Best UK solar export tariff rates this month
Compare whole-of-market solar export tariffs (SEG) for your home and see which suppliers are paying the strongest export rates right now. Tell us your postcode and setup—EnergyPlus finds eligible deals and helps you switch.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (SEG export)
- Check eligibility by postcode, meter type and supplier rules
- See export rate type: fixed, variable or time-of-use
- Quick form—get matched to tariffs you can actually join
Solar export tariffs are for domestic customers and depend on eligibility (e.g. MCS certification and meter setup). Rates change—always confirm the current price and terms before switching.
Compare the best UK solar export tariff rates this month
A solar export tariff pays you for surplus electricity your solar panels send back to the grid. In the UK this is typically done through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Suppliers set their own rates and rules, so the “best” export tariff isn’t just the headline p/kWh—it’s the one you can actually join and that fits your home’s usage pattern.
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for home energy. We help you find export tariffs based on your eligibility (e.g. MCS certification, smart meter type, and whether you need to import from the same supplier).
What you’ll get after you submit the form
- A shortlist of solar export tariffs you’re likely eligible for (based on your details)
- Rate type explained (fixed/variable/time-of-use) and key conditions
- Clear next steps to switch, including any import tariff options if required
What makes an export tariff “best” right now?
- Export unit rate (p/kWh): higher pays more for each kWh exported.
- Rate structure: flat-rate vs time-of-use export (better if you export at certain times).
- Eligibility rules: some suppliers require you to take their import tariff too.
- Metering requirements: smart meter generation/export readings are commonly required.
- Terms: fixed period, exit fees, minimum export, payment method and timing.
If you already have panels installed and you’re not on an export tariff (or you’re on a low rate), comparing can be worthwhile—especially if your summer export is high.
Get matched to export tariffs
Fill in the form and we’ll compare whole-of-market options for your home.
Why compare solar export tariffs with EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market view
We compare across suppliers and highlight eligibility requirements, not just the headline export unit rate.
Matched to your setup
Panels, battery, smart meter, and import supplier can change what you qualify for. We factor that in.
Switch support
We explain the steps, documents you may need, and what to check in the tariff terms before you commit.
Tip: Some export tariffs require you to import electricity from the same supplier. If you’re currently on a good import deal, it’s worth comparing the rate structure and any import implications together.
Solar export rate types you’ll see this month
Export tariffs in Great Britain are usually offered under SEG. Northern Ireland arrangements can differ, and some suppliers may not be available in every region. Here are the main rate types you’ll compare:
Fixed export rate (flat p/kWh)
You get the same export price regardless of time of day. Simple and predictable. Best if your export is spread through daylight hours and you want certainty.
Variable export rate
The supplier can change the export price. It may move with market conditions or internal pricing. Read the terms and keep an eye on changes.
Time-of-use / smart export
Export price varies by time, often higher at peak grid demand. Can work well with a battery (export later), but requires the right meter and setup.
Bundled import + export
Some of the best export rates are tied to taking the supplier’s import tariff. When comparing, look at your net outcome across import and export.
What to check before choosing an export tariff
| Checklist item | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Export unit rate | Determines how much you earn per kWh. | Flat vs time-of-use, fixed vs variable, any caps. |
| Eligibility | Some tariffs are only for certain customers. | MCS proof, smart meter requirement, import-with-same-supplier rule. |
| Payment method | Affects cashflow and admin. | Credit on bill vs bank transfer, monthly/quarterly payment schedule. |
| Contract terms | Impacts flexibility if rates change. | Length, exit fees, notice period, how rate changes are communicated. |
| Metering & readings | Ensures export is measured correctly. | Export MPAN, smart meter compatibility, reading submission process if required. |
Want a short, eligibility-checked list? Use the comparison form and we’ll narrow it down for your home.
How solar export tariffs work in the UK (SEG)
With the Smart Export Guarantee, large electricity suppliers must offer an export tariff for eligible small-scale generators. If your solar PV system exports surplus electricity to the grid, the supplier pays you based on your measured export (usually via a smart meter).
- Your panels generate electricity and your home uses what it needs first.
- Surplus is exported to the grid when generation exceeds household demand.
- Your meter records export (commonly smart meter export readings or export MPAN data).
- The supplier pays you based on the tariff’s p/kWh and terms (bill credit or bank transfer).
Export vs FiT: what’s the difference?
The old Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme is closed to new applicants. Many homes now use SEG for export payments. If you’re on FiT already, switching can be complex—check whether changing affects your FiT arrangements before making changes.
Do I need to change my import tariff?
Not always. Some suppliers let you export with them while importing elsewhere; others require import and export to be with the same supplier. EnergyPlus highlights this so you can compare properly.
Solar export tariff eligibility checklist (homeowners)
Eligibility varies by supplier, but most SEG export tariffs for domestic customers in the UK expect the following:
MCS certification
Many suppliers require proof your solar PV was installed under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (or an accepted equivalent).
Export metering
Typically a compatible smart meter configured to record export, or another accepted metering arrangement for export readings.
Export MPAN / registration
You may need an export MPAN or for export to be registered. Your supplier/DNO process can vary by area.
Not sure about your paperwork?
If you don’t have your MCS certificate to hand or you’re unsure whether your smart meter records export, still submit the form—tell us in the notes and we’ll guide you on what to check next.
Ready to find eligible options? Compare export tariffs now.
How much could a better export rate be worth?
Your export earnings depend on how much you export and the tariff rate. Export changes through the year—typically higher in spring and summer. Battery storage can reduce export (by keeping energy for later), but may still be valuable if you can choose when to export on time-of-use tariffs.
| Annual export (kWh) | At 5p/kWh | At 10p/kWh | At 15p/kWh | Difference (5p ? 15p) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | £25/yr | £50/yr | £75/yr | £50/yr |
| 1,000 | £50/yr | £100/yr | £150/yr | £100/yr |
| 2,000 | £100/yr | £200/yr | £300/yr | £200/yr |
| 3,000 | £150/yr | £300/yr | £450/yr | £300/yr |
Important: These are simple examples using export-only calculations. Your real-world outcome depends on your home’s consumption, battery/EV charging, import tariff, and the supplier’s terms.
Common mistakes when choosing a solar export tariff
Chasing the highest headline rate
The top p/kWh might come with conditions (like importing from the same supplier) that increase your overall costs. Compare import and export together when needed.
Not checking metering compatibility
If your smart meter isn’t configured to record export, you may not be able to get paid properly until it’s sorted. This can delay payments.
Ignoring payment schedule
Some suppliers pay quarterly or only as bill credit. If you prefer cash payments, check the terms before switching.
Mixing up FiT and SEG
If you’re on FiT, changing arrangements without checking could have consequences. If in doubt, ask before you switch.
Avoid the guesswork—tell us your setup and we’ll focus on export tariffs you’re likely to qualify for.
Solar export tariff FAQs
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
SEG is the UK mechanism where electricity suppliers pay eligible small-scale generators for exporting renewable electricity to the grid. Rates and terms vary by supplier.
Do I need a smart meter for a solar export tariff?
Often, yes. Many suppliers require smart export readings. If you’re unsure, submit your details and we’ll advise what your chosen supplier typically needs.
Can I have a different company for import and export?
Sometimes. Some suppliers allow export-only customers; others require you to take their import tariff too. This varies, so comparison matters.
Will battery storage increase my export earnings?
A battery can reduce export by storing energy for your own use, but it can also help you export at better times on certain tariffs. The “best” choice depends on your usage pattern.
How long does it take to switch export tariffs?
Timelines vary by supplier and whether export registration or metering updates are needed. We’ll outline typical steps once we know your setup.
Is this page for businesses?
No—this comparison is for UK domestic homes. If you have a business premises or complex generation setup, eligibility and tariffs can differ.
If your question isn’t covered, submit the form with a note (for example: “new build”, “shared ownership”, “battery + EV”, or “smart meter install pending”).
What homeowners say about EnergyPlus
“The comparison actually explained which export tariffs I could join. I’d been looking at rates but missed the ‘must import with us’ condition.”
“Quick form and clear next steps. They highlighted the smart meter requirement upfront so I didn’t waste time.”
“Helpful explanation of fixed vs time-of-use export. Made it easier to decide what suited our battery setup.”
Trust and transparency
- Whole-of-market comparison for domestic home energy
- Clear signposting of eligibility and tariff conditions
- No confusing jargon—just what you need to choose confidently
See the best solar export tariff rates you’re eligible for
Export tariff rates and eligibility can change throughout the month. Compare now and get a tailored shortlist for your home, with the key terms made clear.
EnergyPlus compares domestic solar export tariffs (SEG). Always review supplier terms and confirm the current export rate before switching.
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