Switch solar tariff and get more from your panels
Compare whole-of-market solar-friendly energy tariffs for UK homes — including export rates, smart tariffs and options for batteries/EVs. Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with deals that fit how you generate and use electricity.
- Compare import and export rates (SEG) in one place
- Find tariffs that suit batteries, smart meters and EV charging
- Switch with confidence: clear costs, terms and eligibility
Home energy only. Comparison is whole-of-market where available. Savings depend on usage, generation and tariff availability in your area.
Compare solar tariffs (import + export) for your home
A good solar tariff isn’t just about the unit rate you pay for electricity. If you generate power from solar panels, your results often depend on a balance between:
- Import costs (when you need electricity from the grid)
- Export payments under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) (when you send electricity back)
- Peak/off-peak pricing (especially with batteries and smart tariffs)
- Standing charges and contract terms
EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market solar-friendly options to help you switch to a tariff that better matches your household usage patterns — whether you export often, self-consume most of your generation, or charge a battery overnight.
Tip: If you have a battery (or plan to get one), tariffs with cheap off-peak import can sometimes outperform higher export rates — depending on your generation and evening usage.
Get matched to solar tariffs
Complete the form and we’ll compare options for your home.
Already exporting? Have your SEG details handy (export MPAN, supplier name, and whether you’re paid a fixed or variable export rate). If you don’t know them, we’ll help you work it out.
Why switch your solar tariff?
Solar households can see meaningful differences between tariffs. Switching can improve what you earn for exports, reduce what you pay to top up from the grid, or both.
Increase export payments
If you regularly export surplus electricity, the right SEG export rate can make a noticeable difference over the year — particularly in spring and summer.
Cut import costs
If your home uses more electricity in the evenings (cooking, heating, TV, gaming), a cheaper import unit rate and sensible standing charge can reduce bills.
Make the most of batteries & EVs
Smart and time-of-use tariffs can reward you for shifting demand. With a battery, you may charge cheaply overnight and use stored energy later.
Avoid mismatched tariffs
Some deals look attractive but don’t suit your generation profile. We highlight key terms like export eligibility, meter requirements and pricing structure.
Switch without downtime
Switching supplier or tariff should not interrupt your electricity supply. Your panels keep generating as normal; billing changes in the background.
Stay on top of the market
Solar tariffs change frequently. Comparing whole-of-market helps you keep up with new SEG export rates, smart options and eligibility rules.
Good to know: You can often have a different supplier for export payments (SEG) than for your import electricity — subject to provider rules. We’ll show you options based on what’s available.
How switching a solar tariff works in the UK
Solar switching can involve one or two elements: your import tariff (electricity you buy) and your export tariff (electricity you sell back). EnergyPlus helps you compare both clearly.
- Tell us the basics: postcode, whether you have solar, a smart meter, and any battery storage.
- We check availability: tariffs and SEG options can vary by region, meter type and supplier criteria.
- Compare on what matters: unit rates, standing charges, export rate, off-peak windows, and key terms.
- Choose a tariff: we’ll guide you through next steps and what information you may need (e.g. MPAN/MPRN).
- Switch over: your energy supply stays on. Your new tariff starts on the agreed date and billing updates automatically.
Import tariff (what you pay)
This covers the electricity you use when solar generation isn’t enough. If you have a smart meter, you may be eligible for time-of-use pricing.
Export tariff (what you earn)
SEG payments are usually based on metered export. Rates vary by provider and may be fixed, variable, or linked to market prices. Eligibility can depend on your meter setup.
What to check before you switch solar tariff
To avoid surprises, it helps to compare tariffs using the same assumptions. Here are the key points most solar households should review.
| What to compare | Why it matters for solar | What we’ll help you check |
|---|---|---|
| Export rate (SEG) | Higher export rates can boost income if you regularly export surplus generation. | Fixed vs variable, eligibility, how often rates change and how payments are made. |
| Import unit rate | If you export a lot but also import heavily in winter evenings, import costs can dominate overall bills. | Day rate(s), off-peak rate(s), and how pricing matches your routines. |
| Standing charge | A higher standing charge can reduce the benefit of lower unit rates — especially for low import users. | Total annual cost estimates where available, not just headline rates. |
| Smart meter requirement | Some export tariffs and most smart/time-of-use tariffs require a compatible smart meter. | Whether your current meter type is likely to qualify and what alternatives exist. |
| Battery & EV compatibility | Time windows and rates can make batteries/EVs far cheaper to run — or not worth it if the terms don’t suit. | Off-peak periods, export rules with storage, and any usage conditions. |
| Contract length & exit fees | A great rate isn’t great if you’re locked in or face high fees when you need to change. | Term length, exit fees, and what happens when the tariff ends. |
Not sure how much you export?
If you have a smart meter, your export readings may be available on your online account or statements. If you don’t, you may still have export options, but eligibility and accuracy can vary.
Planning solar installation?
You can compare likely tariffs now to understand potential running costs and export value. Once installed, you can revisit the comparison with your final meter details and generation profile.
Common solar tariff mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Choosing on export rate alone
A top export rate can be offset by expensive import prices and high standing charges. We help you weigh the full picture.
Ignoring off-peak windows
Time-of-use tariffs can be excellent — but only if the cheap periods match when you can shift demand (or charge a battery/EV).
Overlooking eligibility rules
Some tariffs require a smart meter, certain export metering, or specific account conditions. We’ll flag key requirements before you decide.
Not checking exit fees
If you’re on a fixed deal, leaving early may cost money. We’ll prompt you to check your current tariff terms.
Assuming export is automatic
You generally need to apply for an export tariff and meet SEG criteria. We’ll explain what’s needed for your setup.
Using the wrong “typical” usage
Solar homes can have lower grid consumption. Using accurate import/export estimates improves your comparison outcomes.
Switch solar tariff FAQs
Can I switch energy supplier if I have solar panels?
Yes. Having solar panels doesn’t stop you switching your electricity supplier or tariff. Your solar system will continue generating electricity as normal. You’ll just move to a new import tariff, and you may also update your export/SEG arrangement depending on what you choose.
What is a solar tariff in the UK?
In practice, people mean one (or both) of these: an export tariff (SEG payments for electricity you export), and/or an import tariff designed to work well for solar households (for example with time-of-use pricing that suits battery charging).
Do I need a smart meter for SEG export?
Many SEG tariffs require export to be measured by a compatible meter (often a smart meter capable of recording export). Requirements vary by provider. If you’re unsure what meter you have, we’ll guide you through what to check during the comparison.
Can I have one company for import and another for export?
Often yes, but it depends on each provider’s rules. Some suppliers pay SEG only to their import customers, while others may accept export-only customers. EnergyPlus will show available options based on your details.
Will switching affect my feed-in tariff (FiT)?
Some older installations receive payments under the legacy Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme (closed to new applicants). FiT arrangements are separate from SEG export tariffs. If you have FiT, you’ll want to be careful about what you change. If you tell us you have FiT, we’ll highlight the key considerations before you proceed.
How long does a solar tariff switch take?
Timescales vary by supplier and whether you’re switching import, export, or both. Many import switches complete without disruption and you’ll be kept informed of dates. Export/SEG setup can take longer due to application checks and metering validation.
Is EnergyPlus a supplier?
No — EnergyPlus is a comparison service. We help UK households compare whole-of-market tariffs where available, understand key terms, and take the next step to switch.
Want to get started? Use the comparison form and we’ll guide you through the options that fit your solar setup.
Trusted by UK households comparing solar tariffs
People switch for different reasons — higher export payments, better battery charging rates, or simply clearer terms. Here’s what customers value about a guided comparison.
“The comparison made it obvious that our export rate was lagging behind. We switched and now our summer exports actually feel worth it.”
“We’ve got a battery and needed a tariff with a clear cheap window overnight. The options were explained plainly.”
“I didn’t realise import and export can be separate. Having it broken down helped me choose what to prioritise.”
What “whole-of-market” means here
We aim to compare a broad range of UK home energy tariffs, including solar-relevant options, subject to provider participation, eligibility and data availability in your region.
Clear comparisons, not guesswork
We focus on transparent pricing and key terms (standing charge, unit rates, export rules, meter requirements) so you can make a confident choice.
Ready to switch your solar tariff?
Compare UK solar-friendly import and export options tailored to your home. It takes a minute to start — and you’ll see what matters before you commit.
No disruption to your supply when you switch. Home energy comparisons only.
Quick checklist (optional)
- Latest bill (import rates + standing charge)
- Smart meter status
- Battery/EV details (if relevant)
- SEG/export details (if you have them)
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