What is a solar export tariff in the UK?

A solar export tariff is the rate you’re paid for excess electricity your solar panels generate and export to the grid. In the UK this is commonly paid via SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) tariffs offered by energy suppliers. The best tariff is usually the one with the highest p/kWh export rate that you can qualify for, with terms that suit how much you export.

What is the best solar export tariff in the UK for December 2025?

The best solar export tariff in December 2025 is typically the eligible SEG export tariff offering the highest p/kWh rate with suitable terms (fixed vs variable, any caps, and payment method). Because SEG rates can change, compare current rates and eligibility before switching, and check whether the tariff requires you to be an import customer too.

Do I need to be an Energy Plus customer to get a solar export tariff?

Some suppliers allow export-only SEG; others require you to also take import electricity with them. Check the eligibility rules for the tariff you’re considering. If you want a simpler setup (one supplier for import and export), choosing the same provider can reduce admin and speed up billing.

Am I eligible for a SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) tariff?

Most households are eligible if you have MCS-certified solar PV (or another eligible renewable technology) up to 5MW capacity, and a compatible export meter (usually a smart meter capable of half-hourly readings). Your installer’s MCS certificate and proof of ownership are typically required when applying.

Do I need a smart meter for the best solar export tariffs?

Often yes. Many of the most competitive export tariffs require a smart meter that can record export readings (and sometimes half-hourly data). Without a compatible meter, your options may be limited or based on deemed export, which can reduce accuracy and earnings.

Is it better to choose a fixed or variable export tariff?

A fixed export tariff offers predictable payments per kWh, which can help with budgeting. A variable tariff can rise or fall over time and may suit you if rates are trending upwards, but it introduces uncertainty. For conversion-focused decision-making, compare the export rate, any caps, contract length, and whether you can switch without fees.

How much can I earn from exporting solar electricity?

Earnings depend on your system size, household usage, battery storage, and the export rate (p/kWh). As a simple guide, the more you export (rather than self-consume), the more your SEG payments will matter. If you want to maximise savings overall, combine a competitive export tariff with good self-consumption (e.g., shifting usage or adding a battery).

Can I get paid for solar export without SEG?

In most cases, SEG is the standard way to be paid for exported electricity from small-scale renewables in Great Britain. If you’re on an older scheme (e.g., legacy FiT), you may already be receiving export payments under those terms. Otherwise, applying for an SEG export tariff is the usual route.

How do I switch to a better solar export tariff?

Start by comparing current SEG export rates and checking eligibility (MCS certificate, meter requirements, and whether import is required). Then apply with your chosen supplier and provide documentation (MCS certificate, proof of ownership, and meter details). Once approved, your export readings are used to calculate payments. You can review your tariff regularly to ensure you’re still on a competitive rate.

How quickly will I start getting paid for exported solar?

Timing varies by supplier and how quickly documentation and meter setup are confirmed. In many cases, payments begin once your export meter readings are received and the SEG agreement is active. To avoid delays, have your MCS certificate and meter details ready when you apply.

What information do I need to apply for a solar export tariff?

You’ll typically need your MCS certificate (or equivalent evidence for eligible technologies), proof you own the system, your MPAN/meter details, and bank details for payments. If you’re switching supplier, you may also need recent import/export meter readings or your smart meter data permissions.

Does adding a battery increase SEG export payments?

A battery usually increases self-consumption, which can reduce exports (and therefore SEG payments) but may improve overall savings by cutting imported electricity. Whether it’s ‘better’ depends on your export rate, import price, and usage patterns. Some households optimise by storing solar and exporting at more favourable times if their tariff supports it.

Best solar export tariff UK (December 2025)

Compare whole-of-market export tariffs for UK homes and see which suppliers can pay you the most for surplus solar electricity. Tell us a few details and we’ll show eligible options for your property and meter setup.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK household solar export tariffs
Check eligibility for SEG, smart meter requirements and export metering
Find rates, terms and key gotchas (caps, variable pricing, exit fees)
Get a tailored shortlist based on your region, supplier and export setup

Compare export tariffs How solar export tariffs work

For UK homes only. We compare participating suppliers across the market where available. Rates and eligibility depend on your meter, installation certification and location.

Compare the best solar export tariffs for your home

“Best” depends on more than the headline pence-per-kWh export rate. In December 2025, the best solar export tariff for you will usually be the one that fits your household usage, export volume, and whether you want a fixed SEG rate or a variable / tracker-style export rate linked to market prices.

EnergyPlus compares export tariffs available to UK households across participating suppliers (whole-of-market where available), highlighting the terms that can make a big difference to your real-world payments.

Tip: If you can shift more usage into daylight hours (e.g. dishwasher, washing machine), you may export less but reduce your import bill. The best setup balances export payments and import tariff costs.

What we’ll match you on

Your postcode/region (availability can vary by supplier)
Solar PV certification (MCS or equivalent) and installer evidence
Smart meter/export metering type
Whether you also want to compare import tariffs alongside export

Get your export tariff shortlist

Takes about 2 minutes. No obligation.

Postcode Do you have solar panels installed? Smart meter installed? Email Phone (optional)

By submitting, you agree EnergyPlus can use your details to provide results and contact you about your comparison. You can opt out at any time.

Already on an export tariff? We can still check whether a switch could improve your export rate or terms. See what to check before switching.

December 2025 note: Export tariffs can change quickly. We keep supplier data refreshed, but your final rate and acceptance depend on supplier checks and your export metering.

Why comparing export tariffs matters

Higher p/kWh can add up

If you export regularly in summer, even a small difference in export rate can change your annual payments. The best solar export tariff is the one that fits your realistic export volume.

Terms matter as much as the rate

Some export tariffs come with conditions: bundled import tariffs, variable pricing, minimum term, or limits on who can join. We flag key clauses so you can decide with confidence.

Avoid switching mistakes

Changing supplier can affect your import prices and your export payments start date. We help you check eligibility, metering, and the documents you may need to provide.

Whole-of-market approach

EnergyPlus looks across suppliers that offer household solar export tariffs and shows available options for your region and setup (where data is available). No single supplier list—just what you can actually join.

Built for UK homes

We focus on domestic properties and common UK scenarios: smart meters, SEG export payments, solar + battery, and homes that want to compare import and export together.

How solar export tariffs work in the UK (SEG explained)

Most household export tariffs in the UK sit under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Under SEG, participating suppliers pay you for electricity you export to the grid from renewable generation (like solar PV). You don’t need to be with the same supplier who installed your panels, and you can usually switch export providers (subject to terms and acceptance).

Your system generates electricity. Your home uses what it needs first.
Surplus flows to the grid. This is “exported” electricity.
Your export meter records it. Typically via a smart meter capable of half-hourly readings.
Your supplier pays you. Payments are based on your export kWh and your tariff rate (fixed or variable).

Common export tariff types you’ll see in December 2025

Fixed export rate

A set p/kWh for each exported unit. Predictable, easier to compare, and often preferred if you want stability.

Variable / market-linked

Rates can change daily or half-hourly. This may pay more at peak times but can be lower at others—best for households happy with variability.

Bundled import + export

Some suppliers require you to take their import tariff too. This can be great—or expensive—so compare both sides together.

If you have a solar battery, your “best” export tariff may differ. You might export less overall, but you could export more strategically (depending on tariff rules). We’ll consider your setup in the comparison form.

What to check before choosing the best solar export tariff

Two export tariffs can look similar on the surface yet pay you very differently over a year. Use the checklist below to compare like-for-like.

Comparison point	Why it matters	What to look for
Export rate (p/kWh)	Your payment per unit exported.	Fixed vs variable, and how often variable rates can change.
Metering requirement	Without suitable export readings, you may be unable to join or be paid accurately.	Smart meter/export MPAN requirements and reading frequency.
Import tariff tie-in	A great export rate can be offset by a poor import unit rate/standing charge.	Whether export is available standalone or only with a specific import plan.
Payment method & timing	Affects cash flow and how you’ll receive credit.	Monthly/quarterly payments, credit to bill, or bank transfer (if offered).
Exit fees / contract length	Flexibility to move if rates change.	Minimum term, early exit fees, and price change clauses.

Household reality check: The best export tariff in the UK for December 2025 is often a trade-off between export earnings and import costs. If you want, we’ll compare both in your results so you can see the overall impact.

Eligibility for solar export tariffs (UK homes)

You’ll typically need

Solar PV installed at a UK residential property
Installation certification (commonly MCS) or acceptable equivalent evidence
Export metering (often a smart meter capable of export readings)
Proof of identity/address and MPAN details (supplier request varies)

You may be declined if

Your meter cannot record export (or export readings aren’t available)
Documentation is missing or doesn’t meet the supplier’s requirements
Your system type/capacity falls outside the supplier’s domestic criteria
There’s an outstanding issue with your supply or address data

Not sure about your meter or export readings? Fill in the form above and select “Not sure” for the smart meter question—we’ll guide you on next steps based on common UK setups.

Common mistakes when choosing an export tariff

Chasing the highest headline rate

A top rate can be paired with an expensive import tariff or restrictive terms. Always look at your overall annual cost/benefit.

Overestimating export volume

Your export depends on household habits, seasonality and battery use. A realistic estimate is key to finding the “best” plan for your home.

Ignoring payment and meter details

Some suppliers require specific readings or pay on a schedule that may not suit you. We highlight these differences in your comparison.

FAQs: best solar export tariff UK (December 2025)

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

The best solar export tariff for December 2025 depends on your eligibility, region, meter type and whether the tariff is fixed or variable. Some households do best with a stable fixed p/kWh; others prefer a market-linked rate if they export more at peak times.

Use our comparison form for a tailored shortlist based on your home.

Do I need to switch my electricity supplier to get a better export tariff?

Not always. Some suppliers offer export-only arrangements, while others require you to take their import tariff too. Because this varies, we compare the import + export combination where relevant so you can see the real impact.

How do SEG export payments work?

Under SEG, you’re paid for measured electricity exported to the grid. The amount is your export kWh multiplied by your export rate (p/kWh). Payment frequency and method vary by supplier. See how it works for a simple breakdown.

Do I need a smart meter for an export tariff?

Many export tariffs require a smart meter (or another method of recording export). Requirements differ by supplier and by your current setup. If you’re unsure, select “Not sure” in the form and we’ll guide you based on common UK scenarios.

Will a battery affect which export tariff is best?

Yes. A battery can reduce the amount you export (because you store more), but it can also let you export more selectively depending on your tariff. The “best” choice depends on your goals: maximising export payments, lowering imports, or balancing both.

How long does it take to switch export tariffs?

Timelines vary by supplier and how quickly meter and certification checks are completed. Some switches can be straightforward, while others take longer if export readings or documents need confirming.

Have a specific question about your setup? Start with the comparison form and add details—our team can point you to suitable suppliers and requirements.

Why households use EnergyPlus

“Clear comparison that actually explained the terms. I didn’t realise my export rate was tied to my import tariff.”

UK homeowner, solar PV

“Quick form, got a shortlist and what documents I needed. Saved a lot of back-and-forth with suppliers.”

UK homeowner, smart meter

“Helpful view of fixed vs variable export rates. Made it easier to decide what suited us.”

UK homeowner, solar + battery

Trust markers

UK household focus (no business energy comparisons on this page)
Plain-English explanations of SEG and export metering
Transparent comparison: rate + terms, not just a headline number

What you’ll get after submitting

A shortlist of eligible export tariffs for your setup
Key terms to review before switching
Guidance on documents/meter details suppliers may request

Ready to find the best solar export tariff for your home?

Compare UK export tariffs available in December 2025 and get a tailored shortlist based on your postcode, solar setup and metering.

Whole-of-market comparison (where available)
Clear checks on eligibility, terms and payment details
Designed for UK households with solar PV (and optional battery)

Start my comparison Read FAQs first

No scripts on this page. Your results depend on supplier availability and your eligibility.

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Updated on 22 Dec 2025