Compare solar export tariff rates in the UK
See which UK suppliers pay the best solar export rates for households and find a tariff that fits how your home generates and exports. Compare whole-of-market options with EnergyPlus and request a personalised quote in minutes.
- Whole-of-market comparison for home solar export tariffs (SEG)
- Compare likely earnings based on how you use and export electricity
- Fast form—no obligation, UK-based support
For UK households only. Rates vary by supplier, meter setup and eligibility. We’ll explain what you need before you switch.
Compare UK solar export tariffs (SEG) based on how you use your solar
If your home has solar PV, you may be able to get paid for the electricity you export back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). The key difference between tariffs is the export unit rate (p/kWh)—and whether the supplier offers a fixed rate, a variable rate, or a time-of-use/export tracker style rate.
EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market UK options for households and helps you find an export tariff that matches your setup—smart meter, battery, and typical export pattern.
Quick check: You usually need a compatible meter (often a smart meter) and MCS certification (or equivalent evidence) to qualify for SEG with many suppliers. If you’re not sure, submit the form and we’ll guide you.
What we’ll use to compare for you
- Your postcode (to check availability and supplier eligibility)
- Whether you have a solar battery (and if you often export at specific times)
- Your best contact details so we can send your comparison and next steps
Get your export tariff comparison
Fill in the form and we’ll compare UK household solar export tariff rates and share options that suit your home.
Why comparing solar export tariff rates matters
Export payments can vary widely between suppliers. If you export regularly—especially with a larger system or a battery—choosing the right export tariff can make a noticeable difference to annual earnings.
Higher p/kWh can add up
A few pence more per kWh can materially change your yearly export earnings—particularly in summer months when export is highest.
Tariffs differ by export pattern
Some deals suit steady daytime export; others work better if you export at certain times (for example, with a battery and scheduled discharge).
Avoid hidden constraints
Eligibility rules, meter requirements and export readings can be confusing. We’ll help you understand what you need before you switch.
How solar export tariff rates work in the UK (SEG)
In Great Britain, the Smart Export Guarantee requires larger suppliers to offer at least one export tariff. You export electricity from your home solar PV (and potentially battery) to the grid, and you’re paid for exported units.
Key terms you’ll see
- Export rate (p/kWh): what you’re paid for each unit exported
- Deemed vs metered export: SEG is typically metered (based on readings), not assumed
- Fixed vs variable: rate stays the same for a period or can change
- Time-of-use export: rate may differ by time of day
- Payment terms: how often you’re paid (monthly/quarterly) and how (credit/bank)
What affects your export earnings
- How much you export (self-consumption vs exporting to grid)
- System size and generation profile
- Battery behaviour (store vs export; export timing)
- Meter capability and quality of export readings
- Tariff structure (single rate vs time-based)
Typical export tariff types (what to compare)
| Tariff type | Best for | Watch-outs | Comparison tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed export rate | Simple, predictable payments | May be lower than peak/variable rates | Check contract length, payment frequency, and if it requires importing with the same supplier |
| Variable export rate | Potential to benefit if rates rise | Rate can be reduced; less certainty | Ask how and when rates can change; check notice period |
| Time-of-use export | Homes exporting more at specific times (often with batteries) | May need specific smart meter setup; can be complex | Compare against your real export timings, not just the headline peak rate |
Tip: A “high” export rate isn’t always the best deal if it comes with restrictive eligibility or a requirement to take a specific import tariff that doesn’t suit your household usage.
Solar export tariff eligibility in the UK (households)
Eligibility can vary by supplier, but most household SEG applications follow similar requirements. Use this as a guide—then submit the form so we can check your specific setup.
You’ll usually need
- Solar PV installed at your home address
- Export measurement (commonly a smart meter capable of export readings)
- MCS certificate (or acceptable equivalent evidence depending on supplier)
- DNO notification / commissioning paperwork (often part of your install pack)
- Bank details for payments (where applicable)
Common questions we can help with
- Do I need to switch my import electricity tariff too?
- What if I have a battery—does that change the best export tariff?
- What if I’m missing paperwork from my installer?
- How long will it take to start getting paid?
- Will the export tariff affect my FIT payments? (If applicable)
FIT vs SEG: If you’re on the old Feed-in Tariff (FIT), you may have a generation tariff already. SEG is generally about export payments. Changing arrangements can be complex—tell us your situation and we’ll outline options.
How much can you earn from solar export? (UK examples)
Your solar export income depends on your export volume and the export rate you’re paid. The examples below are illustrative (not guarantees). Your actual export depends on system size, seasonality, household usage and whether you store energy in a battery.
| Annual export (kWh) | At 5p/kWh | At 10p/kWh | At 15p/kWh | What this might suit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 800 | £40/yr | £80/yr | £120/yr | Smaller systems or high self-consumption |
| 1,500 | £75/yr | £150/yr | £225/yr | Typical household export with moderate usage |
| 2,500 | £125/yr | £250/yr | £375/yr | Larger system, more daytime generation, or seasonal occupancy |
Simple ways to increase export value
Match tariff to battery use
If you have a battery, export timing may matter. A time-based export tariff could outperform a flat rate depending on your pattern.
Check payment terms
Monthly vs quarterly payments and minimum payment thresholds can affect cashflow and admin effort.
Ensure export readings are captured
Where export readings are missing or delayed, payments can be slower. We’ll help you confirm meter compatibility and next steps.
Common mistakes when comparing solar export tariff rates
A good comparison is about more than the headline rate. These are the issues that most often lead to disappointment after switching.
- Comparing export rates without checking eligibility. Some suppliers require specific documents, metering, or import arrangements.
- Assuming you’ll export the same amount year-round. Export is seasonal—winter earnings can be much lower than summer.
- Ignoring how you use electricity at home. If you self-consume a lot (e.g., working from home), export volumes may be smaller—so the best “rate” may matter less than import costs.
- Choosing a complex tariff without understanding timing. Time-of-use export can be powerful, but only if you export at those times.
- Not checking how and when you’ll be paid. Payment frequency, thresholds and admin requirements vary.
Want a quick check? Use the comparison form and we’ll point out any likely eligibility or meter issues before you commit.
Solar export tariff FAQs (UK)
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
SEG is a scheme where certain UK electricity suppliers offer tariffs that pay households for exporting renewable electricity (such as from solar PV) back to the grid.
Do I need a smart meter for a solar export tariff?
Often, yes. Many suppliers require a meter that can provide export readings—commonly a smart meter configured for export. Requirements can differ, so it’s worth checking before applying.
Can I get a solar export tariff without switching my import supplier?
Sometimes. Some suppliers allow export-only customers, while others may require you to take both import and export with them. We compare options with these rules in mind.
How often are SEG payments made?
This varies by supplier—commonly monthly or quarterly. Payment method and minimum thresholds may also differ. We’ll include this in your comparison.
Will an export tariff affect my self-consumption savings?
Export payments are separate from the savings you make by using solar power in your home. A good overall setup balances self-use, storage and export value.
Is EnergyPlus a supplier?
EnergyPlus is a comparison service. We help UK households compare whole-of-market solar export tariff options and understand eligibility and next steps.
Trusted comparison support for UK households
Switching or adding a solar export tariff can involve meter checks, documents and supplier-specific rules. We focus on clear guidance so you can make a confident choice.
Whole-of-market view
We compare across UK suppliers and tariff types, not just one provider.
Clarity over complexity
We highlight eligibility, meter requirements and payment terms upfront.
Household-first guidance
Advice focused on home energy—solar PV, batteries and everyday usage patterns.
“I didn’t realise my export payments depended on the meter setup. EnergyPlus explained what I needed and compared options that actually matched my battery use.”
— Homeowner, West Midlands
“The comparison was straightforward and I understood the payment terms before switching. Saved me time chasing supplier details.”
— Homeowner, South Yorkshire
Ready to compare solar export tariff rates?
Submit your details and we’ll send a household-focused comparison of UK solar export tariffs (SEG), including eligibility notes and what to do next.
- No obligation
- Whole-of-market comparison approach
- Clear guidance on meter and paperwork requirements
Prefer to read first? Jump to how SEG rates work.
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