Best SEG export tariff rates UK 2026
Compare whole-of-market Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs for your home solar PV and battery. See who pays the best export rates in 2026, what you’ll actually earn per kWh, and get matched to the right option for your setup.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not just one supplier)
- Check eligibility, export meter requirements and typical payout timelines
- Get quotes and switch guidance with one quick form
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a home energy comparison service. Rates change and availability depends on supplier criteria, meter type and your export setup.
Compare SEG export tariffs for your home solar (whole-of-market)
If you generate electricity at home from solar panels (and potentially a home battery), the Smart Export Guarantee lets you get paid for electricity you export back to the grid. In 2026, the “best” SEG export tariff isn’t just the highest p/kWh headline rate — it’s the tariff you can actually qualify for, with terms that match your meter, usage patterns and export capability.
EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market SEG options available to UK households. Tell us a few details and we’ll show suitable export tariffs and switching guidance (including how export payments typically work, and what evidence suppliers may request).
Quick reality check: what “best SEG rate” means in 2026
- Eligibility can limit choices (MCS certificate, export meter type, supplier-specific criteria).
- Some tariffs pay more at certain times (time-based export rates) — great for batteries, not always for solar-only.
- Payment frequency and admin varies — a slightly lower rate can be worth it if it’s simpler and more reliable.
What we’ll use to match you
Your postcode
Checks regional availability and supplier coverage.
Your setup
Solar PV, export meter, and whether you have a battery.
Contact details
So we can send your matched options and next steps.
Get matched to the best export tariff options
Complete the form and we’ll show suitable SEG export tariff routes for your home. It takes about 60 seconds.
Already exporting?
If you’re currently on a SEG tariff, you can usually switch export terms without changing your solar panels. The key is ensuring your export meter readings and MCS documentation are in order. If you’re unsure what you have, we’ll guide you.
Why compare SEG export tariffs with EnergyPlus?
Whole-of-market view
We don’t just show one provider. We help you understand how export tariffs differ by eligibility, payment structure and export measurement.
Made for real home setups
Solar-only, solar + battery, smart meter, export meter—your “best rate” depends on how and when you export.
Clear switching guidance
We explain documentation, timelines and common pitfalls so you can avoid delays and start getting paid for export sooner.
Home-focused, UK-specific
Everything here is for domestic properties in the UK. If you’re exporting from a home solar PV system, you’re in the right place.
Support if your application stalls
A common issue is missing evidence (MCS, DNO notification, meter details). We’ll help you understand what’s needed.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
The Smart Export Guarantee is a scheme that requires larger electricity suppliers in Great Britain to offer a payment for renewable electricity you export to the national grid. If you generate electricity at home (typically solar PV), any surplus you don’t use in the house can be exported — and your SEG supplier pays you for the exported units (kWh) recorded by an eligible meter.
SEG in one sentence
You get paid per kWh for the electricity your home exports, usually based on readings from a smart/export meter, under a tariff offered by a SEG-licensed supplier.
What SEG is not
- It’s not the old Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme (which closed to new applicants).
- It’s not a guarantee of a specific p/kWh rate across all suppliers.
- It doesn’t pay you for what you generate — only what you export.
Do I need to buy electricity from the same supplier?
Not always. Some suppliers allow “export-only” SEG arrangements; others may require you to take their import tariff as well. This is why a whole-of-market comparison is useful — the highest headline export rate may come with conditions that don’t suit your home.
What affects the best SEG export tariff rates in the UK in 2026?
Export tariffs change over time and can vary by supplier and product. In 2026, the “best” SEG export tariff rate for your home typically depends on the factors below — which is why comparing based on your setup matters more than chasing a single number.
Tip: look at value per year, not just p/kWh
Two export tariffs can have the same rate but very different real-world outcomes due to metering, payment timing, and whether you’re forced onto a specific import tariff. If you share your postcode and basic details, we’ll help you compare options in a way that reflects typical household export patterns.
How to choose the best SEG export tariff for your home in 2026
Use the checklist below to narrow down the best export tariff rate for your circumstances. If you’d rather not wade through terms and conditions, use the comparison form and we’ll guide you.
If you have solar panels only (no battery)
- Prioritise a strong flat export rate and straightforward terms.
- Check how export is measured (smart/export meter readings) and how often you’re paid.
- Avoid complex time-based export plans unless you consistently export during higher-paid windows.
- Consider the import tariff too — some deals look good on export but cost more overall.
If you have solar + home battery
- Time-based export rates can be valuable if you can shift export to peak-rate periods.
- Check any restrictions on battery dispatch, export limits, or required smart metering.
- Look for clarity on how often rates change and how export statements are provided.
- Combine export with import: the best household outcome is usually total annual net cost.
Common “best rate” trap
A top-line export rate may only apply if you meet specific criteria (for example, certain meter types or import tariff tie-ins). Always confirm the eligibility list, export measurement method, and payment schedule before switching.
Switching to a better SEG export tariff: step-by-step
-
Gather your essentials
Typical requirements include MCS certificate (or equivalent evidence where applicable), proof of ownership/installation details, and export meter information. -
Confirm your export measurement
Export payments generally rely on smart/export meter readings. If you’re unsure what you have, we’ll help you identify what suppliers normally accept. -
Compare suitable tariffs
Look at rate type (flat vs time-based), payment frequency, and whether you must also switch your import tariff. -
Apply and submit documents
Many delays happen at this stage due to missing paperwork. Having it ready helps speed things up. -
Start exporting and track payments
Once set up, keep an eye on statements and ensure export readings are being received.
How long does SEG setup take?
Timelines vary by supplier and by how quickly documentation and meter details can be verified. If your export payments don’t start when expected, it’s often due to missing evidence or mismatched meter records.
Export readings: what to check
- Your export MPAN/meter details are correct (where applicable).
- Readings are being captured and shared for export settlement.
- Your statements show kWh exported and the applied rate clearly.
Eligibility: can I get a SEG export tariff in 2026?
Most UK households with solar PV can apply for SEG, but suppliers will usually check a few key points before they’ll start paying you for export.
MCS certification (often required)
Many suppliers ask for MCS paperwork to confirm your renewable installation meets required standards.
Eligible export metering
Export must be measured properly (commonly via a smart/export meter) so suppliers can pay per kWh exported.
Supplier-specific checks
Some tariffs have extra criteria (for example import tie-ins, tech requirements, or documentation requirements).
If you can’t find your MCS certificate
Don’t give up. Some homeowners can retrieve documentation from their installer or via relevant certificate records. Submit the comparison form and tell us what you have — we’ll outline practical next steps based on common supplier requirements.
How much could you earn from SEG export in 2026?
Your SEG earnings depend on how much surplus electricity your home exports (kWh) and the export tariff rate (p/kWh). Export can vary a lot between households depending on system size, daytime occupancy, and whether you store energy in a battery.
A simple earnings estimate
To estimate annual export payments:
Annual export (kWh) × export rate (p/kWh) ÷ 100 = £ per year
Example: 1,500 kWh exported at 15p/kWh ? 1,500 × 15 ÷ 100 = £225/year.
What changes the result most
- Self-consumption: the more you use at home, the less you export (but you may save more on import).
- Battery strategy: storing energy can reduce export, unless you export at premium times.
- Seasonality: summer export is usually higher than winter.
- Export cap/limits: some properties have export constraints set at installation.
Want a better estimate? Use our SEG comparison form and we’ll tailor guidance based on typical export behaviours and common supplier criteria for 2026.
Best SEG export tariff rates UK 2026: FAQs
What is a “good” SEG export rate in 2026?
A good SEG export rate is one you can qualify for and that pays reliably for your exported kWh. The best choice depends on whether the rate is flat or time-based, whether you must take an import tariff, and how frequently you’re paid. Use the comparison form to see suitable options.
Can I get a SEG export tariff without a smart meter?
Suppliers generally require export to be measured accurately. Many use smart/export meter readings for SEG. Requirements vary, so it’s worth checking what your preferred supplier accepts. If you tell us what meter you have, we’ll outline common routes.
Do I need to be with the same supplier for import and export?
Not always. Some suppliers allow export-only arrangements, while others require you to take their import tariff too. In 2026, assessing the combined impact on your annual bill is often the smartest way to decide.
Can I switch SEG export tariffs if I already have one?
In many cases, yes. You may need to re-submit documentation and ensure meter/export details match the new supplier’s requirements. If your aim is a better export rate in 2026, switching may be worthwhile once you compare the full terms.
Will a battery always increase SEG earnings?
Not necessarily. A battery can reduce export (because you store surplus for later), which may reduce SEG payments — but it can also help you export at higher-rate times on time-based tariffs. The best outcome depends on your overall import savings and export strategy.
Is SEG available in Northern Ireland?
SEG is a Great Britain scheme. If you’re in Northern Ireland, arrangements can differ. Submit your postcode and we’ll confirm the appropriate options for your location.
What UK homeowners say about comparing with EnergyPlus
“I didn’t realise the highest export rate came with an import tie-in. EnergyPlus helped me compare properly and pick a tariff that actually fit our usage.”
“The checklist on documents saved us weeks. Once we had the right paperwork, the export payments started without hassle.”
“We’ve got solar and a battery. EnergyPlus explained time-based export clearly, so we could judge if it was worth it for us.”
Trust & clarity
- Whole-of-market approach focused on suitability, not just headline rates.
- UK household focus (solar PV and home batteries).
- Plain-English guidance on eligibility, metering and switching steps.
Find your best SEG export tariff options for 2026
Get matched to suitable export tariff routes for your solar setup, with clear guidance on eligibility, metering and switching. One quick form — whole-of-market.
- Compare based on your home setup (solar-only or solar + battery)
- Understand conditions like import tie-ins, payment frequency and meter requirements
- Get practical next steps to start receiving export payments
Start your comparison
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