What is a solar export tariff in the UK?

A solar export tariff pays you for the electricity your solar panels send back to the grid. In the UK this is typically through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), where licensed suppliers pay a set rate per kWh exported (with the rate and terms varying by supplier and tariff).

How do I qualify for a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) export tariff?

To qualify for SEG you generally need eligible renewable generation (e.g., solar PV) installed by an MCS-certified installer (or equivalent), an export-capable smart meter, and registration with a SEG licensee. Some tariffs may have additional conditions such as being a customer for import electricity.

Do I need a smart meter to get paid for solar exports?

In most cases, yes. SEG payments usually require an export meter reading from an export-capable smart meter. If you don’t have one yet, you can typically request an upgrade from your supplier to enable accurate export readings and payments.

Are the best solar export tariff rates fixed or variable?

Solar export tariffs can be fixed-rate (a consistent p/kWh) or variable (changing with wholesale prices, time-of-use windows, or supplier pricing). A higher headline rate may come with restrictions such as certain metering requirements, smart tariffs, or specific import tariffs.

Can I switch export tariff without changing my solar panels?

Usually, yes. Your solar PV system stays the same — you can switch to another SEG licensee (subject to eligibility, meter requirements, and notice periods). Always check whether the new export tariff requires you to take their import tariff too.

What impacts how much I earn from exporting solar in winter (like January)?

Earnings depend on how much you export (generation minus what you use at home), the export rate (p/kWh), daylight hours and weather, panel orientation, shading, and whether you have a battery. In winter, lower generation can reduce export volumes, so optimising self-consumption may matter more.

Is it better to export solar electricity or store it in a home battery?

It depends on your export rate, your import unit rate, and when you use energy. If import electricity is expensive when you’re using it, storing solar to reduce imports can be more valuable than exporting. If you have a strong export rate (or time-of-use export payments), exporting more may be attractive. Many households use a combination: store first, export surplus.

Do I pay tax on solar export income in the UK?

For most households, SEG export payments are generally treated as tax-free when they’re from domestic microgeneration and not part of a trade. However, tax rules can vary depending on circumstances. If you’re unsure, check HMRC guidance or speak to a qualified tax adviser.

How do I choose the best solar export tariff for my home?

Compare (1) the export rate and whether it’s fixed or variable, (2) contract length and exit fees, (3) payment method and frequency, (4) any requirement to take the supplier’s import tariff, and (5) metering or battery requirements. Also consider your typical export volume (with/without a battery) and whether a time-of-use tariff matches your generation pattern.

Can Energyplus help me compare export tariffs and switch?

Yes. You can use Energyplus to understand current UK solar export tariff options, see what’s required to qualify, and choose a tariff that fits your solar setup and usage. Learn more at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/solar/best-solar-export-tariff-rates-uk-january-2026.

Best solar export tariff rates UK (January 2026)

Compare whole-of-market solar export tariffs for your home and see which UK suppliers are paying the most per kWh for your surplus solar. Get a personalised shortlist in minutes.

Whole-of-market comparison for home solar export tariffs (SEG and smart export)
Check eligibility, meter requirements and switching steps
Quick form—get matched to your best export options

Compare export tariffs Jump to rate factors

For UK households with solar PV. We compare tariffs across multiple suppliers. Rates and eligibility vary by region, meter type and export setup.

Compare the best solar export tariff options for your home

Searching for the best solar export tariff rates in the UK for January 2026 isn’t just about the headline p/kWh. Export tariffs can differ by supplier, region, meter type, and whether you’re on a smart, time-of-use export or a simpler SEG export rate.

EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market solar export tariffs for UK households, so you can see which deals suit your setup—solar only, solar + battery, smart meter, and how often you export.

Tip: If you have a battery, your “best” export tariff may be one that pays more at certain times—even if the average looks similar. We’ll highlight time-based options where available.

What you’ll get after you submit the form

A shortlist of export tariffs that match your home’s eligibility (SEG / smart export)
Clear notes on requirements (smart meter, MCS, supplier conditions)
Next steps to switch or add export payments without disrupting your import supply

Get your best export tariff match

Tell us a few details. It helps us filter rates and eligibility for your home.

Postcode Do you have a smart meter? Solar setup Email Phone (optional)

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By submitting, you agree to be contacted about solar export tariff comparisons. You can opt out at any time. We’ll never ask for bank details on this page.

Why export tariff choice matters in January 2026

Turn surplus into cash

If you regularly export (especially in spring and summer), a stronger export rate can improve your overall return—without changing your solar system.

Avoid “not eligible” surprises

Some suppliers require MCS certification, a smart meter, or you to be on their import tariff. We filter options based on your situation.

Match tariff type to your lifestyle

Fixed export, variable export, and time-of-use export can pay very differently depending on battery use, export times and household demand.

How solar export tariffs work (UK households)

A solar export tariff pays you for the electricity your home exports to the grid. Most UK households access export payments through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) or through a supplier’s smart export product.

SEG export (the standard route)

Supplier pays you per kWh exported
Rate can be fixed or variable depending on the tariff
Typically needs a compatible export meter (often a smart meter)
Supplier sets its own rate and eligibility rules

Smart export / time-of-use export

Export price can change by time (and sometimes by market conditions)
Can suit battery owners who choose when to export
Usually requires a smart meter and a compatible export setup
May come with more conditions (import tariff pairing, app-based management)

Typical process to start getting paid

Check your export metering (smart meter or export-capable meter) and your solar certification (often MCS).
Compare export tariffs and confirm eligibility conditions (e.g. must be an import customer).
Apply for export payments with your chosen supplier and provide required documents.
Once set up, export readings are used to calculate payments (monthly/quarterly depending on supplier).

What affects “best” solar export tariff rates in January 2026

Because suppliers set their own SEG and smart export rates, the “best” option depends on how you generate and export. Use this checklist to compare like-for-like.

Factor	Why it changes your payout	What to look for
Tariff type	Fixed/flat export rates pay the same at any time; smart export may pay more at certain times.	If you have a battery, compare time-based export vs flat export.
Meter & readings	Export payments rely on measured export (often half-hourly for smart export).	Confirm you have (or can get) a smart meter; check export registration.
Eligibility rules	Some suppliers only pay export if you also buy import electricity from them.	Check “must be an import customer” and any minimum term requirements.
Payment frequency	How quickly you receive credit/cashflow can matter, especially in winter.	Monthly vs quarterly payments; credit on bill vs bank transfer.
Export caps or conditions	A headline rate isn’t helpful if there’s a cap or narrow window.	Look for limits, minimum export, app/device requirements, and exit fees.

January reality check: Export volumes are usually lower in winter. If you export less in January, prioritise a tariff that keeps your overall household energy costs low (import + export combined), rather than chasing a high export rate alone.

Solar export tariff eligibility checklist (UK)

Most UK export tariffs share similar requirements, but each supplier can add extra conditions. Use this list before switching so you don’t lose time—or export payments.

Usually required

Solar PV installed at your home (not a business supply)
Export-capable meter (often a smart meter)
Proof of installation standards (commonly MCS, or equivalent evidence depending on supplier)
Grid connection/export registration as applicable (your installer can help if needed)

Often overlooked

Import customer requirement (some export tariffs only available with the same supplier for import)
Battery / inverter compatibility for smart export products
Half-hourly data consent for smart tariffs
Payment method (bill credit vs bank transfer) and timing

If you’re unsure about your meter or certification, submit the form in Compare tariffs and we’ll help narrow down which suppliers are likely to accept your setup.

How to compare export tariffs properly (quick guide)

1) Start with your export pattern

Do you export mostly midday (no battery) or evenings (battery)? This determines whether a flat rate or time-based export could work better.

2) Check the import deal too

If the export tariff requires you to be an import customer, compare the combined effect: standing charge + unit rate + export payments.

3) Confirm rules and payment method

Look for any caps, minimum terms, or device requirements. Also check whether you’re paid by bank transfer or bill credit.

Common mistakes when choosing a solar export tariff

Focusing on p/kWh only

A high export rate can be offset by a more expensive import unit rate or standing charge—particularly in winter when export is lower.

Missing eligibility details

Some tariffs require specific evidence (e.g. certification), a smart meter, or that you’re also an import customer with the supplier.

Not checking payment frequency

If cashflow matters, a quarterly payment schedule may be less appealing than monthly—especially if you export more in summer.

Assuming you can’t switch export

Many households can change export arrangements without changing their solar panels. Your meter setup and supplier rules matter more.

FAQs: best solar export tariff rates UK (January 2026)

What is the best solar export tariff in the UK right now?

The best export tariff depends on your home’s region, metering, import supplier, and whether you can use time-of-use export. Use the comparison form to see which export tariffs you’re likely to qualify for, then compare on export rate, terms and payment method.

Do I need to switch my import electricity to get a good export rate?

Not always. Some suppliers offer export-only options, while others require you to be an import customer. When a switch is required, compare the combined impact of import and export, not export rate alone.

Can I get SEG payments without a smart meter?

Many export tariffs expect an export-capable meter and often a smart meter. Some suppliers may support other metering arrangements, but smart export tariffs typically require smart metering and data access.

Are solar export payments taxable in the UK?

Rules can vary by individual circumstances. If you’re unsure, check HMRC guidance or seek professional advice. For most households, suppliers pay export based on measured kWh and provide statements for your records.

Will a battery increase my export earnings?

It can—especially if you can store surplus and export when rates are higher (on time-of-use export). However, many households use batteries primarily to reduce import. The best outcome depends on your tariff structure and usage patterns.

How quickly can I start receiving export payments after switching?

Timescales vary by supplier and how quickly documentation and export registration are confirmed. Once set up, payments are usually issued monthly or quarterly depending on the tariff.

Trust & transparency

Whole-of-market approach

We compare across multiple UK suppliers and highlight eligibility conditions so you can make an informed choice.

No jargon, just clarity

We explain export tariff types, meter requirements and switching steps in plain UK English.

Your data, your choice

We only ask for details needed to shortlist tariffs. You can opt out of communications at any time.

What UK homeowners say

“The form took two minutes and the shortlist actually matched my setup. I didn’t realise my export tariff had conditions until I compared properly.”

Homeowner, Greater Manchester

“EnergyPlus explained the difference between flat export and smart export in a way that made sense. Switching was simpler than expected.”

Homeowner, Kent

Ready to find your best solar export tariff for January 2026?

Submit your details and we’ll match you with export tariffs you’re likely to qualify for—then you can choose based on rate, terms and how you export.