A Complete Guide
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government backed initiative designed to reward homeowners and businesses that generate renewable energy and export surplus electricity back to the grid. For those with solar panels, SEG payments provide a valuable opportunity to reduce the payback period and improve the financial return of their solar investment.
This guide from SolarTherm UK explains how the Smart Export Guarantee works, how it differs from the previous Feed-in Tariff (FiT), which providers offer the most competitive rates and how to maximise your SEG earnings.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) was introduced in January 2020 to replace the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) which closed in 2019. The SEG ensures that energy suppliers pay small scale renewable energy generators for the electricity they export to the National Grid. The purpose of the SEG is to encourage adoption of renewable energy systems such as solar PV, wind and hydro. As the UK transitions towards Net Zero emissions by 2050, more homeowners and businesses are switching to solar to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their energy bills.
Unlike the FiT, SEG rates are set by the individual suppliers, not the government, meaning the amount you earn depends on which provider you choose, making it essential to compare options carefully.
How the SEG Works
Under UK regulations, all licensed energy suppliers with more than 150,000 customers are required to offer at least one export tariff. These tariffs pay for every kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity you export.
Rates vary significantly, from as low as 1p/kWh to over 15p/kWh, so comparing providers is essential to ensure the best return.
In practice, your solar panels are generating electricity, which is recorded by your smart meter. Any electricity not used is automatically exported back to the grid and your energy supplier will track how much you export and will pay accordingly to the SEG rate.
SEG Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for SEG payments you must meet the following criteria:
- Eligible technology: solar PV, wind or hydro power up to 5MW capacity.
- Grid connection: your system must be connected to the UK National Grid.
- MCS certification: installation must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) to ensure safety requirements are met.
- Smart meter: a smart meter capable of recording exports is required, your supplier will need to upgrade your meter if this isn’t the case.
- DNO approval: you will need your DNO approval letter to apply for a SEG rate to ensure your local network can handle the electricity you are exporting.
The Best Smart Export Guarantee Rates
SEG tariffs vary across suppliers and change periodically. Most suppliers offer a SEG tariff for those looking to just export and then an export tariff for customers who are looking to import and export their electricity with them.
| Supplier | Tariff Name | Rate (p/kWh)** | Notes |
| E.On Next | Next Export Premium | 17.5p | Highest rate for E.On Next installations |
| Next Export Exclusive | 13p | For existing E.On Next customers | |
| Next Flex Export | 6p | Open to all | |
| EDF Energy | Export Exclusive | 24p | Highest rate for EDF Energy installations |
| Export | 15p | For existing EDF Energy customers | |
| Export Variable | 3.0p | Open to all | |
| Scottish Power | SmartGen Premium Plus | 15p | Highest rate for Scottish Power installations |
| SmartGen Premium | 12p | For existing Scottish Power customers | |
| SmartGen | 6p | Open to all | |
| British Gas | Export and Earn Plus | 15.1p | For existing British Gas customers |
| Standard Export | 3.02p | Open to all | |
| Octopus Energy | Octopus Outgoing | 15p | For existing Octopus Energy customers |
| Smart Export Guarantee | 4.1p | Open to all |
**figures were correct at time of publish – 14th November 2025
Smaller providers such as Good Energy (paying up to 25p/kWh) and So Energy (paying up to 20p/kWh) also offer SEG rates that can be competitive, so it is worthwhile doing your research further.
Choosing the Right SEG Tariff
Different tariff types suit different users:
- Fixed rate tariffs offer stability and predictable payments
- Variable rate tariffs fluctuate with market prices and may pay more during peak times
- Battery based tariffs offer higher rates for customers who can store and export electricity strategically
- Bundled energy deals may offer better SEG rates if you use the same supplier for import and export
How to Maximise Your SEG Earnings
There are several ways to increase your export income under SEG:
- Increase Export Volume
- Install solar battery storage to export when rates are higher
- Reduce daytime energy use to export more electricity
- Upgrade to more efficient or larger solar panels
- Monitor performance using smart apps to identify export opportunities
- Combine SEG With Other Strategies
- Time of use tariffs: charge your battery during off-peak hours and export during peak demand
- Energy efficient appliances: reduce consumption to increase surplus generation
- Smart home systems: automate when you consume and export power for optimal returns
The Importance of Smart Meters
A smart meter is essential for SEG eligibility, as it measures exactly how much energy you export. A SMETS2 meter measures your energy use and export every 30 minutes, tracking exported electricity accurately, ensuring precise SEG payments.
Will SEG Rates Improve in the Future?
As renewable energy adoption increases, SEG rates are expected to become more competitive, factors such as higher electricity prices, battery storage incentives and evolving government policy will influence future rates. The UK Government’s ongoing commitment to renewable energy and Net Zero by 2050 may bring new incentive and improved tariffs, especially as battery technology becomes more accessible and efficient.
Learn More About Solar Energy
The Smart Export Guarantee offers a valuable opportunity for households and businesses to earn from their renewable energy systems. Comparing suppliers, monitoring market trends and optimising your system’s performance are key steps to making the most of it.
To learn more about solar panels and battery storage, visit the SolarTherm UK blog page, or contact our team for expert advice on getting the best return from your solar investment.
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