Compare UK solar electricity export tariffs (2026)

See how UK solar export payments work in 2026, what affects your rate, and how to compare export tariffs alongside your import deal—without guesswork.

  • Understand SEG vs smart export tariffs, including eligibility and meter requirements
  • Compare tariff types (fixed, variable, time-of-use) with a clear checklist
  • Use two realistic scenarios to estimate export income (with assumptions)
Compare export tariffs & get a quote Get the quick answer first

Estimates only. Export payments and eligibility depend on your meter, MCS certification, supplier terms and your household usage.

Fast answer: how to compare solar export tariffs in 2026

In the UK, most homes that export spare solar electricity to the grid are paid through a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) export tariff (or a supplier’s enhanced “smart export” product). To compare export tariffs properly in 2026, focus on your export payment rate, how it changes, and how it fits with your import tariff (the price you pay for electricity you use).

Important: an export tariff can be separate from your import tariff. Some suppliers require you to be an import customer too, others don’t. Always check the eligibility rules and any minimum contract terms.

Key takeaways (quick scan)

  • Meter: you usually need a smart meter (or export-capable meter) so exports can be measured.
  • Proof: most suppliers ask for MCS certification (or equivalent evidence) for the solar PV installation.
  • Rate type: export rates may be fixed, variable or time-of-use (higher at certain times).
  • Export volume: payments depend on how much you export; using more at home (self-consumption) may reduce export income but can reduce import costs.
  • Terms: check payment frequency, minimum payout thresholds, and whether the export rate can change with notice.

What you’ll need to compare accurately

Your annual export (kWh)
From your in-home display/app, export meter readings, or an estimate based on system size and usage.
Your import tariff details
Unit rate(s), standing charge, and whether you’re on a single rate or time-of-use.
Your setup
Smart meter status, MCS documentation, battery/no battery, and whether you can shift usage.

Compare export tariffs alongside your import deal

The “best” solar export tariff in 2026 depends on your household pattern. A higher export rate isn’t always better if the import rate or standing charge is also higher, or if you export very little.

A practical way to compare (in 4 steps)

  1. Estimate your annual export (kWh). If unsure, start with a range (low/medium/high) and compare outcomes.
  2. Compare export rate type. Fixed vs variable vs time-of-use; check how and when it can change.
  3. Check eligibility and admin. Smart meter needed? MCS proof? Are you required to take the import tariff too?
  4. Look at the whole bill. Export credit (money you receive) minus what you pay for import and standing charges.

Good to know: Export payments are typically credited to your energy account or paid by bank transfer depending on supplier terms. Payment frequency and minimum payout thresholds vary.

Two realistic scenarios (estimated)

Scenario A: no battery, typical daytime use

  • System: 3.6kWp solar PV
  • Estimated annual generation: 3,200kWh
  • Self-consumption: 45% (1,440kWh)
  • Estimated export: 55% (1,760kWh)
  • Export rate (example): 12p/kWh
  • Estimated export income: 1,760 × £0.12 = £211/year

Assumptions: exports are measured via smart/export meter; export rate stays constant; no seasonal/TOU variation applied.

Scenario B: battery fitted, higher self-use

  • System: 4.8kWp solar PV + home battery
  • Estimated annual generation: 4,200kWh
  • Self-consumption: 70% (2,940kWh)
  • Estimated export: 30% (1,260kWh)
  • Export rate (example): 18p/kWh (time-of-use average)
  • Estimated export income: 1,260 × £0.18 = £227/year

Assumptions: average export rate blends peak/off-peak; battery increases self-consumption; actual results depend on export timing and battery settings.

Caveat: A battery may reduce export volumes. That can lower export income but may reduce expensive import. The right choice depends on your import rates and usage pattern.

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Tip: If your main goal is to maximise export income, note whether you can choose an export tariff separately from your import tariff—and whether you’re comfortable with variable or time-of-use pricing.

Export tariff types compared (what to look for)

Supplier product names change, but most home solar export tariffs fall into the types below. Use the table to decide which structure fits your home and risk comfort.

Tariff type How export is paid Pros Watch-outs Best for
Fixed-rate SEG A set p/kWh for each exported unit (for the agreed period) Simple forecasting; easier to compare Rate may be lower than peak TOU; check term length and any notice period for changes Most households; anyone wanting predictability
Variable-rate SEG p/kWh can change with supplier pricing and/or market conditions May rise in higher-price periods; sometimes no fixed end date Harder to predict; check how often it can change and how you’re notified People comfortable with rate changes
Time-of-use (TOU) export Different p/kWh depending on time/day (may be higher at peak times) Potentially higher average export value if your export aligns with higher-rate windows Often paired with TOU import tariffs; complexity; ensure you understand the schedule Battery owners; households able to manage export timing
Export add-on / bundle Export rate offered only if you take a specific import tariff or bundle Convenient single supplier; may include app features Could lock you into a higher import rate/standing charge; check exit fees People who prefer one supplier and simple billing

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

A higher export rate can suit you if…

  • You export a lot (e.g., you’re out during the day)
  • You’ve checked the import rate won’t rise too much
  • You’re comfortable with the rate structure (fixed/variable/TOU)
  • You meet eligibility rules (meter + certificates)

It may not be worth chasing if…

  • You export little (high self-consumption)
  • The tariff requires a pricier import plan or adds exit fees
  • Payment terms are restrictive (high minimum payout, infrequent payments)
  • You don’t have export metering yet (time/cost to change)

What to check in the small print (quick list)

  • Eligibility: smart meter/export meter, MCS evidence, property type restrictions (if any)
  • Import requirement: do you need to buy your electricity from the same supplier?
  • Export measurement: actual metered export vs deemed export (rare under SEG)
  • Payments: credit to bill vs bank transfer; frequency; minimum payout threshold
  • Rate changes: notice period and how you’ll be informed
  • Contract: length and any exit fees (especially if bundled with import)

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)

Export tariffs can look straightforward, but these are the issues that most often trip up UK households when comparing in 2026.

1) No export reading = no payment

Most SEG tariffs require measured export. If your smart meter isn’t commissioned for export readings, payments can be delayed. Ask your supplier how export is measured and what you need to submit (if anything).

2) MCS evidence and admin delays

Suppliers typically request MCS certificates (or equivalent documentation). If you’ve moved into a home with solar and don’t have paperwork, you may need to contact the installer or previous owner.

3) Export rate vs import rate trade-off

A generous export rate can come with a higher import unit rate, a higher standing charge, or fewer discounted hours (if time-of-use). Compare your whole bill, not just the export headline.

4) Minimum payout thresholds

Some suppliers only pay out once you’ve built up a minimum balance (or they pay quarterly). If you export small amounts, you may wait longer to see the benefit.

5) Variable and TOU complexity

With variable or time-of-use export tariffs, your average p/kWh depends on when you export. If you can’t control export timing (no battery / no controls), a simpler fixed export rate can be easier to live with.

6) Regional availability and meter mode

Not every tariff is available in every region. Also, some homes have smart meters that operate in “dumb” mode if signal is poor—check whether export readings are actually being sent.

Reminder: Terms can change. Before switching, confirm any exit fees on your current import tariff, and whether your new supplier can start export payments promptly (especially if you’ve recently moved in).

FAQs: UK solar export tariffs (2026)

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?

SEG is a UK scheme that requires licensed electricity suppliers with at least 150,000 customers to offer at least one export tariff for eligible small-scale low-carbon generators (including most domestic solar PV). You’re paid for the electricity you export to the grid, typically measured by a smart/export meter.

Do I need a smart meter to get paid for export?

Usually, yes. Most SEG tariffs require metered export readings, which are typically provided via a smart meter capable of recording exports. Requirements vary by supplier—confirm what meter type you have and whether export readings are enabled.

Can I have one supplier for import and another for export?

Sometimes. Some suppliers allow SEG export customers who don’t also buy import electricity from them; others require you to take both. It’s crucial for comparison because a great export rate can be undermined by an expensive import deal if you must bundle.

Are export payments taxable in the UK?

For most households, export payments are small and often treated as incidental income, but tax treatment can depend on your circumstances. If you’re unsure (or export income is significant), consider checking HMRC guidance or speaking to a tax adviser.

How quickly can I start getting paid after switching export tariff?

Timelines vary. You may need to complete onboarding steps (documents, meter configuration) before export readings are accepted. Ask the supplier how they handle your first export reading and when the first credit/payment is usually issued.

What documents might I need for SEG?

Common requirements include proof of MCS certification (or equivalent), a DNO notification (often handled by your installer), proof of identity/address, and meter details. Exact requirements differ by supplier.

Does having a battery increase export payments?

Not automatically. Batteries often increase self-consumption, which can reduce exports. Some time-of-use setups can make exporting at certain times more valuable, but this depends on the tariff structure and how your system is configured.

What’s the difference between deemed export and metered export?

Deemed export estimates exports using a formula rather than measuring your actual export. Under SEG, export is typically metered. If you see “deemed export” mentioned, double-check which scheme you’re on and how your export is being calculated.

Trust, methodology and sources

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Reviewed by
Energy Specialist
Last updated
February 2026

How we assess solar export tariffs (and limitations)

This guide is designed to help you make a confident comparison, even when suppliers market export tariffs differently. We focus on the elements that most affect household outcomes.

  • Eligibility fit: smart/export meter requirements, typical documentation (e.g., MCS), and whether import bundling is required.
  • Rate structure: fixed vs variable vs time-of-use; how the rate can change and the likely impact on predictability.
  • Whole-bill impact: we encourage comparing export alongside import unit rates and standing charges, because export income alone can be misleading.
  • Admin and payment terms: payment frequency, thresholds, and how credits are applied.

Limitations: Supplier rates and terms change. Your export volume depends on solar output, shading, panel orientation, weather, household demand, and battery behaviour. Scenario figures on this page are illustrative estimates, not guarantees.

Sources (UK)

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Transparency: EnergyPlus provides comparisons for UK home energy. Availability, rates and export terms vary by supplier, meter type and region.

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Updated on 1 Apr 2026