How the Smart Export Guarantee Works

Elite Energy News

How the Smart Export Guarantee Works

Get Paid for Your Solar Power

If you’ve installed solar panels, you’ll already know they help reduce your energy bills — but did you know they could also earn you money?

Thanks to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), introduced by the UK Government in 2020, you can get paid for every unit of electricity your solar panels export back to the grid. Here’s how it works and why it’s a great way to make your solar investment go even further.

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?

The Smart Export Guarantee is a government-backed scheme that requires licensed energy suppliers to offer payments to customers who export renewable electricity back to the grid.

It replaced the old Feed-in Tariff (FiT) but works a bit differently:

  • You won’t get a set rate from the government — instead, energy companies offer their own export rates.

  • You’ll be paid for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you export, based on the rate you agree with your supplier.

  • The scheme applies to homeowners, businesses, and community projects using solar, wind, hydro, or other renewables.

Why Is the SEG a Good Deal?

  • Lower your bills + earn on exports – the perfect combo.

  • No upper limit – you’re paid for every unit you export.

  • You’re part of a cleaner, greener energy system.

  • Combined with battery storage, you can choose when to use your energy or export it for extra cash.

Can I Combine the SEG with Solar Battery Storage?

Yes! If you have a battery, you can choose to store your excess energy for later use, or export it when rates are higher (with some tariffs).

Some flexible SEG tariffs, like Octopus Flux, let you take advantage of higher export rates at peak times.

What Are the Current SEG Rates?

(Examples correct as of July 2025 — always check with providers for live rates)

Supplier

SEG Rate (per kWh)

Notes

Octopus Energy

Up to 29p

With Octopus Flux (variable, peak export times apply)

E.ON Next

Up to 16.5p

Next Export Premium (variable, export windows apply)

British Gas

15p

Export & Earn Plus (variable)

EDF Energy

15p

Export 12m (fixed)

Scottish Power

12p

SmartGen tariff

Eligibility criteria apply to all SEG tariffs.
To qualify, you’ll need:

  • An MCS-certified solar PV system

  • A smart meter capable of export readings

  • Acceptance of each supplier’s specific SEG terms (some require you to be a customer, others don’t)

Tip: The highest rates are often linked to time-of-use tariffs, meaning export prices vary through the day — especially at peak demand times.

How Do I Qualify?

To be eligible for SEG payments, you’ll need:

  • A MCS-certified solar PV system (this ensures your panels meet UK standards).

  • A Smart Meter that can record export data.

  • A contract with a licensed SEG supplier (this can be a different company from your energy provider).

Solar That Pays You Back

The Smart Export Guarantee is another reason why solar panels make sense in 2025. Not only will you reduce your energy bills, but you’ll also get rewarded for the clean power you provide to the grid.

Thinking about installing?

Complete our FREE Solar PV Quote Tool to get a bespoke quote or drop us a message and we’ll guide your thorough the best options for your circumstances.

Already have solar?

Check your SEG rate or see if you’re eligible.

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