Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) with Energy Plus

Earn money for the low-carbon electricity you export back to the grid. Simple setup, transparent rates, and dedicated UK support.

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  • Ofgem-compliant SEG
  • MCS-ready onboarding
  • Great Britain coverage (England, Scotland, Wales)

How the Smart Export Guarantee works

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed scheme that pays small-scale generators for the electricity they export to the grid. If you have solar PV, wind, hydro, anaerobic digestion (AD), or micro-CHP, you can get paid for every kWh your property exports.

  1. Generate: Your system (e.g., solar PV) produces clean electricity.
  2. Use or export: You use what you need; surplus is exported to the grid.
  3. Metered export: A smart/export-capable meter records export in half-hourly intervals.
  4. Get paid: We pay you for each kWh exported under your chosen SEG tariff.

You can have a different supplier for your import and export—SEG does not tie you to the same supplier for both.

Eligibility at a glance

  • Technology: Solar PV, wind, hydro, or anaerobic digestion up to 5MW; micro-CHP up to 50kW.
  • Certification: MCS certificate (or equivalent) for your installation and installer.
  • DNO approval: Connection confirmation (e.g., G98/G99) from your Distribution Network Operator.
  • Export metering: A smart meter (SMETS2, or SMETS1 enrolled) or dedicated export meter capable of half-hourly export measurement.
  • Location: A property in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales).
  • Payment details: UK bank account for SEG payments.

Note: SEG export rates must always be greater than zero and are set by suppliers. Tariff terms vary by provider and may change.

SEG tariff options

Choose the right export tariff for your generation pattern and goals.

Fixed-rate SEG

  • A set p/kWh export rate for the tariff period.
  • Easier budgeting and predictable income.
  • Good for steady, all-year export.

Variable-rate SEG

  • Export rate can change over time.
  • Potential to benefit when market rates rise.
  • Good for those comfortable with variability.

SEG tariffs pay only for exported electricity measured by your meter, not generation. Some tariffs may include eligibility criteria or require specific metering capabilities.

Why choose Energy Plus for your SEG payments?

  • Transparent rates: Clear, fair pricing with no hidden surprises.
  • Simple onboarding: We guide you through MCS and DNO checks to get you set up quickly.
  • Flexible arrangements: Keep your current import supplier if you prefer.
  • Online account: View export data, payments, and statements in one place.
  • UK-based support: Friendly experts to help with applications and metering.
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How much could I earn?

Your SEG earnings depend on your export volume and your tariff’s p/kWh rate. Export varies by system size, orientation, shading, usage, and seasonality.

Illustrative example

Example only (not a quote): A 4 kWp solar PV system exporting 1,800 kWh per year at 12p/kWh would earn around £216/year. Actual export and rates will differ.

Formula: Exported kWh × Export rate (p/kWh) ÷ 100 = £ payment

Optimise your returns by shifting usage to daytime, right-sizing battery storage, and choosing a tariff aligned to your export pattern.

Batteries, EVs and SEG

SEG payments are based on metered export. Many suppliers accept co-located battery storage and other smart technologies. You may be asked to declare whether your battery can charge from the grid and how it is configured. Export will be paid according to the tariff terms and metering data.

  • Battery storage: Can help shift solar generation to peak export times.
  • Smart meters: Enable accurate half-hourly export readings.
  • EV charging: Use your solar onsite to reduce import, and export the surplus.

SEG for businesses, schools and community projects

From SMEs with rooftop solar to community energy schemes, SEG helps turn surplus generation into a dependable revenue stream.

  • Support for multi-site portfolios and export MPAN management.
  • Flexible payment schedules and consolidated statements.
  • Guidance on DNO notifications and metering.
Discuss a business or community SEG

How to apply for SEG with Energy Plus

  1. Get your quote: Share a few details about your system and location.
  2. Provide documents: MCS certificate, DNO connection confirmation, meter details, and proof of ID/address.
  3. We set up your export MPAN (if needed): We liaise with industry parties to enable export metering and settlement.
  4. Start exporting: Once live, your export is recorded and paid in line with your tariff.
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Smart Export Guarantee FAQs

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
SEG is a legal obligation for licensed electricity suppliers to pay small-scale generators for the electricity they export to the grid. Rates are set by suppliers and must always be above zero.
Do I need an MCS certificate?
Yes, for most microgeneration systems an MCS certificate (or an accepted equivalent) is required, along with DNO connection confirmation.
Can I have a different import and export supplier?
Yes. SEG lets you choose one supplier for your import tariff and a different supplier for your export payments.
Do I need a smart meter?
You need a meter capable of accurately measuring export on a half-hourly basis. A SMETS2 smart meter (or an enrolled SMETS1) typically meets this requirement; some setups use a dedicated export meter.
How and when are SEG payments made?
Payments are based on your metered export and are typically made monthly or quarterly to your UK bank account, as specified in your tariff terms.
Can I switch SEG suppliers?
Yes. You can move your export to another SEG supplier. Check your current tariff terms and apply with your chosen new provider.
Are batteries eligible?
Many suppliers accept co-located battery storage. You may need to declare whether the battery is charged solely by renewables or can charge from the grid. Export is paid according to metered volumes and tariff rules.
Is Northern Ireland included?
SEG applies in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). Different arrangements apply in Northern Ireland.

Disclaimer: Information on this page is for guidance only and may change. Tariff availability, eligibility criteria, and rates are subject to terms and conditions. Always review your specific tariff details before signing up.