Best solar export tariff rates UK today
Compare whole-of-market export tariffs for home solar and get matched to rates available in your area — including SEG options and smart export deals.
- See which suppliers pay the most per kWh for your exported solar
- Check eligibility (SEG, smart meter, MCS, battery-friendly tariffs)
- Switch with confidence: clear steps, no jargon, UK support
Home energy only. Rates change frequently and can vary by meter type, region and eligibility. We’ll show what’s available for your postcode.
Compare export tariffs available for your home
The best solar export tariff rate in the UK today depends on your eligibility (SEG vs smart export), your meter, and where you live. EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market options so you can see which suppliers pay more for your exported electricity — and whether you need to switch import supply too.
If you generate more electricity than you use, the right export tariff can turn surplus into meaningful credit on your bill. If you have a battery, choosing a tariff designed for batteries (and time-of-use) can improve overall value — not just the headline export rate.
What you’ll get from this comparison
- A shortlist of export tariffs you can actually apply for (based on your details)
- Clear notes on key rules: smart meter needs, MCS evidence, import supplier requirements
- Next steps to switch, plus support if your export setup is new
Quick tip: export rate vs overall value
Some deals offer a high export rate but pair it with an import tariff that’s not right for your usage. We’ll help you check both so you don’t save on export and overpay on import.
Already exporting? Have your MPAN (from your bill) and any MCS certificate or installation paperwork to hand — it can speed up eligibility checks.
How to get the best solar export tariff rate
If you’re searching for the best SEG export tariff or a smart export tariff, focus on these levers — they typically have the biggest impact on what you’ll be paid for each kWh you export.
Choose the right export type
SEG tariffs are widely available. Smart export tariffs can pay more but often require a compatible smart meter and sometimes a specific import tariff.
Match export to your usage
High export rates can be less valuable if your import unit rate is higher. We compare in context so you can balance import and export.
If you have a battery, optimise timing
Some tariffs reward exporting at certain times. With a battery, you may be able to export more strategically (subject to tariff rules).
Check eligibility upfront
Many suppliers want evidence such as MCS certification or equivalent. We’ll highlight what you need before you apply.
Understand caps and conditions
Some tariffs have export limits, “deemed” export for legacy setups, or require you to also import with them.
Switch with minimal disruption
Export switches typically don’t interrupt supply. We’ll outline timelines and what happens to your payments during the changeover.
How solar export tariffs work in the UK (SEG & smart export)
When your solar panels generate more electricity than your home is using, the surplus can be exported to the grid. An export tariff pays you for each kWh exported. In the UK this is commonly through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), although some suppliers also offer enhanced “smart export” products with additional conditions.
SEG (Smart Export Guarantee)
- You’re paid for metered export (usually via a smart meter or export meter)
- Rates are set by suppliers and can change — there’s no single “official” best rate
- You typically need proof your installation meets eligibility requirements (often MCS or equivalent)
Smart export / time-based export deals
- May offer higher rates at certain times or under specific conditions
- Often expects a smart meter and sometimes a compatible battery setup
- Can be tied to a specific import tariff — we’ll flag this clearly
What you’re paid (in plain English)
| Term | Meaning | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Export rate (p/kWh) | How much you’re paid per kWh exported to the grid. | Higher rates can increase credits, but check conditions and import prices too. |
| Fixed vs variable | Fixed pays the same throughout a term; variable can move with supplier pricing. | Variable can rise or fall — good to know before you rely on predicted earnings. |
| Metering requirements | The meter type used to measure export (often smart meter). | Without compatible metering, some tariffs won’t accept your application. |
| Import tie-in | Whether you must also buy your electricity from the same supplier. | Can affect the overall value of a “great” export rate. |
| Payment method | Credit on bill, bank transfer, or account credit depending on supplier. | Useful to know if you’re budgeting for winter usage. |
How switching export tariffs typically works
- Share your details (postcode, smart meter, solar/battery) so we can show what you can actually get.
- We confirm eligibility (e.g. installation evidence, meter suitability, import tie-ins).
- Apply and switch — usually no interruption to your electricity supply.
- Start getting paid once the new export account is live and readings/half-hourly data flow.
Important: Export tariff availability and requirements can change. EnergyPlus compares the market at the time you enquire and highlights any key conditions before you switch.
What affects solar export tariff rates in the UK?
If you’ve seen different “best export tariff” lists online, it’s because the highest rate isn’t always available to everyone. Here are the most common reasons rates and eligibility differ between households.
Smart meter & data granularity
Some export tariffs pay using half-hourly readings, which can require a compatible smart meter setup. If you’re unsure, we’ll help you check what you have.
Proof of installation (often MCS)
Many suppliers ask for MCS certification (or acceptable alternatives) to confirm your system meets required standards before they pay export.
Import supplier tie-in
Some providers only offer their best export rate if you also take electricity supply with them. We’ll highlight whether you can take export-only.
Payment structure & caps
Check for limits on export volume, minimum export thresholds, or specific payment timing (monthly/quarterly).
Avoid these common mistakes
- Chasing the highest headline rate without checking import prices and tie-ins.
- Assuming you can export immediately before your meter/export MPAN and paperwork are set up.
- Not confirming payment method (bill credit vs bank transfer) if cashflow matters.
- Forgetting about batteries — the best tariff for a battery household can differ from “solar-only”.
Solar export tariff eligibility checklist (homeowners & renters)
Eligibility can vary by supplier, but most export tariffs follow similar requirements. Use this checklist to see if you’re likely to qualify — and if not, what to fix first.
1) Installed solar PV
You’ll need a solar PV system connected to the grid. If you’re planning an install, we can still advise on tariff types to consider.
2) Suitable metering
Often a smart meter is required to measure export accurately. Some households may have separate export metering depending on setup.
3) Evidence & compliance
Suppliers typically request installation evidence (commonly MCS). If you’re missing paperwork, we’ll explain options and next steps.
If you’re a tenant
You can sometimes switch energy supplier and apply for export, but the exact setup depends on who owns the panels and how the installation is registered. Use the form above — we’ll ask the right questions and point you in the right direction.
FAQs: best solar export tariff rates (UK)
What is the best solar export tariff rate in the UK today?
There isn’t one single best rate for everyone because suppliers set different prices and apply different eligibility rules. The “best” option for you depends on your meter setup, whether the export tariff requires you to take import with the same supplier, and whether you have a battery.
Use the comparison form and we’ll show export tariffs that are available to you right now, with the key conditions explained clearly.
Do I need to switch my electricity supplier to get an export tariff?
It depends. Some suppliers offer export-only tariffs, while others require you to import electricity from them too. EnergyPlus will highlight whether a tariff is export-only or tied to an import product so you can compare the overall value.
Do I need an MCS certificate for SEG?
Many suppliers ask for MCS certification or acceptable proof that your system meets required standards. Requirements can differ by provider and by the age/type of installation. If you don’t have paperwork, we’ll help you understand what evidence might be accepted and which suppliers are more flexible.
How much money will I get for exporting solar?
It varies with your export rate (p/kWh), how much you export, and whether you can shift usage (or use a battery) to export more surplus. As a guide, increasing the export rate makes the biggest difference if you export consistently through spring/summer.
Is an export tariff the same as the Feed-in Tariff (FIT)?
No. The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme is closed to new applicants. Modern export payments are usually through SEG export tariffs offered by suppliers. If you already receive FIT, switching arrangements can be complex — we can point you to the right steps based on your situation.
How long does it take to switch an export tariff?
Timelines vary by supplier and by whether your export MPAN and meter setup are already in place. In many cases, the change is administrative and doesn’t affect your electricity supply. We’ll set expectations when we show your matched options.
Need a quick answer? Use the form in Compare tariffs and we’ll email the best available export options for your postcode.
What homeowners say about comparing with EnergyPlus
Real experiences from UK households who wanted clearer export tariff options — without spending hours reading terms and conditions.
“I didn’t realise the best-looking export rate required switching my import too. EnergyPlus laid it out clearly and I picked the option that actually suited our usage.”
“We have a battery and wanted a tariff that made sense for exporting excess. The comparison helped us understand the trade-off between import and export rates.”
“Straightforward form, fast response and no pressure. The eligibility notes saved us time because we were missing one document.”
Trust & transparency
- Whole-of-market comparison approach (availability varies by supplier and eligibility)
- Clear notes on tie-ins, smart meter requirements and documentation
- Home energy focus — no business tariffs on this page
Ready to see the best solar export tariff rates for your postcode?
Compare UK export tariffs available today, understand the conditions, and move forward with the option that fits your home — whether you have solar only or solar + battery.
- Whole-of-market matching
- Eligibility checks included
- Clear guidance on import tie-ins and smart metering
Start your comparison
Prefer to do it in one go? Complete the form above and we’ll email your matched options.
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