Best solar export tariff rates (UK) — April 2026 guide

Compare UK solar export tariffs (SEG) the practical way: what “best rate” really means, who can join, and how to estimate your yearly export value before you switch.

  • Includes a clear checklist for choosing between fixed p/kWh, variable, and smart export tariffs
  • Two worked examples with realistic assumptions (battery vs no battery)
  • Transparent methodology, eligibility rules, and common pitfalls to avoid
Get my export tariff quote See how to pick the right tariff

Rates and eligibility vary by supplier, meter type and region. Figures on this page are estimates for April 2026 and should be checked against supplier terms before switching.

Fast answer: what’s the best solar export tariff rate in April 2026?

For most UK households in April 2026, the “best” solar export tariff is the one that pays a competitive pence per kWh for export and matches your setup (smart meter, battery, and whether you can/want to move your import tariff too). The highest headline rate isn’t always best once you factor in eligibility, export measurement, and any required import tariff.

Important: UK solar export payments are typically made under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Rates change and can differ by region/metering type. Always confirm the supplier’s SEG rate, payment frequency, and eligibility before you switch.

Best for most homes

A simple fixed SEG export rate with no complex requirements, measured export (smart meter), and clear payment terms.

Best for battery owners

A smart/half-hourly export tariff can pay more at peak times—but it can also pay less when the grid is saturated. Best if you can time export.

Best for renters & movers

Look for no/low exit fees and flexible terms. Some export deals are tied to an import tariff or supplier account conditions.

Key takeaways (April 2026)

  • Export rate (p/kWh) matters, but so does how export is measured (smart meter vs deemed export) and what you must do to qualify.
  • Some suppliers offer export tariffs only if you also take their import tariff. The combined cost is what matters.
  • If you have a battery, a smart export tariff may suit you—but check price volatility, negative pricing protections, and payment terms.
  • Always check payment frequency (monthly/quarterly), minimum export threshold, and meter compatibility.

Compare solar export tariffs with EnergyPlus

Tell us a few basics and we’ll help you compare export tariff options that fit your home setup. We’ll also flag common eligibility blockers (like meter type or installation certification) before you waste time.

What you’ll need: your postcode, contact details, and (if known) whether you have a smart meter and battery. If you’re unsure, you can still submit—just answer “Not sure”.

How UK solar export tariffs work (quick but accurate)

SEG (Smart Export Guarantee)
A requirement for larger electricity suppliers to offer at least one export tariff to eligible microgenerators. You’re paid for electricity you export to the grid.
Measured export vs deemed export
Most SEG tariffs use measured export via a compatible meter (often a smart meter). “Deemed export” is more associated with older FIT arrangements and can follow different rules.
Fixed vs variable vs smart (half-hourly)
Fixed pays a set p/kWh. Variable can change with notice. Smart/half-hourly can track market conditions—great if you can control export, riskier if you can’t.
Import tariff link
Some export tariffs require you to be the supplier’s import customer too. Always compare the combined import + export impact.

Get your export tariff quote

We’ll use these details to match tariffs and contact you with your comparison options. You can ask for email-only updates.

We’ll send your comparison summary and any follow-up questions here.

If you prefer, we can confirm meter and eligibility details by phone.

Used to check regional availability and network area rules where relevant.

No obligation. We’ll explain the tariff terms before you decide.

Tip: If you’re on an older Feed-in Tariff (FIT), switching export arrangements can be complex. In the FAQs below, see how FIT and SEG differ before you change anything.

Compare solar export tariff types (what “best rate” really depends on)

Use this table to decide which export tariff style suits your household. Actual rates vary by supplier and can change; the goal here is to help you avoid choosing based on headline p/kWh alone.

Tariff type How export is paid Likely requirements Best for Watch-outs
Fixed SEG export Set p/kWh for each kWh exported Usually measured export via compatible meter; MCS equivalent evidence often required Most homes who want simplicity and predictability May not be the highest at peak times; check payment frequency and whether import must be with same supplier
Variable SEG export p/kWh can change with notice or formula Measured export; supplier terms vary People comfortable with changing rates Harder to forecast annual earnings; check how/when changes are communicated
Smart / half-hourly export Rate varies by time; may track wholesale market Smart meter with half-hourly data; sometimes specific import tariff required Battery owners and active energy managers Your export may occur when rates are low; check protections for very low/negative prices and any platform/app dependency
Export add-on / bundle Export rate linked to an import deal Often must take import and export together; may need direct debit/online account Those switching import anyway, and happy with one supplier A great export rate can be offset by a higher import unit rate/standing charge—compare as a package

Decision checklist: who it suits (and who it doesn’t)

You’ll usually do well with a higher export rate if…

  • You export a meaningful amount (typically higher if you’re out during the day or have low daytime usage).
  • Your export is measured accurately via a compatible meter.
  • You’ve checked whether you must also take the same supplier for import.
  • You’re clear on payment timing (monthly vs quarterly) and you’re comfortable with it.

A headline “best rate” may not suit you if…

  • You have a battery and can store most generation (less export means the rate matters less).
  • The tariff requires a linked import deal that’s poor value for your usage pattern.
  • You don’t have the right metering (or you’re unable to move to half-hourly data if required).
  • You’re on FIT and switching/export changes could affect your current arrangement.

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

These examples show how the same “best export rate” can be worth very different amounts depending on your export volume and tariff structure.

Scenario A: No battery, higher daytime export

  • Solar PV: 4kWp typical domestic system
  • Annual generation: 3,400 kWh (varies by region/roof)
  • Self-consumption: 40% (1,360 kWh)
  • Annual export: 2,040 kWh

Estimated export value:

  • At 10p/kWh: £204/year
  • At 15p/kWh: £306/year
  • Difference: £102/year (before any import tariff differences)

Assumes measured export and stable rates. If a higher export rate requires a more expensive import tariff, the net benefit could shrink or reverse.

Scenario B: Battery, lower export (but more control)

  • Solar PV: 4kWp
  • Annual generation: 3,400 kWh
  • Self-consumption with battery: 75% (2,550 kWh)
  • Annual export: 850 kWh

Estimated export value:

  • At 10p/kWh: £85/year
  • At 15p/kWh: £127.50/year
  • Difference: £42.50/year

With a battery, export volume can be lower—so focusing only on export p/kWh may matter less than optimising import rates and time-of-use.

Quick rule of thumb: your annual export value ˜ exported kWh × export rate. If your export is low (for example because you have a battery), the “best rate” matters less than the full import + export package.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)

These are the issues that most often stop people getting the export tariff they thought they were signing up to.

1) Meter compatibility

Many SEG tariffs require measured export. If your meter can’t record/export readings (or half-hourly data is required), you may need a meter exchange.

2) Installation evidence

Suppliers commonly ask for proof your system is installed to relevant standards (often MCS or equivalent) and that it’s safe to export to the grid.

3) “Export rate” but costly import

Some high export rates are only available if you switch your import too. A higher standing charge or unit rate can outweigh export earnings.

Payment frequency and minimum thresholds

Export payments may be monthly or quarterly. Some suppliers have minimum payout thresholds (for example, they might wait until your balance reaches a set amount). Always check the terms so you’re not surprised.

Deemed export vs measured export confusion

If you’re on an older arrangement (for example FIT), your export treatment can be different. Don’t assume you can “upgrade to SEG” without checking how it interacts with existing payments.

Exit fees and contract length

Export tariffs can be tied to a wider energy contract. Check for exit fees, fixed-term end dates, and whether export terms change if you move home.

Before you switch: Write down (1) your current import unit rate + standing charge, (2) your estimated exported kWh per year, (3) whether you have a smart meter and battery. That’s enough to avoid most costly mistakes.

FAQs: solar export tariffs in the UK

1) Do I need to be with the same supplier for import and export?

Not always. Some suppliers allow SEG export even if your import is elsewhere, but others require you to be an import customer too. This is why the “best rate” depends on the full package, not just export p/kWh.

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

Many SEG tariffs require a meter capable of providing export readings (often a smart meter). Smart/half-hourly export tariffs typically require half-hourly data. If you don’t have a compatible meter, you may need a meter exchange before payments can start.

3) What’s the difference between SEG and the old Feed-in Tariff (FIT)?

FIT (closed to new applicants) used to pay generation and often deemed export. SEG generally pays for measured export only, and the rate is set by the supplier. If you’re on FIT, changing arrangements can be complex—check the rules carefully and consider getting specialist advice before making changes.

4) How do I estimate how much I export each year?

A practical approach is: annual solar generation (kWh) minus the amount you use directly at home (self-consumption). If you have monitoring (inverter app, battery app, smart meter data), use that. If not, you can estimate using typical self-consumption ranges: often ~30–50% without a battery and ~60–80% with a battery (varies by lifestyle and system size).

5) Are export payments taxable in the UK?

Tax depends on your circumstances. For many households, SEG export payments are small, but tax treatment can vary and HMRC guidance can change. If you export at scale or have other income considerations, consider checking current HMRC guidance or seeking tax advice.

6) Can I get an export tariff if I didn’t use an MCS installer?

Possibly, but it can be harder. Many suppliers ask for MCS certification (or equivalent evidence) and commissioning documentation. Requirements vary by supplier, so it’s worth checking eligibility before switching.

7) Do export tariffs vary by region (England, Scotland, Wales)?

Export tariff availability and terms can vary by supplier and sometimes by metering/network factors. The SEG framework is GB-wide, but supplier product rules and operational constraints may differ. Always check your postcode during comparison.

8) What if my export readings are missing or wrong?

Take photos of meter readings and keep screenshots from your solar/battery monitoring. If payments look wrong, contact your supplier and ask what data they used (monthly vs half-hourly) and whether export readings were received correctly. If you’re struggling, Citizens Advice has guidance on energy complaints and escalation routes.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page details

How we assess “best solar export tariff rates”

We assess export tariffs from a consumer-first perspective. We don’t rank a tariff as “best” purely on the highest p/kWh because eligibility and linked import conditions can change the outcome.

  • Rate structure: fixed vs variable vs half-hourly (and how often it can change).
  • Eligibility: meter requirements, installation evidence, whether you must be an import customer.
  • Payment terms: how often you’re paid, minimum payout thresholds, how readings are obtained.
  • Household fit: likely export volumes with and without a battery; predictability vs optimisation.
  • Fair comparison: we consider the combined impact if an export tariff is tied to an import deal (unit rate, standing charge, exit fees).

Limitations: This guide cannot list every live tariff and rate on the market at the time you read it, because suppliers update prices and eligibility. Use this page to choose the right tariff type and questions to ask, then confirm the exact SEG export rate and terms with the supplier before switching.

Sources (UK)

Ready to compare export tariffs that fit your home?

We’ll help you shortlist export options based on your meter, your setup (battery/no battery), and whether you want to switch import too.

Get my export tariff quote Re-check the key takeaways

You’re always in control: no guaranteed savings claims, and we’ll explain eligibility and tariff terms before you decide.

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Updated on 31 Mar 2026