Cheap solar export tariff rates UK this month (SEG)

See what “good” export rates look like right now, what you’re likely to qualify for, and how to choose between a high export price vs a better import deal.

  • UK-focused guidance on SEG export tariffs (and why the best rate isn’t always best value)
  • Clear eligibility checks (MCS, smart meter, supplier rules, tariffs that require import)
  • Two realistic examples with numbers and a simple decision checklist
Compare export tariffs with EnergyPlus How solar export switching works

Prices and eligibility vary by supplier, meter type and your import tariff. This guide covers home solar only (not business energy).

Fast answer: what’s a cheap (good) solar export rate in the UK right now?

For most homes on a standard SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) tariff, a “good” export rate is one that meaningfully rewards the electricity you send back to the grid without forcing you onto an expensive import tariff. The cheapest (best) export rate on paper isn’t always best value if the import unit rate is higher or if the tariff requires half-hourly smart meter data.

Best for most homes

A steady, simple SEG rate with no complex conditions, plus a competitive import tariff.

Best if you can shift usage

A smart/half-hourly export tariff (sometimes with higher peak export prices) if you’re happy with the meter and terms.

Best if you have a battery

Tariffs designed for solar + battery where export value depends on charge/discharge patterns and import pricing.

Important: In Great Britain, suppliers must offer at least one SEG tariff, but rates, eligibility and whether you need to take import supply with them vary by supplier. Northern Ireland arrangements can differ.

Quick action: If you tell us your postcode and a few details, we’ll help you compare export options alongside import costs.

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Compare cheap solar export rates (and avoid false “best rate” picks)

When people search for the cheapest solar export tariff, they usually mean the highest export p/kWh. But your real outcome depends on four things:

1) Export rate (p/kWh)
How much you’re paid for each unit you export. Some are flat-rate; others vary by time.
2) Import tariff you’ll be on
A high export rate can be paired with a higher import unit rate or different standing charge. Always compare the whole picture.
3) Eligibility rules
Most suppliers require MCS certification (or equivalent evidence), a suitable export-capable meter, and sometimes a smart meter with half-hourly readings.
4) Payment method & admin
Export payments are typically made quarterly or annually; some suppliers require bank details and specific documentation.

How switching your export tariff usually works

  1. Check you’re eligible (solar system certification, export meter type, property details).
  2. Choose whether you want export-only (where available) or export tied to taking import supply.
  3. Supplier sets up the SEG agreement and confirms your export meter readings/settlement method.
  4. Payments start once the export account is live (timelines vary).

If you’re moving import and export together, there may be a single switch date. If you’re changing export only, the setup can be more document-heavy.

Get a tailored comparison (import + export)

We’ll use your postcode and contact details to help compare available home energy deals, including export options where you qualify. No obligation.

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By submitting, you confirm this is for a UK home energy comparison. We’ll use your details to provide quotes and contact you about your comparison. You can opt out at any time.

Tip: If you already have a SEG agreement, keep a note of your export MPAN (if provided), your meter type, and whether your supplier uses half-hourly export readings. It speeds things up.

Compare export tariffs: what to look at (not just the headline rate)

Use this table to compare options in a way that reflects how SEG works in the UK. We’ve kept it supplier-neutral because rates and product names can change during the month.

Feature Why it matters Quick check Watch-outs
Export rate (p/kWh) Directly drives export earnings. Is it flat-rate or time-varying? Higher export can come with higher import costs or stricter meter requirements.
Import tariff link Some export deals require you to buy your electricity from the same supplier. Do you have to take import supply? An export-only deal can be great, but may be harder to access or slower to set up.
Meter & readings SEG payments depend on accurate export readings. Smart meter? Half-hourly? Manual reads? Time-of-use export may require consenting to half-hourly data sharing.
Payment schedule Affects cashflow (especially if export is a meaningful part of your plan). Monthly/quarterly/annual? Some suppliers pay by credit on bill; others via bank transfer.
Exit fees & term Limits your flexibility if better tariffs appear later. Fixed term? Any exit fees? Don’t assume export agreements are fee-free—check both import and export terms.

Decision checklist (who it suits)

  • You export a meaningful amount (e.g., you’re out during the day, or you have a battery that charges/discharges strategically).
  • You’re happy to use a smart meter and (if required) share half-hourly data.
  • You’ve checked the import unit rate and standing charge are still competitive for your usage.
  • You can meet certification/admin requirements (commonly MCS, evidence of installation, meter details).

Who it may not suit

  • You export very little because you self-consume most generation (e.g., someone home in the day, EV charging midday).
  • You prefer to keep import and export separate and the supplier won’t offer export-only.
  • You’re on (or need) a specific payment method/meter setup that a tariff doesn’t support.
  • You’re in a complex setup (multiple meters, landlord restrictions, legacy metering) where SEG onboarding can take longer.

Rule of thumb: If a tariff improves export by a few pence but worsens import by a similar amount, it can cancel out unless you export a lot more than you import (unusual for most homes).

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

These are illustrative examples to help you choose between export rates and import costs. Your actual figures depend on system size, season, usage patterns, region and tariff terms.

Scenario A: Higher export rate, slightly higher import

A typical home with solar PV, limited daytime use, no battery.

  • Assumed export: 1,500 kWh/year
  • Assumed import: 2,900 kWh/year
  • Option 1 export rate: 5p/kWh (baseline)
  • Option 2 export rate: 15p/kWh (+10p)
  • But import unit rate: +3p/kWh higher on Option 2

Estimated change:

Extra export earnings: 1,500 × £0.10 = £150/year

Extra import cost: 2,900 × £0.03 = £87/year

Net: about +£63/year (before standing charge differences/fees)

Caveat: If the standing charge is higher, or if you import more in winter, the net gain may shrink.

Scenario B: Battery household choosing time-varying export

A home with solar PV + battery, willing to use smart/half-hourly readings.

  • Assumed export: 2,400 kWh/year
  • Assumed import: 2,200 kWh/year
  • Flat export option: 8p/kWh
  • Time-varying export option: average 14p/kWh (because more export happens at higher-priced times)
  • Data requirement: half-hourly smart export readings

Estimated difference in export earnings:

2,400 × (£0.14 - £0.08) = £144/year

Caveat: If your actual exported units don’t align with the higher-priced periods, your average rate could be lower than expected.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK SEG)

These are the issues that most often trip people up when hunting for the cheapest export tariff. Checking them early saves time and avoids disappointment.

1) “Export rate looks great” but import becomes expensive

If the tariff requires you to take import supply with the same supplier, compare:

  • import unit rate (and whether it’s time-of-use)
  • standing charge
  • exit fees / fixed-term commitments

2) Smart meter and data sharing requirements

Some export tariffs rely on half-hourly settlement. You may need:

  • a communicating smart meter (SMETS2/SMETS1 enrolled)
  • consent for half-hourly readings
  • specific meter configuration for export

3) Certification / evidence gaps

Most SEG suppliers ask for MCS certification (or equivalent proof). If paperwork is missing, onboarding can slow down.

If you bought a house with solar: ask the previous owner/installer for the MCS certificate and commissioning documents. Suppliers can be strict.

4) Payment timing and minimum thresholds

Export earnings may be paid quarterly or annually, and some suppliers have administrative thresholds (varies by provider). If cashflow matters, check the payment schedule before switching.

5) Deemed export vs metered export (legacy schemes)

If you’re on older arrangements (e.g., FIT), your export may be deemed rather than metered. Changing arrangements can affect payments. If you’re unsure, get advice before making changes.

6) Tenants and leasehold complications

If you rent or live in a block with communal metering, you may not control the export meter or have the documents needed for a SEG agreement. Always confirm responsibilities with your landlord/managing agent.

Plain-English takeaway: The “cheapest” export tariff is the one that increases your overall annual position after you factor in import pricing, standing charge, fees, and whether you can actually qualify.

FAQs: cheap solar export tariff rates (UK)

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?

SEG is the scheme in Great Britain that requires electricity suppliers (above a certain size) to offer at least one tariff that pays households for renewable electricity exported to the grid. Rates and terms are set by suppliers, so they vary.

Do I need a smart meter to get a good export rate?

Not always. Some flat-rate SEG tariffs can work with standard export-capable metering and periodic readings. However, many of the higher/innovative export tariffs rely on half-hourly readings, which typically means a smart meter and consent to share that data.

Can I have one company for import and a different one for export?

Sometimes. Some suppliers will only pay export if you also take your import supply from them; others may allow export-only arrangements. Availability varies and can change, so it’s important to check the current terms before switching.

What documents do I usually need for a SEG application?

Typically: proof your solar PV installation is certified (commonly MCS), installer/commissioning details, your address and meter details, plus bank details for payment. Requirements differ by supplier, and older or unusual setups may need extra evidence.

How are export payments made and how often?

It depends on the supplier. Some pay via bill credit; others pay to your bank account. Payment frequency is often quarterly or annually. Check whether the export account has its own statement and if there are timing delays when you first join.

Will I lose money if I pick the “wrong” export tariff?

You might, mainly if a higher export rate comes with a much higher import unit rate, higher standing charge, or exit fees. For most homes, import costs are still larger than export earnings—so import pricing can matter more than the export headline.

Does my region in the UK affect SEG export rates?

Export rates are set by suppliers, not your local network, so the same tariff can apply across Great Britain. However, availability of specific tariffs, smart meter performance, and onboarding timelines can differ by region and meter type.

If I have a battery, should I prioritise export rate or import rate?

Often import rate structure matters a lot (especially if you charge at cheaper times). A battery can increase self-consumption (reducing import) and can also concentrate export into certain times. The best choice depends on how you actually use the battery and any tariff rules.

Is SEG available in Northern Ireland?

SEG is a Great Britain framework. Northern Ireland has different market arrangements. If you’re in Northern Ireland, tell us in your enquiry and we’ll explain what options are typically available where you live.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page governance

How we assess “cheap export tariff rates this month”

We focus on user value rather than a single headline p/kWh figure. In practice, the “cheapest” export tariff can be misleading if it requires an uncompetitive import deal or has eligibility constraints.

Our assessment factors:

  • Export rate structure (flat vs time-varying) and typical requirements (smart meter/half-hourly data).
  • Whether export is available without taking the supplier’s import tariff (and any linking conditions).
  • Import pricing impact (unit rate + standing charge) because import costs can outweigh export earnings.
  • Contract terms: fixed/variable, exit fees, payment schedule, and administrative requirements.
  • Eligibility: MCS (or equivalent evidence), meter capability, and household circumstances (tenure, complex metering).

Limitation: Supplier rates and product availability can change during the month, and some tariffs are only available to existing customers or specific meter setups. We recommend confirming terms directly before you switch.

Sources (UK)

We also check supplier tariff terms and published product literature where available. If you spot an update we should make, please contact EnergyPlus and we’ll review it.

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Updated on 8 Mar 2026