Cheapest electricity tariff for home with solar UK

If you’ve got solar panels, the “cheapest” electricity tariff depends on when you import power, your export payment, and whether you can shift usage to sunny hours. This guide shows the tariff features to look for (and avoid), with UK-specific examples and a transparent method.

  • Best for most solar homes: a low standing charge + competitive day unit rate, plus export via the best SEG deal you can get.
  • If you have a battery/EV: time-of-use tariffs can be cheaper, but only if you actually use the cheap off-peak windows.
  • We explain how to compare tariffs fairly using your import/export pattern (not just headline unit rates).
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Estimates only. Tariff availability, rates and eligibility vary by region, meter type and payment method. Always check unit rates, standing charges, exit fees and SEG terms before switching.

Fast answer: cheapest electricity tariff for home with solar UK

The cheapest electricity tariff for home with solar UK is usually the one with the lowest standing charge you can get in your region, plus a competitive import unit rate—because many solar homes still pay most of their bill through fixed daily charges and evening imports. Pair it with the best-value SEG export rate you’re eligible for.

Key takeaway #1

If you don’t have a battery/EV, time-of-use tariffs often don’t help—you import mainly in the evening when rates can be highest.

Key takeaway #2

Export payments (SEG) are separate from your import tariff. Compare both: the “best” deal is import costs minus export income.

Key takeaway #3

Smart meters and half-hourly readings can unlock more solar/battery tariffs, but they’re not automatically cheaper for every household.

Quick caveat: There is no single cheapest tariff for every solar household. Prices vary by region, payment method (direct debit vs prepay), meter type, and how much you import after sunset.

How to find the cheapest tariff when you have solar

Most solar households should compare tariffs using your likely annual import kWh (what you still buy from the grid) and the standing charge, then factor in export income under a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff. The aim: reduce your net annual cost.

  1. Check your meter and readings: do you have a smart meter capable of half-hourly data? Some time-of-use tariffs require it.
  2. Estimate your annual import: use bills or your in-home display/app. With solar, total household usage is not the same as grid import.
  3. Separate import vs export: your electricity tariff sets what you pay to import; SEG sets what you’re paid to export.
  4. Compare standing charge carefully: if your import is low, a high standing charge can dominate your bill.
  5. Look for exit fees and term length: a “good rate” can be offset by restrictive terms if you need flexibility.
  6. Match the tariff to your pattern: battery/EV owners may benefit from off-peak windows; solar-only homes often don’t.

Rule of thumb: If you export a lot in summer but import a lot on winter evenings, don’t choose based on one season. Compare on a full year, and sanity-check winter costs.

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

Scenario A: Solar panels, no battery

Assumptions (illustrative): 3.6kWp solar; household uses 3,100kWh/year; self-consumes 35%; exports 1,400kWh; imports 2,000kWh. Tariff 1 has a lower standing charge; Tariff 2 has a slightly lower unit rate.

Item Tariff 1 (low SC) Tariff 2 (low unit)
Standing charge 45p/day 60p/day
Unit rate (import) 25p/kWh 23p/kWh
Annual import cost (2,000kWh) £500 £460
Annual standing charge ~£164 ~£219
Import total (before export) ~£664 ~£679

Even though Tariff 2 has the cheaper unit rate, Tariff 1 can be cheaper overall because the standing charge difference outweighs the unit rate saving at low import volumes.

Scenario B: Solar + battery (and flexible usage)

Assumptions (illustrative): 3.6kWp solar + 10kWh battery; household imports 2,800kWh/year without shifting. With off-peak charging, 1,600kWh moves into a cheap window; 1,200kWh stays at peak. Compare a flat tariff vs a time-of-use tariff.

Item Flat Time-of-use
Standing charge 55p/day 60p/day
Peak unit rate 24p/kWh (all day) 35p/kWh
Off-peak unit rate n/a 10p/kWh
Annual import cost (shifted) 2,800 × 24p = £672 (1,200 × 35p) + (1,600 × 10p) = £580
Standing charge (annual) ~£201 ~£219

Time-of-use can win if you reliably shift consumption. If you can’t (or you end up importing at the expensive peak rate), it may cost more.

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What to have to hand

  • Your latest electricity bill (or app) showing unit rate and standing charge
  • Whether you have a smart meter (and if half-hourly readings are enabled)
  • Any battery or EV charging habits (roughly when you charge/use power)
  • Your current export arrangement (SEG provider and rate, if any)

Compare tariff types for solar households (UK)

Use this as a practical shortcut. The “best” category depends on your import pattern, meter, and whether you can shift demand. Always check the regional standing charge and unit rates shown in your quote.

Tariff type Who it suits What to watch Solar-specific tip
Standard single-rate (fixed or variable) Solar-only homes; low-to-medium import; people who want simplicity Standing charge, exit fees, contract length, payment method restrictions Prioritise low standing charge if your import is small.
Time-of-use (TOU) Battery and/or EV owners who can shift charging to off-peak windows High peak rate, required smart meter/half-hourly reads, complex billing Model your evening import: that’s often where TOU tariffs bite.
Economy 7 / two-rate Homes already on Economy 7 (often with storage heaters); some battery users Day rate can be significantly higher; not ideal if most use is daytime/evening Solar reduces daytime imports, but doesn’t help if your day rate is punitive.
Tracker / dynamic Risk-tolerant households that can handle price swings Prices can rise quickly; budgeting can be harder; eligibility varies Check winter exposure: solar output is lower when you need electricity most.
Bundled “solar export” offers People who want one supplier for import + SEG export Export rate may look great but import costs/standing charge may be higher Compare the net: import bill minus export income, not the export headline.

Decision checklist: who it suits (and who it doesn’t)

Likely to suit you

  • You have solar but no battery and most imports happen after 4–5pm
  • Your annual import is relatively low (standing charge matters more)
  • You want predictable bills and simple comparisons
  • You’re happy to get export income via a separate SEG deal

May not suit you (without checks)

  • You’re considering time-of-use but can’t shift usage or battery charging reliably
  • You’re on prepayment and the tariff has limited availability or different rates
  • You have an older meter setup that restricts TOU eligibility
  • You export a lot and are tempted by a high SEG rate without checking import costs

UK detail that catches people out: unit rates and standing charges vary by region and can differ by payment method. The “cheapest” tariff you see online may not be the cheapest for your postcode.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (solar households)

1) Standing charge dominates low import bills

If solar covers a large chunk of daytime use, you might import fewer kWh. That makes the daily standing charge a bigger share of your annual cost. Compare “standing charge × 365” as a separate line item.

2) Time-of-use can backfire

TOU tariffs can have very high peak rates. If your battery doesn’t cover the evening, or you forget to shift appliance use, your savings can disappear. Always check what you’ll pay at peak times in winter.

3) Export is not the same as “free electricity”

SEG pays for electricity you export, but it doesn’t cancel out every import cost. Many homes still buy power in the evenings and in winter. Treat export income as a credit, not a replacement for a competitive import tariff.

4) Eligibility & meter requirements

Some tariffs require a smart meter and/or half-hourly settlement. SEG export payments usually require an export meter reading (often via smart meter). If you can’t provide the required readings, the tariff may not be available.

5) Exit fees and fixed-term traps

A fixed tariff may include exit fees. If you plan to change supplier to improve export later, or you’re moving home soon, factor that in. If in doubt, compare a flexible option.

6) Comparing import + SEG incorrectly

A high SEG rate may look attractive, but if the import standing charge or peak unit rate is high, your net cost can rise. Compare annual import cost minus export income using the same assumptions.

Important: If you’re currently on a deemed export arrangement (common on older FIT setups), switching arrangements can be complex. If you’re unsure, check your paperwork before making changes and seek supplier confirmation in writing.

FAQs

Is there a single cheapest electricity tariff for home with solar UK?
No. The cheapest option depends on your region, meter type, payment method, and—most importantly—how much electricity you still import from the grid (especially evenings and winter). Many solar homes do best with a low standing charge plus a solid unit rate, and a separate competitive SEG export tariff.
Do I need a smart meter to get the best solar tariff?
Not always for import tariffs, but many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter and may require half-hourly readings. For SEG export payments, suppliers typically need accurate export readings (often via a smart meter). If you don’t have a smart meter, you can still compare standard single-rate tariffs, but your SEG options may be more limited.
Can I have one supplier for import and a different supplier for SEG export?
Often, yes—SEG export can be separate from your import supply. However, eligibility and admin requirements vary by supplier, and some export tariffs may be restricted to customers who also import from them. Always check the supplier’s SEG terms before switching.
Will a time-of-use tariff always be cheaper if I have solar panels?
No. Solar panels reduce daytime imports, but time-of-use tariffs can have high peak rates during evenings—exactly when many solar-only homes import most. Time-of-use tends to work best when you have a battery (or EV) and can reliably charge during off-peak periods and avoid importing at peak.
What matters more for solar homes: unit rate or standing charge?
It depends on your annual import volume. If you import relatively few kWh because you self-consume a lot of solar, the standing charge can be a large share of your bill. If you still import a lot (for example, in winter or if you have electric heating), the unit rate becomes more important. Comparing both side-by-side is the safest approach.
Can switching electricity tariff affect my Feed-in Tariff (FIT)?
FIT is a legacy scheme and is separate from your electricity import supplier. In most cases, switching import tariff doesn’t remove your FIT, but export arrangements and metering can be complicated on older setups (for example, deemed export). If you receive FIT, check your FIT paperwork and confirm with your FIT licensee before changing anything related to export.
How do I compare tariffs if I don’t know my solar import and export?
Start with your electricity bill: it shows your grid import. For export, check your SEG statements or your inverter/app estimates (not perfect, but a useful starting point). If you have a smart meter, your supplier may show half-hourly import/export data. Use conservative assumptions and avoid choosing a complex time-of-use tariff until you know your pattern.
Are solar-friendly tariffs available on prepayment meters?
Availability can be more limited on prepayment, and rates can differ from direct debit tariffs. Some time-of-use or export-linked offers may require particular smart meter configurations. It’s still worth comparing, but expect fewer options and always confirm eligibility before switching.

Trust, methodology and sources

Editorial accountability

How we assess “cheapest” for solar homes

We focus on the likely net annual cost for a household with solar: estimated annual import cost (unit rate × imported kWh + standing charge × 365) minus estimated export income (SEG rate × exported kWh). We then stress-test the choice against winter evenings, meter requirements, exit fees and eligibility constraints.

Limitations: Tariff rates vary by region and can change; not all suppliers offer SEG to all customers; export volumes vary with weather, shading and household behaviour; battery efficiency and usage patterns can materially change outcomes. The scenario numbers on this page are illustrative, not a promise of savings.

UK sources we rely on

Consumer reminder: Under Ofgem rules, suppliers must provide clear tariff information and you have protections around switching and billing. If you’re struggling to pay, seek help early—Citizens Advice can signpost support.

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Updated on 3 Jul 2026