariffs are available only if you also import electricity from the same supplier. Others may allow export-only. We’ll confirm what’s available for your setup before you switch.

What if I’m on the old Feed-in Tariff (FiT)?

FiT is a legacy scheme and can be valuable. If you’re receiving FiT payments, switching export arrangements may not be beneficial. Tell us your situation and we’ll outline the implications before you move.

How will I be paid for exported solar?

Payment method and frequency depend on your chosen export tariff. Some suppliers credit your bill; others pay by bank transfer. We’ll highlight the terms so you can choose what you prefer.

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

Often yes — particularly for tariffs that use half-hourly export readings. Some suppliers may accept other arrangements, but smart export readings are increasingly standard across the UK.

Can I switch without losing export payments?

Usually yes, but timing and admin matter. We recommend taking a current meter reading, confirming export registration details, and ensuring the new tariff start date is clear. We’ll guide you through the best approach.

Still unsure? Get quotes and tell us your solar setup — we’ll filter to tariffs that match your meter and eligibility.

What homeowners like about comparing with EnergyPlus

“I thought a high export rate was everything. EnergyPlus showed me an import tariff that cut my evening costs, and the combined saving was better.”

— Homeowner, West Midlands

“They explained SEG requirements in plain English and helped me check my MCS certificate and smart meter setup before switching.”

— Homeowner, Greater Manchester

“Quick quote form, no pushy sales. I got options including Octopus and a couple of alternatives I hadn’t considered.”

— Homeowner, Kent

Trust indicators

UK household-focused energy comparisons
Clear explanation of eligibility and switching steps
Data used to provide your quote and support your switch

What we don’t do

No solar panel installation sales on this page
No business energy comparisons
No confusing jargon without explanation

Compare Octopus Energy solar tariffs with the whole market

Get tailored export and import options based on your postcode and household setup. If Octopus is the best fit, we’ll show it — if not, you’ll see alternatives.

Fast, UK-focused quote journey
Export tariff eligibility checked
Support through switching

Prefer to start at the top? Use the quote form. Or read how it works.

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Submit your details and we’ll match you to suitable home energy tariffs.

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Updated on 14 Feb 2026