The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is the UK government scheme that requires large energy suppliers to pay solar (and other small-scale renewable) generators for each kWh they export to the grid. It replaced the much more generous Feed-in Tariff in January 2020. In 2026, rates range from 1p to over 25p per kWh depending on supplier and contract type - which is a vast spread, and choosing the right tariff is one of the biggest levers on your solar ROI.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee?
SEG is a regulatory obligation introduced by the UK government in 2020. Under it, every electricity supplier with more than 150,000 domestic customers must offer at least one SEG tariff - paying you for electricity you export from a small-scale renewable generator (solar, wind, micro-hydro, anaerobic digestion, or micro-CHP up to 5 MW).
Key features:
- Pays only for exported electricity, not for what you self-consume
- Rate set by the supplier, not the government - so they vary widely
- Requires MCS-certified install for solar PV
- Requires a smart meter capable of half-hourly export readings (SMETS2)
- You can use any supplier for SEG, not necessarily your import supplier
- Tariff terms vary from 12 months to multi-year
How much can you earn?
For a typical 4kW Cornwall solar install generating 3,800-4,200 kWh per year, exporting 60-70% without a battery (2,300-2,950 kWh):
- At a 1p/kWh "minimum" tariff: £23-£30/year (don't use these suppliers)
- At a 12p/kWh standard tariff: £276-£354/year
- At a 15p/kWh good tariff: £345-£443/year
- At a 25p/kWh installation-bundled tariff: £575-£738/year
Over 25 years, the difference between a poor and a good tariff is around £8,000-£15,000 - significantly more than the install cost. Choose the SEG tariff carefully.
Best SEG tariffs in 2026 (at time of writing)
SEG rates change frequently - check the live position before signing. As of early 2026 the landscape looks roughly like this:
| Supplier / tariff | Rate (approx) | Type | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| E.ON Next Export Exclusive | ~16.5p/kWh | Fixed | Requires bundled E.ON import tariff |
| British Gas Export & Earn Plus | ~15.1p/kWh | Fixed | Requires bundled British Gas import |
| EDF Export 12m | ~15p/kWh | Fixed | EDF import customers |
| OVO Smart Solar Export | ~15p/kWh | Fixed | OVO import customers |
| Good Energy | ~15p/kWh | Fixed | Supplier-agnostic |
| Octopus Outgoing Fixed | ~12p/kWh | Fixed | Supplier-agnostic |
| Octopus Outgoing Agile | variable, peaks 20-30p | Half-hourly variable | Better with battery + smart inverter |
| Octopus Flux (import + export) | variable, peaks 25-30p | Time-of-use | Requires battery |
| EDF Export Exclusive (install bundled) | ~18p/kWh | Premium | Solar purchased through EDF |
| OVO SEG Install Exclusive | ~20p/kWh | Premium | Solar purchased through OVO |
| Good Energy Solar Savings Exclusive | ~25p/kWh | Premium | Solar + battery purchased through Good Energy |
Rates accurate at time of writing; suppliers change these with notice. Always check the supplier's current site or Ofgem's SEG comparison before signing.
Fixed vs variable vs bundled - which to choose
Fixed-rate SEG (most common)
Simple: every kWh exported pays the same rate. Usually 12-month or 24-month terms, then you re-quote. Good for: solar-only households, no battery, predictable income.
Variable (time-of-use) SEG
Pays a half-hourly rate matching wholesale market prices. Octopus Agile/Flux are the best-known examples. Peaks can exceed 25p/kWh on winter evenings; troughs can be 1-3p on sunny summer afternoons. Good for: battery owners who can time-shift exports to peak periods.
Bundled premium tariffs
Some suppliers pay higher SEG rates if you also buy your solar install from them. The premium is real (often 15-25p vs market 12-15p), but it locks you into their install package which may not be the cheapest fit. Calculate total lifetime cost - sometimes a cheaper install plus market SEG beats premium install plus premium SEG.
How to register for SEG
- Get an MCS certificate from your installer at handover. Without this, no SEG.
- Confirm you have a SMETS2 smart meter capable of half-hourly export readings. If not, contact your import supplier - they install for free.
- Choose an SEG supplier (not necessarily your import supplier).
- Apply for the tariff online with proof of MCS certification, smart meter MPAN, and bank details.
- Wait 6-12 weeks for activation and first reading.
- Receive payments - usually quarterly or annually, by direct bank credit.
SEG and batteries: the strategic point
Without a battery, around 60-75% of solar generation gets exported - because peak generation (midday summer) rarely matches peak demand (evenings, winter). SEG payments make up for that lost self-consumption value, but at a discount: you export at 15p, you import at 27p. The 12p gap is dead money per kWh.
A battery flips the equation. You self-consume 70-80% (paying yourself the 27p import rate per kWh kept), and export only 20-30% at 15p. Total return is higher, but payback period stretches because the battery adds cost upfront. See our worth-it analysis for the numbers.
What about legacy Feed-in Tariff customers?
If you installed solar before 31 March 2019, you may be on the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) - a much more generous scheme (originally 43p/kWh, later 4-15p) with 20-year guaranteed payments and index-linked rates. Don't switch to SEG. FiT rates are typically still better than SEG. Stay on FiT until its term expires.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best SEG tariff in 2026?
Depends on circumstances. For supplier-agnostic standalone use: Good Energy or E.ON Export Exclusive (around 15-16p). For battery owners willing to time-shift: Octopus Outgoing Agile or Flux (peaks 25-30p). For install bundles: Good Energy Solar Savings Exclusive (25p) if you can accept the bundled install constraint.
Can I use a different SEG supplier from my electricity supplier?
Yes - SEG suppliers are independent of import suppliers. Many homeowners get import from a cheap supplier and SEG from a different higher-paying export supplier.
Do I need a smart meter for SEG?
Yes - SMETS2 smart meter with half-hourly export readings. Older SMETS1 meters work if upgraded. Without a smart meter, no SEG.
How long do SEG payments last?
Indefinitely for the life of the system (or until the scheme is replaced). Individual tariffs are typically 12 or 24 months; you can switch supplier when one expires.
What happens to SEG if I move house?
The new owner takes over your SEG tariff (or registers their own). You don't get to keep payments after the move. The system stays with the property.
How is exported electricity measured?
Via your smart meter export reading, transmitted half-hourly. The supplier reads your export volume and pays the agreed rate. No deemed/estimated readings under SEG - actual measurement only.
What if my supplier owes less than £25?
Many suppliers roll forward small balances to the next pay-out. Some pay quarterly regardless. Check tariff terms before signing.
Should I switch SEG tariffs every year?
Check annually - rates move and new offers appear. Switching costs nothing if you're past minimum term. We've seen homeowners gain £200+/year by switching from outdated 5p tariffs to current 15p.
Common questions
What is the Smart Export Guarantee?
A UK scheme requiring large energy suppliers to pay solar generators for electricity exported to the grid. Replaced the Feed-in Tariff in 2020. Rates are set by individual suppliers and range from 1p to 25p per kWh.
What's the best SEG tariff in 2026?
Good Energy and E.ON Export Exclusive pay around 15-16p/kWh standalone. Octopus Outgoing Agile/Flux peaks 25-30p (battery required). Premium install bundles like Good Energy Solar Savings Exclusive pay 25p but require buying through them.
How much can I earn from SEG per year?
A typical 4kW Cornwall system exporting 2,500-3,000 kWh/year earns £300-£600 at standard tariffs (12-15p), or £600-£800 at premium bundled rates (20-25p).
How do I register for the Smart Export Guarantee?
Get MCS certificate from installer, confirm SMETS2 smart meter, choose a supplier, apply online with proof of certification. Activation takes 6-12 weeks. First payment quarterly or annually after.
Can I switch SEG suppliers?
Yes - any time after minimum term (typically 12 months). Switching is free and takes 4-6 weeks. SEG supplier doesn't have to be your import supplier.
Does the Smart Export Guarantee require a smart meter?
Yes - SMETS2 smart meter with half-hourly export readings. Older SMETS1 meters work if upgraded. Your import supplier installs the smart meter free of charge.
Is SEG better or worse than Feed-in Tariff?
Worse for most installs - FiT paid for both generation and export with index-linked 20-year rates. SEG pays only for export at supplier-set rates. If you have legacy FiT panels, stay on FiT until its term expires.
Can I get SEG without an MCS-certified installer?
No - MCS certificate (or equivalent like Flexi-Orb) is required to qualify. This is why MCS-certified installation matters even if it costs slightly more upfront.
What if my SEG tariff expires?
Most are 12-month fixed terms. Re-quote when expiring - rates may have improved or your current supplier may roll you onto a lower default rate. Always actively switch.
Do I pay tax on SEG income?
For domestic households, SEG income is exempt from income tax under the Microgeneration Tax Exemption. Commercial generators may have different treatment - check with an accountant.