Best solar export tariff rates UK (May 2026)
Compare SEG export rates, check eligibility (smart meter, MCS, supplier rules), and see what you could earn from exporting solar to the grid. We explain what to look for and how to switch without disrupting your import tariff.
- Up-to-date guidance for May 2026 (rates vary by supplier and can change)
- Clear checklist: who high export rates suit, and who should prioritise import price
- Worked examples with realistic assumptions (kWh, self-consumption, deemed vs metered export)
Estimates only. Export payments and eligibility depend on your meter, installer certification, supplier terms, and your home’s generation/export profile.
Fast answer: what’s the “best” solar export tariff in the UK?
In May 2026, the best solar export tariff for you is usually the one that balances export rate (p/kWh) with eligibility and any knock-on impact on your import unit rate. The highest headline export rate isn’t always best if it requires you to move onto a pricier import tariff, limits who can join (for example: existing customers only), or has strict metering/installation rules.
Key point: Most homes earn more overall by optimising self-consumption (using your solar in the home) and avoiding an expensive import tariff, rather than chasing the very top export p/kWh at all costs.
What to look for
- Export rate (p/kWh) and whether it’s fixed or variable
- Eligibility: smart meter type, MCS proof, account status
- Import impact: do you have to switch import tariff too?
- Payment method: monthly/quarterly, credit/refund
Typical eligibility (SEG)
- Solar PV installed by an MCS-certified installer (or equivalent scheme)
- Export-capable meter (usually a smart meter)
- Proof of ownership/installation (MCS certificate, DNO confirmation)
- Not on the old Feed-in Tariff for the same system
Quick decision rule
Start with your export volume. If you export a lot (e.g., no battery, out all day), export rate matters more. If you import a lot in the evening, the import unit rate can dominate.
Best approach: compare export and import together, not in isolation.
Compare export tariffs (whole of market) — without guesswork
Tell us a few details and we’ll help you compare solar export options available to UK households. We’ll highlight the practical constraints that can make a “top rate” unsuitable, such as needing a specific import tariff, smart meter requirements, or limited availability for new customers.
Good to know: You can often switch export arrangements without changing your solar hardware. However, some suppliers only offer certain export tariffs if you also take their import tariff.
What we’ll check for you
- Eligibility: smart meter status, MCS evidence, tariff restrictions
- Export rate type: fixed p/kWh vs variable/export tracker style
- Contract terms: exit fees, minimum term, payment frequency
- Fit with your home: battery vs no battery, day/night usage pattern
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
Scenario A: solar only (no battery), high export
- Assumptions
- 4 kWp PV, annual generation 3,600 kWh. Self-consume 35%, export 65% (2,340 kWh). Export meter readings via smart meter.
- If export rate is 12p/kWh (estimated)
- 2,340 kWh × £0.12 = £280.80/year
- If export rate is 20p/kWh (estimated)
- 2,340 kWh × £0.20 = £468.00/year
Difference: ~£187/year for this household — but only if you don’t pay more for import to access the higher export rate.
Scenario B: solar + battery, low export
- Assumptions
- 4 kWp PV, annual generation 3,600 kWh. Battery increases self-consumption to 70%, export 30% (1,080 kWh).
- Export at 12p/kWh (estimated)
- 1,080 kWh × £0.12 = £129.60/year
- Export at 20p/kWh (estimated)
- 1,080 kWh × £0.20 = £216.00/year
Difference: ~£86/year. Here, import pricing (especially off-peak) may matter more than the top export rate.
Caveat: These examples use simplified annual averages. Real export depends on seasonality, occupancy, EV charging, immersion diverters, battery size/settings, and whether you’re paid for metered export or a deemed arrangement (where applicable).
Get your export comparison
Before you compare: 60‑second prep
- Your MCS certificate (or installer details)
- Whether you have a smart meter (and if export is enabled)
- Rough export pattern: do you export a lot? (no battery / away daytime)
- Any EV, battery or time-of-use import tariff
Export tariff comparison: what to compare (not just the rate)
Because suppliers change products and pricing, the most useful comparison is a feature check. Use the table below to shortlist tariffs, then confirm today’s rate and eligibility with the supplier terms before applying.
EnergyPlus tip: If an export tariff requires you to take a more expensive import tariff, calculate the net effect. A +8p/kWh export uplift can be wiped out by a +3p/kWh import uplift if you import far more than you export.
| What you’re comparing | Why it matters | What to look for in May 2026 | Common gotcha |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export rate (p/kWh) | Directly affects your export income. | Check if rate is fixed, variable, or linked to a formula. | Headline rates may be time-limited or require a paired import tariff. |
| Eligibility | Determines whether you can actually join. | Smart meter/export MPAN readiness, MCS certificate, DNO paperwork. | Some tariffs are “existing customers only” or exclude certain meter setups. |
| Do you need to switch import too? | Import price can outweigh export earnings. | Prefer export that’s available standalone if your import is already competitive. | Bundled deals can look good until you price your imports over a year. |
| Contract length & exit fees | Affects flexibility if rates change. | Look for clear terms: rolling vs fixed term, any exit fee conditions. | Early exit fee can offset the benefit of switching again soon. |
| Payments & readings | Impacts cashflow and admin effort. | Monthly/quarterly payments, automatic readings, how disputes are handled. | Manual readings or delayed onboarding can mean slow first payments. |
Decision checklist: who high export rates suit (and who they don’t)
High export rate usually suits you if…
- You export a lot (no battery; home empty in daytime)
- You have an export-capable smart meter and straightforward set-up
- You can access the tariff without moving to a costly import plan
- You’re happy with variable pricing if the product is variable
Prioritise import price/structure if…
- You have a battery and export relatively little
- You have an EV or heat pump (import volumes can be high)
- You need predictable bills and prefer a stable import unit rate
- The export tariff requires conditions you can’t meet (customer status, meter type)
Tenant note: If you rent and the landlord owns the PV system, you may need their permission and documents (such as MCS) to change export arrangements. Always check your tenancy terms and who receives export income.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)
Most SEG export tariffs don’t charge a separate monthly fee just for exporting, but the details can still trip people up. These are the issues we see most often when households chase the “best export rate”.
1) No export MPAN yet
Some homes can’t be paid until an export MPAN is set up and the meter is configured for export readings. This can delay onboarding and first payments.
2) “High export” requires specific import tariff
A strong export rate can be bundled with a higher import unit rate or standing charge. Always price your net annual bill (import costs minus export credits).
3) Documentation gaps
Missing MCS paperwork, incomplete DNO notification, or unclear ownership can block applications. Keep certificates and commissioning dates to hand.
4) FIT vs SEG confusion
If you’re on the Feed-in Tariff (FIT), switching away can be complex and may not be reversible. Don’t cancel FIT payments without confirming your position first.
5) Variable export rates
Some export rates can change. That’s not automatically bad, but you should understand how the rate is set, and whether there’s a cap/floor.
6) Payment timing & reconciliation
Export credits may be paid monthly or quarterly, sometimes as a bill credit rather than cash. Make sure you know the timetable and how readings are collected.
Important: We don’t recommend choosing an export tariff purely on a single “best rate” headline. Always check full tariff terms, especially if you have a battery, EV, or time-of-use import tariff.
FAQs: solar export tariffs in the UK
1) Do I need a smart meter to get paid for solar export?
In most cases, yes: you typically need an export-capable meter so the supplier can measure exported kWh. Many homes use a smart meter for this. If your export readings aren’t available yet, you may need your supplier/DNO to enable export metering before payments start.
2) Can I get a solar export tariff if I’m not with that supplier for import?
Sometimes. Some suppliers allow “export-only” customers; others require you to take import too. This is why the best export deal is often the best combined import+export outcome for your home.
3) I’m on the Feed-in Tariff (FIT). Should I switch to SEG?
Usually, FIT recipients continue with FIT because it’s a legacy scheme with its own payments. Moving away can be complex and may risk losing FIT benefits. If you’re unsure, check your FIT documentation and speak to your FIT licensee/supplier before changing anything.
4) How do I estimate how much I export?
If you have a smart meter with export readings, use your in-home display/app or supplier statements. If not, you can estimate: export ≈ generation − self-consumption. Self-consumption varies widely: many homes without a battery might self-consume around 30–50%; with a battery it can be higher, depending on use patterns.
5) Are export payments taxable in the UK?
Tax treatment depends on your circumstances. Many domestic households treat SEG payments as small-scale income/offsets, but rules can vary. If you’re unsure, check HMRC guidance or speak to a tax adviser—especially if the system is larger or linked to a business activity.
6) Can I have a battery and still get paid for export?
Yes, many households do. Your export will likely be lower because you store more and export less. Make sure any tariff terms about metering and export calculation work with your set-up.
7) How quickly will I start getting paid after I switch?
It varies. If your export meter readings and documentation are in place, it can be relatively quick. Delays often occur when the export MPAN/meter configuration needs updating or the supplier needs additional evidence (MCS, DNO notification). Expect the first payment to align with the supplier’s payment cycle (often monthly or quarterly).
8) Will switching export tariff affect my import supply?
Not always. If you choose an export-only arrangement, your import can stay where it is. If the export deal is bundled, you may need to move import too. Always confirm whether you’re signing up to a combined product with a single set of terms.
How we assess “best” solar export tariffs (methodology)
EnergyPlus compares export options for UK homes with a focus on real-world suitability, not just the highest p/kWh headline. Suppliers can change rates and product availability, so this guide emphasises the decision framework you can use even when the market moves.
Our ranking factors (what matters most)
- Export rate & structure (fixed vs variable; clarity of calculation)
- Eligibility & accessibility (MCS, metering, customer restrictions)
- Import interaction (must-switch import; likely net outcome)
- Terms & admin (exit fees, payment frequency, reading requirements)
- Consumer clarity (transparent wording, clear joining process)
Assumptions & limitations
- Examples use simplified annual kWh and typical self-consumption shares (households vary)
- We don’t assume any specific supplier rate in May 2026; always verify today’s terms
- Some products are region- or meter-dependent; availability can differ by postcode
- Export income can be seasonal; winter export may be much lower than summer
Editorial integrity and freshness
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist (UK retail energy markets)
- Last updated
- May 2026
- What “up to date” means here
- We review this guide for policy changes (SEG rules), common supplier criteria (smart meter/export readings, MCS proof) and consumer pitfalls. Individual supplier rates can change more frequently than editorial updates.
Ready to compare export rates that actually fit your home?
We’ll help you compare UK solar export options alongside import pricing and eligibility, so you can choose a tariff that works in practice (not just on paper).
Reminder: Export tariffs, rates and eligibility can change. Always check the supplier’s latest tariff information before you sign up.
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