What is a solar export tariff (SEG) and how does it work?

A solar export tariff (often called SEG – Smart Export Guarantee) pays you for electricity your solar panels generate but you don’t use at home. Your export meter records the electricity sent back to the grid, and your supplier pays you a set rate per kWh. You can usually choose between different export rates and payment types depending on the tariff.

How do I compare solar tariffs to find the best rate?

When you compare solar tariffs, check the export unit rate (p/kWh), any fixed standing charges, how often you’re paid, and whether the tariff requires you to also buy your import electricity from the same supplier. The ‘best’ tariff depends on your export volume, your import usage, and whether you prefer a stable rate or a tariff that can change over time.

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

Not always. Some export tariffs are available to non-customers, while others require you to take your import electricity with the same supplier. If you want a simpler setup and one point of contact, choosing a tariff that bundles import and export with the same provider can be convenient.

What do I need to qualify for a solar export tariff?

Typically you’ll need eligible solar PV installed (usually by an MCS-certified installer or equivalent evidence), and an export-capable smart meter (or meter arrangement accepted by the supplier) to measure exported electricity. You’ll also need proof of ownership/installation details and a grid connection in Great Britain.

How much can I earn from exporting solar electricity?

Your earnings depend on how much electricity you export and the tariff’s unit rate. Export is affected by your system size, time of year, and how much solar you use at home. As a rule of thumb, households that shift usage to daytime (e.g., running appliances when the sun is shining) may export less but save more on imports—so it’s worth comparing both import and export costs.

Is a higher export rate always better?

Not necessarily. A higher export rate can be offset by higher import prices, standing charges, or restrictions. If you import a lot of electricity (even with solar), the overall cost of your import tariff can matter more than export income. The best choice is usually the tariff combination that minimises your net annual bill (imports minus export payments).

How quickly can I switch to a new solar tariff?

Switching times vary by supplier and whether you’re changing import, export, or both. Many switches complete within a few days to a few weeks. Your export payments typically start once your application is approved and metering details are validated.

Will I lose my export payments if I change supplier?

You shouldn’t lose payments you’ve already earned, but your export arrangement may change when you switch. It’s a good idea to take meter readings (if required), check the end date of your current export agreement, and confirm when the new export tariff will go live to avoid gaps in payments.

Can I get a solar export tariff if I have a battery?

In many cases yes, but rules can differ. Some suppliers allow export from battery storage, while others may apply conditions to ensure exported electricity is renewable and properly measured. Check tariff terms if you plan to export stored energy.

What information should I have ready to compare and apply for a solar tariff?

Have your postcode, current electricity tariff details (unit rate and standing charge), your annual usage (kWh) if known, solar PV system details (capacity, installer certification/evidence), and your meter type (smart/export capable). This helps you compare like-for-like and apply without delays.

Compare Solar Tariffs in the UK

See what you could pay for a solar-compatible electricity tariff. Compare whole-of-market options, understand export payments, and switch with confidence.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes
Check solar export tariff options (SEG) and import rates
Find tariffs that fit batteries, EVs and smart meters
Free comparison with no obligation to switch

Compare solar tariffs How solar tariffs work

For UK domestic customers. Your results depend on your meter type, usage pattern and whether you export excess solar. Switching is subject to supplier availability and eligibility.

Compare solar-friendly electricity tariffs for your home

If you have solar panels (or you’re planning to install them), the right electricity tariff can make a real difference to your running costs. Import prices, standing charges and export payments all matter — and the best option depends on when you use power, whether you have a battery, and your meter setup.

EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market domestic tariffs in minutes. Tell us a few basics and we’ll show options that suit typical solar households — including tariffs where solar export can be paid via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

Tip: A “solar tariff” often means two parts: your import tariff (what you pay for electricity from the grid) and an export tariff (what you’re paid for energy you send back). You may be able to choose these separately.

Get your personalised comparison

Provide your details to see available tariffs. You can switch later if you like what you see.

Postcode

Email address

Phone (optional)

Do you already have solar panels?

Meter type

Do you have a battery?

Current electricity supplier (optional)

What you’ll need

By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your comparison and switching options. We’ll use your details to provide results and improve your experience. You can opt out at any time.

Why comparing solar tariffs pays off

Lower import costs when you need them

Many solar homes still import in the evening and winter. Comparing helps you find competitive unit rates and standing charges based on how you use energy.

Better export payments (SEG)

If you regularly export surplus generation, the export tariff can matter almost as much as the import rate. We’ll highlight export options where available.

Tariffs that suit batteries & EVs

Some households maximise savings using off-peak rates to charge batteries or an EV. Comparing helps you see if a time-of-use tariff could work for you.

Clarity on meter requirements

Certain tariffs require a smart meter or compatible export meter. We help you understand what’s required before you commit.

Avoid paying for features you don’t use

A “solar plan” isn’t automatically best for every solar home. If you export very little, a strong import tariff can be more valuable than a headline export rate.

Switching without the stress

We summarise key tariff details so you can compare like-for-like and choose confidently.

How solar tariffs work in the UK (simple explanation)

A household with solar panels typically interacts with the grid in two ways: you import electricity when your home needs more than your panels generate, and you export electricity when you generate more than you use.

1) Import tariff (what you pay)

Unit rate (p/kWh): the price of each unit you use from the grid.
Standing charge (p/day): a daily cost that applies even if you use very little.
Time-of-use rates (optional): different rates by time (e.g. off-peak vs peak).

2) Export tariff (what you’re paid)

Usually paid via SEG (Smart Export Guarantee).
Payments are based on metered export (often needs a compatible meter).
Export rates vary between suppliers and products.

Key point: The best option depends on your household profile — when you’re at home, how much you self-consume, whether you have a battery, and how much you export across the year.

What you’ll need to compare accurately

Postcode (to match your local network region and available tariffs)

Meter type (standard, multi-rate, or smart)

Solar & battery details (if you have them, great — if not, estimate)

Solar export tariffs (SEG): what to look for

The Smart Export Guarantee is the scheme that requires larger electricity suppliers to offer an export tariff for eligible small-scale generators (such as domestic solar PV). SEG is separate from older schemes like Feed-in Tariff (FiT). If you’re unsure which you’re on, you can still compare import tariffs and check export options before switching.

Feature	Why it matters	Good for
Export rate (p/kWh)	Higher export rates can improve returns if you regularly generate surplus, especially in spring/summer.	Homes with daytime export or oversized arrays
Eligibility & meter	Most SEG export tariffs require a compatible export meter (often a smart meter) and evidence of installation standards.	Newer installs; smart meter households
Export measurement	Export can be recorded half-hourly or otherwise depending on product and metering, which affects how payments are calculated.	Smart tariffs; batteries; EV owners
Terms & bundling	Some suppliers prefer you to take import and export together; others allow separate arrangements.	Anyone looking for flexibility

Practical takeaway: Don’t choose on export rate alone. A lower standing charge or better import unit rate can outweigh a headline export figure depending on your yearly usage.

Smart meters, batteries and time-of-use tariffs

Solar households often get the best results by combining self-consumption with smart charging (battery/EV) and the right tariff structure. Here’s how to think about it before you compare.

Understand your usage pattern: If you’re at home during the day, you may use more of your own solar directly. If you’re out, you might export more.
Check if a smart meter is available/installed: Many advanced tariffs and SEG arrangements work best with smart metering.
Consider a battery strategy: Batteries can reduce peak-time importing by storing daytime generation (or cheap off-peak grid power).
Compare total value, not one metric: Look at import unit rates, standing charges, export rate and any time bands together.

When a time-of-use tariff can help

You can shift flexible usage (dishwasher, laundry) to cheaper periods
You charge an EV at home
You have (or plan) a battery and can automate charging/discharging

When a standard single-rate tariff may suit better

Your usage is fairly even throughout the day
You can’t (or don’t want to) change when you use electricity
You prioritise simplicity and predictable costs

Common mistakes when choosing a solar tariff

Focusing only on export rate

If you export very little, import unit rate and standing charge often matter more over a year.

Ignoring standing charges

A higher standing charge can erode savings, especially for energy-efficient households.

Assuming a smart tariff is always better

If you can’t shift usage, peak rates may outweigh off-peak benefits.

Not checking meter compatibility

Some export payments and time-of-use tariffs require specific metering arrangements.

Comparing different contract terms

Fixed vs variable, exit fees and terms can change the real value of a deal.

Forgetting seasonal changes

Export tends to be higher in summer. Import needs often rise in winter — look at the whole year.

Solar tariffs vs solar installation: what we cover here

This page is about comparing energy tariffs for homes with solar — not buying panels. If you already have solar PV, you can compare import and export arrangements. If you’re planning to install panels, you can still compare standard import tariffs now and consider export payments once your system is live.

Good to know: Even with solar panels, most homes stay connected to the grid. The aim is to reduce expensive importing and get fair value for exporting.

Compare solar tariffs: FAQs

What is a “solar tariff” in the UK?

It usually refers to a combination of your electricity import tariff (what you pay) and your export tariff (what you’re paid for surplus solar sent to the grid, often via SEG). Different suppliers structure these differently, so comparing helps you find the best overall fit.

Can I switch my import tariff and keep my export tariff?

Sometimes, yes — but it depends on the supplier and the specific export product. Some providers prefer or require you to have import with them as well. We’ll help you understand your options when you compare.

Do I need a smart meter for SEG export payments?

Many export tariffs work best with smart metering because it can accurately record exported electricity. Requirements vary by supplier and setup, so it’s worth checking before switching.

Is a fixed or variable tariff better for solar households?

There’s no single best choice. A fixed tariff can offer predictable pricing, while a variable tariff can change over time. The best option depends on your risk preference, contract terms, and overall import/export value.

Will switching affect my solar system?

Your solar panels and inverter will continue to operate. What changes is the billing arrangement for electricity you import and, if applicable, how you’re paid for export. Always check terms for export payments before making changes.

How long does it take to switch electricity supplier in the UK?

Timelines vary, but many switches complete within days to a few weeks depending on supplier processes and meter details. You’ll normally have continuity of supply throughout.

Trusted by UK households comparing energy

“Clear comparison and easy to understand. I finally realised my export rate wasn’t the main issue — the standing charge was.”

— Homeowner, West Midlands

“The steps made it simple. I checked tariffs that suit our battery and now our evening usage costs less.”

— Homeowner, Greater Manchester

“Quick form, useful options, no pressure. Helped me understand SEG and what I needed to qualify.”

— Homeowner, Kent

Whole-of-market approach: We focus on helping you compare available domestic tariff options based on your details, so you can make a decision that fits your home.

Ready to compare solar tariffs?

Get a tailored view of import prices and solar export options based on your postcode and setup. It’s free, quick, and designed for UK homes.

Whole-of-market domestic comparison
Understand SEG export alongside import costs
Options that can suit smart meters, batteries and EV charging

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Updated on 21 Dec 2025