Best solar export tariff rates UK (February 2026)
Compare whole-of-market solar export tariffs for UK homes and find a rate that suits your setup (SEG, smart export and time-of-use). Get matched in minutes and request a personalised quote.
- Whole-of-market comparison for home solar export tariffs
- Check eligibility for SEG and smart export plans
- See how battery + EV tariffs can change your export value
- Fast form—no obligation, UK-based support
Rates and availability can change. We’ll confirm the latest export options for your postcode, meter type and installer documentation.
Get the best solar export tariff for your home (whole-of-market)
Export tariffs pay you for electricity your solar panels send back to the grid. In February 2026, the “best” export tariff isn’t just the highest p/kWh headline—what you earn depends on your meter type, whether you have a battery, your usage pattern, and whether you’re willing to switch to a time-of-use import plan that pairs well with export.
EnergyPlus compares export options across the market and helps you shortlist plans that fit your setup. Complete the form and we’ll match you with suitable export tariffs and any compatible import tariffs (where relevant).
Good to know: Most export tariffs require a smart meter and proof your system is MCS-certified (or an accepted equivalent under SEG rules). If you’re not sure what you have, we can still help—share what you know and we’ll guide you.
Tip for February 2026: If you have (or plan to add) a battery, ask us to include export tariffs that reward planned export windows as well as standard SEG export.
Important: EnergyPlus is a comparison service. We’re not a lender or an energy supplier. Export tariff eligibility and payments are set by suppliers and subject to their terms, your meter configuration and your system documentation.
Why homeowners compare solar export tariffs (not just the rate)
Different tariffs suit different setups
A high p/kWh export tariff can look great, but if it forces a pricey import tariff—or doesn’t suit your battery schedule—you may earn less overall.
Small terms can change earnings
Payment frequency, how export is measured, smart meter requirements and contract conditions can impact your real-world export value.
Your export varies by season
February export is often lower than summer. The best plan balances year-round performance—especially if you use a battery or EV charging.
Whole-of-market saves time
Instead of checking supplier pages one by one, compare options side-by-side and focus on tariffs you can actually join.
Avoid “rate-first” mistakes
Some export tariffs pair with time-of-use import rates. If you don’t shift usage, the import side can outweigh export gains.
Get clarity on SEG vs smart export
We help you understand whether a standard SEG tariff or a smart export option best matches how your home generates and uses energy.
Best solar export tariff rates UK: February 2026 guidance
Because suppliers can change export prices and terms at short notice, the practical way to find the best solar export tariff in February 2026 is to compare rate + rules + compatibility for your exact home (postcode, smart meter, solar size, battery and usage habits).
Use the table below as a checklist for what “best” usually means in the UK—then use the comparison form to see current, joinable options.
| Tariff type (UK homes) | Best for | What to check in Feb 2026 | Common pitfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard SEG export (flat rate) | Homes wanting simple, predictable export payments | p/kWh rate, payment frequency, smart meter requirement, contract length, whether you must take import with the same supplier | Choosing the highest p/kWh but missing a better import deal elsewhere |
| Smart export / variable export | Homes with batteries that can time export | How export prices vary by time, whether your inverter/battery brand is supported, if there are caps or export limits | Assuming it works with any battery or without smart meter configuration |
| Time-of-use import + export bundle | Homes able to shift usage (EV charging, dishwasher, immersion heater, battery charging) | Peak/off-peak import rates, export rates, any standing charge changes, whether you can realistically avoid peak import | Export gains being wiped out by peak import costs |
| Deemed export (rare/legacy cases) | Some older arrangements where export is estimated rather than metered | Whether you can switch, whether a smart meter upgrade changes eligibility, and how estimates compare to actual export | Staying on an estimate when your actual export would pay more |
Practical definition of “best” in February: the export tariff that pays well for your winter export profile and doesn’t force you into an import rate that makes the overall bill worse.
How solar export tariffs work in the UK (SEG explained)
Most UK home export payments fall under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Under SEG, licensed suppliers with enough customers must offer an export tariff, and they pay you for metered electricity exported to the grid. The supplier sets the rate and terms.
- Your solar generates electricity. Your home uses what it can first.
- Excess electricity is exported. A compatible meter measures export (commonly via a smart meter setup).
- Your supplier pays you per kWh exported. Payment frequency and rates vary by tariff.
- You can optimise with usage shifts or a battery. This can increase self-consumption and (for some plans) enable more valuable export timing.
Key terms you’ll see
- Export rate (p/kWh): what you’re paid for each unit exported.
- Eligibility: MCS certificate (or accepted equivalent), smart meter, commissioning docs.
- Payment method: credit on bill or bank transfer; monthly/quarterly schedules.
- Tariff structure: fixed/flat vs variable/time-based export.
What changes your export earnings
- Season: February generation is typically lower than late spring/summer.
- Shading & orientation: roof direction and local shading affect output.
- Household daytime usage: more daytime use can reduce export but lower imports.
- Battery/EV: can shift consumption; some tariffs reward export at certain times.
If you’re still waiting for a smart meter installation or it isn’t configured for export readings yet, we can still identify likely options and next steps. Start with the form.
What to look for in the best export tariff (February 2026 checklist)
When comparing solar export tariff rates in the UK, focus on the total outcome for your household—especially if you’re considering a switch. Here are the checks that most often separate a good deal from a costly one.
1) Do you need to take import too?
Some export tariffs are only available if your import electricity is with the same supplier. That can be fine—provided the import rates and standing charge stack up.
2) Flat vs smart export
If you have a battery, a “smart export” option might suit you, but only if your hardware and meter setup are supported and the rules fit your export pattern.
3) Payment schedule & admin
Check when you get paid (monthly/quarterly), whether readings are automatic, and what happens if your meter/export readings aren’t available temporarily.
4) Standing charge trade-offs
A higher export rate can be offset by a higher standing charge or less competitive import unit rates. We compare the overall picture.
5) Meter & export measurement
Confirm your meter can provide export readings (not just import). This is one of the biggest causes of delays when switching export tariffs.
6) Contract terms and changes
Look for minimum terms, any exit fees, and how often rates can change—especially on variable export plans.
Quick win: If your household uses more electricity in the evening, a battery can reduce peak import. The “best” export tariff may then be the one that pairs with the most suitable time-of-use import deal, not just the highest export p/kWh.
Eligibility for UK solar export tariffs (SEG) in 2026
Most suppliers will ask for evidence your solar PV system meets SEG requirements and that export can be measured. If you’re missing a document, don’t worry—often there’s a route forward.
Typically required
- MCS certificate (or accepted equivalent evidence, depending on supplier and install type)
- DNO notification / commissioning confirmation (varies by system)
- Smart meter capable of recording export
- Proof of address and basic account details
If you’re unsure
- New homeowner? Ask for documents from the seller or installer; we can advise what’s usually accepted.
- No smart meter yet? We can shortlist likely suppliers and explain the typical steps to enable export readings.
- Battery added later? You may need to confirm your export limitation settings and metering arrangements.
- Multiple meters? Some homes have complex setups—tell us and we’ll handle it.
February 2026 switching tip: If you’re changing import supplier, check that export enrollment won’t be paused during the transition. We’ll help you plan the switch to minimise missed export payments.
Common mistakes when choosing a solar export tariff
Homeowners often lose value by focusing on one number. Avoid these common issues when comparing export tariffs in the UK.
Chasing the highest p/kWh only
If a high export rate comes with an expensive import plan or a higher standing charge, you may be worse off overall.
Not checking meter/export readings
A smart meter needs to be installed and configured correctly for export. Misconfiguration can delay or prevent export payments.
Assuming winter export will be “like summer”
February export is typically lower. It’s often smarter to optimise import costs and self-consumption during winter months.
Ignoring export limits
Some systems have export limitation settings. That can affect how much you can export and therefore what you earn.
Overlooking compatibility with battery/EV
Not every tariff works well with every battery or EV charging routine. Matching the tariff to your routine is key.
Missing supplier terms
Check if rates are variable, how changes are notified, and whether there’s a minimum term before switching again.
If you want a short list of export tariffs that should be available for your home in February 2026, start here: compare export tariffs.
FAQs: solar export tariffs UK (February 2026)
What is the best solar export tariff in the UK right now?
The best tariff depends on your eligibility and how you use energy at home. In February 2026, the best option is usually the one that combines a strong export rate with sensible import pricing and terms that match your meter/battery setup. Use our comparison form to see options available for your postcode.
Do I need a smart meter for SEG export payments?
In most cases, yes. Suppliers commonly require a smart meter (or suitable export-capable metering) to measure exported electricity accurately. If you don’t have one yet, we can still advise on likely tariffs and the steps to get export readings enabled.
Can I get an export tariff if my import electricity is with a different supplier?
Sometimes. Some suppliers allow export-only arrangements; others require your import supply with them too. This is a key factor when hunting the best export tariff rate, and it’s something we check during comparison.
How long does it take to start getting paid for exported solar?
Timescales vary by supplier and whether your documentation and export readings are ready. Delays are often caused by missing MCS/DNO paperwork or export readings not being available. We’ll help you identify what’s needed before you switch.
Will a battery increase my solar export earnings?
A battery usually increases your self-consumption (reducing imports), and can help you control when you export. Whether it increases export income depends on your tariff type and your household routine. In winter months like February, savings from reduced imports can be more significant than export payments.
Is exporting solar income taxable in the UK?
Tax treatment can depend on your circumstances. For most households, SEG payments are modest, but rules can change and individual situations vary. If you’re unsure, check HMRC guidance or speak to a qualified tax adviser.
Still deciding? Start with the basics—postcode, whether you have a smart meter, and whether you have a battery—and we’ll do the rest. Compare export tariffs now.
What UK homeowners say about EnergyPlus
We focus on clarity and suitability—so you don’t waste time on tariffs you can’t join or deals that don’t fit your home.
“I thought the best export rate was obvious, but the import side made a big difference. EnergyPlus helped me compare properly.”
“They explained what documents I needed for SEG and why my export readings weren’t showing. Switching was straightforward after that.”
“Useful short list of options for my postcode. No pressure—just the info I needed to choose.”
Whole-of-market approach: we compare suitable export tariffs and explain the trade-offs, so you can choose confidently.
Home-focused: guidance designed for UK households (not business export arrangements).
Ready to find the best solar export tariff for February 2026?
Share your postcode and a few details. We’ll match you to export tariffs you can join and help you compare the real-world value (export rate, import pricing and terms).
- Fast, no-obligation comparison for UK homes
- Support for standard SEG and smart export options
- Clear explanation of trade-offs before you switch
Prefer to read first? Use the jump links above to review how SEG works and what to look for.
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