Best SEG Export Tariff Rates UK 2026 — Up to 15p/kWh | Compare Solar Export Tariffs
Compare the best Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff rates available to UK solar homeowners in 2026. See which suppliers pay the highest p/kWh for electricity you export to the grid, understand eligibility, and get matched to the right export tariff for your setup.
- Best SEG rates currently range from around 5p to 15p/kWh depending on supplier and tariff type
- Compare flat-rate and time-based export tariffs — solar only and solar + battery
- Whole-of-market comparison: not just one supplier's rates
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a home energy comparison service. SEG rates change frequently — availability and eligibility depends on your supplier, meter type and installation documentation.
Compare the best SEG export tariff rates for your home solar (whole-of-market)
Fast answer: best SEG export tariff rates UK right now
SEG export tariff rates currently available to UK homeowners range from around 5p/kWh on standard variable export deals up to 15p/kWh on the best time-based or premium flat-rate export tariffs. The highest rates are typically available to homeowners with a smart/export meter, valid MCS documentation, and a compatible home battery.
- Best flat-rate SEG tariff: up to ~15p/kWh (supplier and eligibility dependent)
- Best time-based SEG rate: can exceed 15p/kWh during peak export windows
- Typical SEG rate without shopping around: 5–7p/kWh on many standard variable deals
Rates updated March 2026. Use the comparison form to see which rates are available for your postcode and setup.
If you generate electricity at home from solar panels — with or without a home battery — the Smart Export Guarantee lets you earn money for the electricity you export back to the grid. In 2026, the best SEG export tariff for your home isn't always the one with the highest headline p/kWh rate. It's the one you can actually qualify for, that suits how and when you export, and that gives you the best combined value when you factor in your import tariff too.
EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market SEG tariff options for UK households — not just one supplier's deals. Tell us your postcode and setup and we'll show suitable export tariff routes and explain exactly how to switch. You can also compare energy tariffs for import at the same time.
Why the "best SEG rate" is different for every household
- Eligibility limits your options — MCS certificate, export meter type, and supplier-specific criteria all affect which tariffs you can access.
- Time-based rates pay more at specific hours — great if you have a battery you can dispatch strategically, less useful for solar-only homes exporting whenever the sun shines.
- Import tie-ins affect total value — some of the highest export rates require you to also buy your electricity from the same supplier. Always compare the net annual position.
What we'll use to match you to the best export tariff
Your postcode
Confirms regional availability and which suppliers offer SEG in your area.
Your setup
Solar PV size, export meter type, and whether you have a home battery.
Contact details
So we can send your matched export tariff options and switching next steps.
Find the best SEG export rate for your home
Complete the form and we'll match you to the best SEG export tariff options available for your postcode and solar setup. Takes about 60 seconds.
Already on a SEG tariff?
You can usually switch to a better export tariff without changing your solar panels. The key is having your export meter readings and MCS documentation ready. If you're not sure what you have, we'll guide you through it.
Why compare SEG export tariffs rather than staying on your current rate?
Rates vary significantly between suppliers
The difference between the best and worst SEG export rate in 2026 can be 10p/kWh or more. On a typical 1,500 kWh annual export that's up to £150/year difference — just from choosing a better tariff.
Your current export deal may not be the best SEG tariff
Many homeowners accepted their original supplier's SEG offer without shopping around. If you're still on it, you may be earning significantly less than the best available SEG rate in 2026.
Time-based rates suit battery owners
If you have a home battery, time-based SEG tariffs that pay premium rates during peak demand hours can dramatically increase your export earnings compared to a flat rate.
Import + export: the combined annual picture
The best SEG tariff for your home takes into account both what you're paid to export and what you pay to import. Some top export rates come with import tariff tie-ins — comparing both together gives the true annual cost.
Clear switching guidance included
SEG applications often stall due to missing paperwork — MCS documents, export MPAN details, meter type confirmation. We explain exactly what you need so you can switch faster and start earning from export sooner.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and how do SEG payments work?
The Smart Export Guarantee is a UK government-backed scheme that requires larger licensed electricity suppliers to offer a payment for renewable electricity you export to the national grid. It replaced the old Feed-in Tariff export element for new applicants. If you have solar panels at home (and optionally a home battery), any surplus electricity you generate but don't use in your property can be exported — and your chosen SEG supplier pays you a rate per kWh for those exported units.
How SEG payments work in practice
Your export meter records the kWh you send to the grid. Your SEG supplier bills you for electricity you import but also pays you at the agreed p/kWh rate for electricity you export. Payments are typically made monthly or quarterly depending on the tariff, either as a credit to your account or a direct payment.
SEG vs Feed-in Tariff: key differences
- The old Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme is closed to new applicants — SEG is the current route for new solar homeowners.
- Unlike FIT, SEG does not guarantee a minimum rate across suppliers — you choose the best tariff you can find and qualify for.
- SEG pays only for what you export, not what you generate.
Do I need to use the same supplier for import and export?
Not always — but it depends on the tariff. Some suppliers offer export-only SEG arrangements where you can buy your electricity from anyone. Others offer their best SEG export rates only to customers who also take their import tariff. This is one of the most important things to check when comparing SEG tariffs, because the highest headline export rate doesn't always give the best overall household outcome.
Best SEG export tariff rates UK 2026 — what drives the rate you'll get
SEG export rates in 2026 range from around 5p/kWh to 15p/kWh or above depending on the supplier, tariff type, your meter setup and your installation. The table below explains the key factors that determine which rate you'll be offered — and which type of rate typically suits which household.
How much can you earn from SEG? A quick estimate
Your annual SEG earnings = annual export (kWh) × export rate (p/kWh) ÷ 100.
Example: a typical 3–4kW solar system with moderate self-consumption might export around 1,200–2,000 kWh per year. At 7p/kWh that's £84–£140/year. At 15p/kWh on the best SEG tariff that rises to £180–£300/year — a difference of up to £160/year just from choosing a better export deal. Enter your postcode above to see which rates you could access.
How to choose the best SEG export tariff for your home in 2026
The best SEG tariff depends on whether you have a battery, what meter you have, and whether you're willing to also switch your import tariff. Use the checklist below. If you'd rather not work through the detail yourself, use the comparison form and we'll do it for you.
If you have solar panels only (no battery)
- Look for the best flat-rate SEG tariff you're eligible for — the highest p/kWh on a reliable, straightforward deal.
- Confirm how export is measured and how often you'll be paid.
- Avoid complex time-based export plans — you can't control when the sun shines, so peak-hour premium rates are hard to capture reliably.
- Check whether a combined import + export deal from the same supplier gives better total value than a higher export rate with a weaker import tariff.
If you have solar + home battery
- Time-based SEG tariffs can be highly profitable if you can dispatch your battery to export during peak-rate hours.
- Check whether the tariff requires SMETS2 half-hourly metering data — if so, confirm your meter qualifies.
- Look for clarity on any battery dispatch restrictions or export caps imposed at installation.
- Compare the combined import + export picture: the best SEG rate plus a competitive import tariff usually gives the strongest overall result.
The most common "best SEG rate" mistake
Chasing the highest headline p/kWh without checking the conditions. A 15p/kWh export rate that requires you to take a more expensive import tariff may leave you worse off annually than a 12p/kWh export rate with a competitive import deal. Always check the full eligibility list, import tie-in requirements, and how export is measured and paid before you switch.
How to switch to a better SEG export tariff in 2026: step by step
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Gather your key documents
Most SEG suppliers require your MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certificate, proof of installation, and export meter details (MPAN where applicable) before they'll accept your application. Having these ready before you apply avoids the most common cause of delays. -
Confirm your export meter type
SEG payments are based on actual export readings. Most suppliers accept smart meter (SMETS2) data. Some time-based export tariffs specifically require half-hourly metering. If you have an older generation 1 (SMETS1) smart meter or a non-smart export meter, confirm what your chosen supplier accepts. -
Compare SEG tariff options for your setup
Compare flat-rate vs time-based, fixed vs variable, and export-only vs import + export bundled deals. For most solar-only homeowners the best SEG tariff is the highest reliable flat rate you qualify for. For battery owners, time-based rates may be worth exploring. -
Apply and submit your documentation
Complete your chosen supplier's SEG application and attach all required documents. Double-check MCS certificate name matches your property — a name mismatch between documents is a common reason applications are rejected. -
Track export readings and payment statements
Once your SEG tariff is active, check that export readings are being captured and that payment statements clearly show kWh exported and the rate applied. If payments don't arrive when expected, contact your supplier with your meter serial number and export MPAN.
How long does switching SEG supplier take?
Timelines vary significantly. With complete documentation, some SEG switches complete within 2–4 weeks. Missing or mismatched documents can extend this to several months. The most common delay is an MCS certificate that doesn't match the property address or current ownership details.
Export meter checklist
- Confirm your export MPAN (not the same as your import MPAN).
- Check your meter is communicating and sending readings to the national database.
- Verify your SEG statements show kWh exported and the p/kWh rate applied — not just a payment total.
SEG export tariff eligibility: can I get the best rates in 2026?
Most UK homeowners with solar PV can access a SEG export tariff, but suppliers will check several criteria before approving your application. The best SEG rates — particularly the higher-end flat rates and premium time-based tariffs — often have stricter eligibility than standard variable export deals.
MCS certification — required by most suppliers
An MCS certificate confirms your solar installation meets UK microgeneration standards. Without it, most suppliers will not process a SEG application. If you've lost your certificate, contact your original installer or search the MCS installer database.
Smart or export meter — required for accurate SEG payments
A meter that can measure your export accurately is essential. A SMETS2 smart meter is most widely accepted and gives access to the broadest range of SEG tariffs including time-based rates. Older meters may limit which SEG tariffs you can access.
Supplier-specific criteria
Beyond MCS and metering, individual suppliers may require DNO notification documentation, proof of ownership, or a minimum system size. The highest-rate SEG tariffs in 2026 often come with more specific eligibility requirements than standard deals.
Can't find your MCS certificate?
Don't give up. Your installer should have a copy, and the MCS installer finder tool online lets you look up certified installations. Some homeowners buying a property with existing solar panels can also request documentation from the previous owner's installer. Submit the comparison form and tell us what you have — we'll outline practical next steps based on what the main SEG suppliers typically accept.
How much could you earn from the best SEG export tariff in 2026?
Your SEG earnings depend on two things: how many kWh you export per year, and the export rate your tariff pays. Export volumes vary significantly between households depending on solar system size, how much you self-consume, whether you have a battery, and the time of year.
SEG earnings calculator: the formula
Annual SEG earnings (£) = annual export (kWh) × export rate (p/kWh) ÷ 100
On 5p/kWh (low rate):
1,200 kWh exported = £60/year | 2,000 kWh = £100/year
On 15p/kWh (best SEG rate 2026):
1,200 kWh exported = £180/year | 2,000 kWh = £300/year
What most changes your export earnings
- Self-consumption rate: the more energy you use at home during the day, the less you export — though you save more on import too.
- Battery dispatch strategy: storing energy rather than exporting can reduce SEG income, unless you export at a higher time-based rate later.
- System size: a larger solar array generates more electricity and typically exports more.
- Export cap: some installations have a grid export cap set at the time of connection — check your DNO notification if you're unsure.
Use our SEG comparison form to see which export rates are currently available for your postcode — and how the best SEG tariff options compare to what you're currently earning.
Best SEG export tariff rates UK 2026: frequently asked questions
What is the best SEG tariff in the UK right now?
The best SEG export tariff available in the UK in 2026 depends on your meter type, whether you have a battery, and your postcode. Current best flat-rate SEG tariffs are paying up to around 15p/kWh for eligible homeowners with a SMETS2 smart meter and valid MCS documentation. Standard variable export deals typically pay 5–7p/kWh. Use the comparison form to see which rates are available for your specific setup.
What is the best electricity export tariff UK for a solar homeowner?
For solar-only homes (no battery), the best electricity export tariff in the UK is typically the highest reliable flat-rate SEG deal you can qualify for. For solar + battery homes, a time-based export tariff that pays premium rates during peak demand periods — which you can hit by dispatching your battery at the right time — can pay significantly more per year. In both cases, checking the import tariff tie-in conditions is essential before switching.
How do I compare SEG tariffs in the UK?
To compare SEG tariffs properly you need to look at: the export rate (p/kWh), whether it's flat or time-based, whether it's fixed or variable, any import tariff tie-in conditions, how export is measured, and how often and under what conditions you're paid. Comparing on headline rate alone is not sufficient — a higher rate with unfavourable conditions can leave you worse off than a lower rate with straightforward terms.
Can I get a SEG export tariff without a smart meter?
Some SEG tariffs accept export meter readings from non-smart meters, but this is increasingly uncommon — particularly for the best-rate deals in 2026 which typically require a SMETS2 smart meter for accurate half-hourly or monthly export measurement. If you don't have a smart meter, a smart meter upgrade is usually free from your current electricity supplier and opens up significantly better SEG tariff options.
Do I need to be with the same supplier for import and export?
Not always — but some of the best SEG export rates in 2026 come with import tariff tie-in requirements. Export-only SEG arrangements (where you keep a separate import supplier) are available, though they may offer a lower export rate. The most important comparison is total annual cost: import spend minus export earnings, combined. Using a single supplier for both can sometimes — but not always — give a better net position.
Can I switch SEG export supplier if I'm already receiving SEG payments?
Yes. If you're already on a SEG tariff but think you could get a better export rate elsewhere, switching is possible. You'll need to re-apply with your documentation (MCS, meter details) to your new chosen supplier and go through their eligibility checks. There may be a gap in export payments during the switch, so it's worth timing it for a lower-export period (typically autumn/winter) if possible.
What UK solar homeowners say about comparing SEG tariffs with EnergyPlus
"I was on 5p/kWh and didn't realise I could get three times that. EnergyPlus helped me find a flat-rate SEG deal I qualified for and walked me through the paperwork."
"The import tie-in on the highest-rate deal would have cost us more overall. Comparing both together made it obvious which one was actually better value."
"Our application had stalled for months. Once we had the right export MPAN and MCS documents in order, it completed within weeks."
How we help you find the best SEG export tariff
- Whole-of-market approach — we compare SEG export tariff options across UK suppliers, not just one provider.
- Setup-matched comparison — flat rate or time-based depending on whether you have solar only or solar + battery.
- Full picture including import — we factor in import tariff tie-ins so you can see the real annual value of each option.
- Eligibility and documentation guidance — plain-English help on MCS, metering, export MPANs and switching steps.
Compare the best SEG export tariff rates for your home — updated March 2026
Find out which SEG export tariff pays the best rate for your solar setup, postcode and meter type. Whole-of-market comparison — one quick form.
- See which suppliers offer the best SEG rates you can actually access
- Compare flat-rate and time-based export tariffs side by side
- Get clear guidance on eligibility, documentation and how to switch
Find your best SEG export rate
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