Best solar export tariff rates UK (March 2026)
Compare UK solar export tariffs for March 2026 (SEG). See what affects your export rate, what you’ll actually earn in pence per kWh, and how to choose a tariff that fits your meter, payments and usage.
- Whole-of-market comparison: export rates, key terms, and eligibility checks
- Two real-world examples with estimated annual export earnings
- Clear guidance for Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) sign-up and switching
Rates and availability change often and may depend on your meter, region and export meter readings. Figures on this page are estimates, not guarantees.
Fast answer: what’s the best solar export tariff in March 2026?
The “best” solar export tariff is usually the one that pays a strong pence-per-kWh export rate and fits your setup: your export meter type (often a smart meter), payment method, and whether the supplier requires you to also buy your import electricity from them.
Key takeaway #1
A high headline export rate can be less useful if you must move your import supply to the same supplier (and their import unit rate is higher).
Key takeaway #2
Most SEG export tariffs need a smart meter (or export meter readings). If you can’t provide export readings, your options may be limited.
Key takeaway #3
If you export very little (because you self-consume most generation), the “best” tariff may be the one with simpler terms and no tie-in, rather than the highest p/kWh.
Important: Export tariff rates are updated frequently. Always confirm the current p/kWh, whether the rate is fixed or variable, how you’ll be paid (credit vs bank transfer), and any import-supply requirement before switching.
Compare solar export tariffs (whole-of-market) and get your quote
Tell us a few details and we’ll show suitable export options alongside import tariffs where relevant (because for many households the import price can matter more than export earnings).
What you’ll get
- Export tariffs you’re eligible for (SEG)
- Clear flags for “must also import” requirements
- Estimated earnings based on your export pattern (if provided)
Before you start
- Your postcode (to check regional availability)
- Whether you have a smart meter / export readings
- Approx. system size (kWp) if you know it
If you rent: you can still compare export tariffs, but you may need the landlord’s permission for meter changes and to confirm who owns the solar system and export rights.
Get a solar export tariff quote
Solar export tariff comparison: what to check (March 2026)
Suppliers change SEG export rates regularly and sometimes run short-lived offers. Rather than listing rates that can go out of date quickly, this table shows the decision factors that usually determine which export tariff is best for you.
| What you’re comparing | Why it matters | Good sign | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export rate (p/kWh) | This is what you’re paid for each unit exported. | Clearly stated rate and whether it’s fixed or variable. | Introductory rates, complex tiers, or unclear change rules. |
| Import tie-in | Some export tariffs require you to also buy electricity from the same supplier. | Export-only available, or import tariff is competitive. | Higher import unit rates that outweigh export earnings. |
| Meter requirements | Most SEG tariffs require smart export readings or an export meter. | Accepts smart readings and/or clear manual reading process. | No route for households without smart export readings. |
| Payment method | How you receive export payments affects cashflow and convenience. | Regular bank payments with clear schedule and statements. | Credit-only arrangements or infrequent payment cycles. |
| Contract terms | Exit fees and notice can matter if rates change. | No/low exit fees, reasonable notice period. | Long fixed deals with steep exit fees or auto-rollovers. |
| Eligibility & evidence | You may need proof of installation and standards compliance. | Clear list of documents and realistic timescales. | Unclear requirements leading to delayed onboarding. |
Why we don’t publish a single “top rate” list here: export offers can change week-to-week and eligibility varies (import tie-ins, smart export readings, and supplier availability). EnergyPlus comparisons are generated from current market data at the time you request a quote.
Decision checklist: choose the right export tariff for you
Usually suits you if…
- You have a smart meter that records export (or you can provide export readings).
- You export a meaningful amount (e.g., you’re out during the day and have no battery).
- You’re happy to compare import + export together to avoid overpaying on electricity you buy in.
- You want a clear payment schedule (e.g., monthly/quarterly) and transparent statements.
May not suit you if…
- You export very little because you self-consume (battery, EV charging midday, or home working).
- You can’t get export readings and the tariff requires them.
- The export tariff forces you onto an expensive import deal (especially important in winter).
- You rely on prepayment meters (export often still possible, but supplier options can be narrower).
Quick “best rate” reality check
- Is the export rate fixed or variable?
- Variable rates can change; fixed rates may have term/exit conditions.
- Do you need to switch your import too?
- A higher import unit rate can outweigh export earnings quickly.
- How are you paid?
- Bank payments are usually easiest to track; credits may suit some households.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These examples show how export earnings can look in practice. Your results depend on generation, self-consumption, weather, shading, system size, inverter limits, and tariff terms.
Scenario A: typical 3.6kWp, no battery
- System: 3.6kWp solar PV
- Annual generation (estimate): 3,300 kWh
- Self-consumed: 45% (1,485 kWh)
- Exported: 55% (1,815 kWh)
Estimated export earnings
At 10p/kWh: 1,815 × £0.10 ˜ £182/year
At 15p/kWh: 1,815 × £0.15 ˜ £272/year
Assumes export is accurately metered and paid at a single flat rate.
Scenario B: 5.0kWp with battery (higher self-use)
- System: 5.0kWp solar PV + home battery
- Annual generation (estimate): 4,600 kWh
- Self-consumed: 70% (3,220 kWh)
- Exported: 30% (1,380 kWh)
Estimated export earnings
At 10p/kWh: 1,380 × £0.10 ˜ £138/year
At 15p/kWh: 1,380 × £0.15 ˜ £207/year
Battery increases self-consumption, which can reduce export earnings even if export rates rise.
How to use these scenarios: If your exported kWh is low, a slightly higher export rate may not move the needle much. In that case, prioritise import prices, exit fees, and a straightforward process for readings and payments.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)
Export tariffs are generally straightforward, but there are a few common issues that cause delays or disappointing results. These are the checks we recommend before you switch.
1) Import tariff costs outweigh export earnings
Some high export rates come with an import requirement. If the import unit rate (or standing charge) is higher, you could pay more overall even while earning more on export.
Tip: Compare on total annual cost: (import costs) - (export earnings), using your own usage where possible.
2) Export readings aren’t available
If your meter setup can’t provide export readings, you may not be able to join certain SEG tariffs. This is common with older meters or incomplete smart meter setups.
Tip: Ask your supplier how export is measured on your account (smart export, separate export register, or manual readings).
3) Paperwork delays (proof of installation)
Suppliers often ask for installation evidence (for example commissioning documents). Missing paperwork can delay onboarding and payments.
Tip: Keep your solar PV documentation and inverter details handy, and take photos of your meter(s) and serial numbers.
4) Exit fees and fixed terms
If export is bundled into a wider fixed import deal, leaving early can trigger exit fees. That matters if market rates change or you move home.
5) Payment timing and format
Some suppliers pay export as a credit on your electricity bill rather than cash, or pay quarterly rather than monthly. Neither is “wrong”, but it affects what feels best for you.
6) Moving home / renting complications
If you move, export payments don’t automatically follow you. If you rent, confirm who has the right to sign up for SEG (you vs landlord) and whether meter changes are permitted.
FAQs: solar export tariffs in the UK
1) What is SEG and how is it different from the old Feed-in Tariff (FiT)?
SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) pays you for measured electricity you export to the grid. The old Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme is closed to new applicants; FiT paid generation and (often deemed) export under older rules.
2) Do I need a smart meter to get a solar export tariff?
Often, yes. Many SEG tariffs require smart export readings. Some suppliers can accept manual export readings depending on your meter setup, but options can be more limited. If you’re not sure, check whether your meter has an export register or whether your supplier can read export half-hourly.
3) Can I have an export tariff with one supplier and import with another?
Sometimes. Some suppliers offer export-only SEG; others require you to take their import tariff as well. Eligibility rules differ by supplier and can change.
4) How are export payments made and how often?
Common approaches include crediting your electricity bill or paying your bank account monthly/quarterly. Check the supplier’s payment schedule, how readings are collected, and whether there’s a minimum payment threshold.
5) Are solar export payments taxable in the UK?
Tax can be fact-specific and depends on your circumstances. Most households treat SEG export payments as small-scale income, but you should check HMRC guidance or get professional advice if you’re unsure, particularly if you have multiple properties or unusually high export income.
6) What documents might I need to join an export tariff?
Typically you’ll need details of your installation and your export meter. Suppliers may request commissioning paperwork, proof the system meets required standards, and the MCS certificate where applicable. Requirements vary by supplier and system type.
7) Does having a battery affect which export tariff is best?
Yes. Batteries usually increase self-consumption and reduce exported units, which can reduce the value of chasing the very highest export p/kWh. You may want to focus on import pricing and any time-of-use features (where available), plus clear export measurement terms.
8) How long does it take to start getting paid for exports after switching?
Timescales vary. Delays are usually caused by meter configuration, onboarding checks, or missing documents. A realistic approach is to expect several weeks from application to first payment, depending on supplier processes.
How we assess “best solar export tariff rates” (methodology)
Our approach
- User outcome first: we prioritise expected household outcome (import cost minus export earnings), not just the headline export p/kWh.
- Eligibility filtering: we check common constraints such as smart/export meter requirements, region availability, and whether import supply is required.
- Transparency: we flag where terms vary by supplier (payment timing, exit fees, fixed vs variable export rates).
Assumptions used in examples on this page
- Generation estimates are illustrative only and can vary significantly by location, roof orientation, shading, and weather.
- Export is assumed to be accurately measured and paid per kWh exported (no deemed export).
- We show two export rates (10p and 15p) to demonstrate sensitivity; your available rate may be higher or lower.
Limitations: We can’t guarantee a specific export rate or acceptance. Suppliers can change rates, pause products, or update eligibility criteria. Always review the supplier’s tariff information and terms before you agree.
Page details
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- March 2026
Sources (UK regulators and consumer guidance)
- Ofgem: Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- Citizens Advice: energy supply and switching guidance
- GOV.UK: solar photovoltaics information
- Ofgem: billing rules and consumer protections
We also reference supplier tariff sheets and terms at the time a quote is generated. Those are supplier-controlled and can change.
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