Best UK solar panel and battery tariffs 2025
Compare whole-of-market home solar export tariffs, smart tariffs and battery-friendly rates for 2025. Tell us a little about your home and we’ll help you find the right solar + battery tariff for how you generate, store and use electricity.
- Whole-of-market comparison across major UK suppliers and tariff types
- Best-fit recommendations for solar export, battery charging and off-peak use
- See what you could earn for exporting and save by charging off-peak
- Free, no-obligation quote support for households (not business)
UK households only. Availability depends on your meter setup, region and supplier eligibility. We’ll guide you through what you need (e.g., Smart Meter, MCS, SEG registration).
Compare 2025 solar export & battery-friendly tariffs (whole-of-market)
The “best” UK solar panel and battery tariff depends on how much you generate, when you use electricity, and whether you can shift demand (e.g., charging your battery overnight, running appliances off-peak, or exporting at higher-value times).
EnergyPlus helps UK households compare options across:
- SEG export tariffs (Smart Export Guarantee) – what you’re paid for exporting surplus
- Smart / time-of-use import tariffs – cheaper rates at certain times (useful for battery charging)
- Battery add-ons and supplier requirements – making sure your setup qualifies
Tip: In 2025, many households get the best outcome by combining a competitive import rate for off-peak charging with a strong export rate for surplus solar. We’ll help you balance both — not just chase a headline p/kWh.
What makes the “best” solar panel and battery tariff in 2025?
The best UK solar and battery tariff is the one that improves your net annual bill without adding risk, restrictions or hidden costs. In practice, that often means looking at import and export together — and matching them to your routine.
1) Export rate (SEG)
If you regularly export surplus solar, a stronger SEG rate can lift your returns — especially in summer. Check whether rates are fixed, variable or time-based.
2) Import prices & time bands
Battery owners can benefit from cheaper off-peak windows. But the “best” off-peak rate can be cancelled out by high peak rates if you can’t shift usage.
3) Fit to your setup
Eligibility matters: Smart Meter, export MPAN/MPRN details, MCS certificate, and how your battery is configured (AC/DC coupled) can affect what you can join.
We compare tariffs on a whole-of-market basis and focus on real-world outcomes: your likely import costs, export earnings, and how tariff rules interact with your solar + battery system.
Solar export & battery tariffs explained (plain English)
If you’re searching “best UK solar panel and battery tariffs 2025”, you’re usually looking for one (or a mix) of these tariff types:
If you’d like help narrowing this down, use the comparison form and we’ll recommend tariffs that match your meter type, region and usage profile.
How to choose the right solar + battery tariff (step-by-step)
- Estimate your export potential: Do you often have surplus solar (bright days, low daytime use)? If yes, prioritise a competitive SEG export rate.
- Check your ability to shift usage: If you can charge a battery overnight and avoid peak import, time-of-use tariffs may outperform standard rates.
- Confirm your eligibility: Most export tariffs require a Smart Meter and proof your installation meets relevant standards (commonly MCS).
- Compare the full picture: Look at unit rates, standing charges, export rates, contract length, and any rules (e.g., smart meter required, app usage, minimum term).
- Choose a plan that matches real life: The best tariff is one you’ll actually use — no point chasing an off-peak window you can’t regularly hit.
If you have solar panels only
Focus on a strong export tariff and reasonable import rates. Even without a battery, you can improve outcomes by using appliances during daylight hours.
If you have solar + a battery
Compare time-of-use import rates alongside export rates. Battery owners often benefit most from cheap off-peak charging plus exporting any surplus strategically.
Solar & battery tariff costs and savings: what to look at
Because tariffs change throughout the year, the most reliable way to judge value is to focus on the parts that drive your annual outcome:
Standing charge
A higher standing charge can eat into gains from a good export rate — especially for low import households.
Peak vs off-peak unit rates
Battery savings are won or lost here. Consider the size of your battery and how many kWh you can realistically shift.
Export payment structure
Some export rates are flat; others can vary. Check how often the rate can change and how export readings are captured.
A practical way to compare (without spreadsheets)
Ask: How much do I import at peak times, how much can my battery shift off-peak, and how often do I export? When you submit the form, we’ll use your postcode and household details to narrow down tariffs that match your likely pattern.
Eligibility checklist for UK solar export & smart tariffs (2025)
Requirements vary by supplier, but most UK household solar export and smart tariffs commonly expect the following:
For export (SEG)
- A compatible electricity meter (often a Smart Meter) capable of recording export
- Proof of installation standards (commonly MCS, or equivalent evidence depending on supplier)
- Your export set-up registered so readings can be taken correctly
- You’re a UK household customer (not business premises)
For battery/time-of-use import
- A Smart Meter (or supplier-approved meter) to measure time bands
- Ability to charge your battery in off-peak windows (manual schedule or app)
- Comfort with variable pricing structures (some tariffs have multiple rate periods)
- A home usage pattern that benefits from shifting demand
Not sure what meter you have or whether you’re exporting? Submit the form above and we’ll explain what to check and which tariffs you can realistically access.
Common mistakes when choosing a solar & battery tariff
Chasing the top export rate only
A high export rate can look great, but if import rates/standing charges are poor, your total annual cost may rise.
Assuming off-peak = automatic savings
If you can’t reliably shift enough kWh into the cheap window (battery size, lifestyle, heating), peak charges can outweigh gains.
Missing eligibility details
Some tariffs require specific meters, app control, or documentation. We highlight requirements up front so you don’t waste time.
FAQs: best UK solar panel and battery tariffs 2025
What is a solar export tariff (SEG)?
A Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff pays you for the electricity your home exports back to the grid. Rates and terms vary by supplier, and eligibility typically depends on your meter and installation documentation.
Do I need a Smart Meter for the best solar and battery tariffs?
Often, yes — especially for time-of-use import tariffs and many export arrangements where accurate export readings are needed. If you’re unsure what you have, we can advise after you submit your details.
Can I get paid for export if I don’t have a battery?
Yes. Many households export surplus solar during the day even without a battery. A good export tariff can still improve your overall outcome, particularly in spring and summer.
Is the best tariff the same across England, Scotland and Wales?
Not always. Tariff availability and network costs can differ by region, and suppliers may apply different terms. We use your postcode to show options relevant to your area.
Can I switch supplier if I have solar panels and a battery?
In most cases, yes. The key is ensuring your meter setup and export registration are compatible and that you understand any contract terms (including exit fees). We’ll help you compare with those factors in mind.
What information do I need to compare solar & battery tariffs?
Your postcode, contact details, and a basic understanding of your setup (solar only vs solar + battery) is usually enough to start. If you have it, your latest bill and any solar paperwork (e.g., MCS certificate) can help refine recommendations.
Why households use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market comparison
We focus on suitability for your home — including export options and battery-friendly time bands.
Plain-English guidance
Understand how SEG, smart tariffs and switching work before you commit. No jargon, no pressure.
Fit-first recommendations
We consider import, export and eligibility so you don’t end up on a tariff that looks good but underperforms.
What homeowners say
“We’d been exporting for months but didn’t know we could improve both our export payment and overnight charging. EnergyPlus explained the options and helped us choose a tariff that matches our routine.”
“The comparison was much clearer than trying to piece it together ourselves. We checked eligibility and switched without hassle.”
Trust signals that matter: UK household focus, whole-of-market comparison approach, and clear guidance on eligibility (Smart Meter / SEG) so you can make a confident choice.
Ready to find the best solar & battery tariff for your home?
Compare UK solar export and battery-friendly tariffs for 2025 with a whole-of-market view. It takes a minute to start.
Prefer to read first? Jump to tariff types or eligibility.
No obligation. UK households only. Tariff availability and eligibility vary by supplier, meter and region.
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