In recent years, more homeowners are choosing solar panels and renewable energy systems. A common question we hear at SolarTherm UK is “what happens if we produce more electricity than we can use?”
Good news, if you live in Essex, Kent or Hertfordshire, you can benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme.
The Basics
The SEG is a UK government backed initiative which came into force in January 2020. What it means in practice is if you have a small scale renewable electricity system for your property, and you generate more electricity than you can use, you can sell the surplus back to the grid.
Unlike the earlier Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme, which paid for both generation and export, the SEG only pays for what you export. The rate is not set by the Government, each supplier gets to set their own rate, and these rates will differ vastly depending on the supplier and other factors.
Who is Eligible?
You’ll qualify for SEG by meeting a variety of factors. Your renewable electricity generating system (for example solar PV, wind or hydro) needs to have a capacity of 5MW or less. Your installation needs to be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and you require DNO (Distribution Network Operator) approval to export to the grid, to ensure your system meets current UK safety standards. You will also need to have an export meter or smart meter installed which is capable of measuring how much electricity you export.
How Much Can You Get Paid?
The export rate is set by the supplier, so the amount you can receive can vary quite significantly from supplier to supplier. There is no set minimum rate, just that it must be above zero, some suppliers will pay a higher rate if you have battery storage or a specific installation. You will also find most suppliers will pay a higher rate if you purchase your electricity from them. Currently Octopus Energy are paying a 15p/kWh rate on their Octopus Flux tariff, as a Octopus Energy Trusted Partner, if you have your solar PV system installed by SolarTherm UK, you will receive a code on completion of your install for £50 credit onto your Octopus Energy account when you sign up with them.
Why Is It Relevant for Homeowners in Essex, Kent and Hertfordshire?
Living in Essex, Kent or Hertfordshire you benefit from relatively good solar resource (especially during spring and summer months) and many homes are well-suited for rooftop solar installations. By installing solar panels you reduce how much electricity you import from the grid and with SEG you also make something back from the excess you export.
The key steps are:
- Installing a high quality solar PV system by an MCS certified and reputable installer
- Ensuring your export meter is set up correctly so that your exported kWh are recorded accurately
- Shopping around for the best SEG tariff
- Maximising self consumption to save more overall, export payments are an added extra, but using your own generated power is the best value
What are the Caveats?
- Having a high export rate is good, but the most valuable thing is using your solar power yourself rather than exporting it. The price you buy electricity at is usually higher than the price you sell it at.
- SEG rates can change, so it’s worth checking contract terms and lengths
- If you system was installed under the old FiT scheme (pre-2019) you may be already receiving payments, switching from FiT export to SEG might be beneficial, but you should check carefully.
Why Choose SolarTherm UK for Solar?
At SolarTherm UK we specialise in helping homeowners across Essex, Kent and Hertfordshire navigate everything from system design, installation, certification, through to export meter setup and SEG tariffs. Here’s why our clients choose us:
- Our installers are MCS certified and we only use high quality solar panels and inverters, giving you the peace of mind that your system will meet eligibility criteria for SEG.
- We handle the paperwork and registration process so you’re correctly set up for export payments.
- Our service doesn’t just end at installation, we help you monitor your performance, maximise self consumption and export where beneficial.
- Local knowledge, being based in the region means we understand the planning, building and local authority regulations.
What Should You Do Next?
If you’re based in Essex, Kent or Hertfordshire and considering solar, here are your next steps:
- Contact us at SolarTherm UK and we’ll arrange a free, no obligation feasibility study of your home.
- We’ll assess your roof, electricity usage, likely export and savings and help you pick the right size system and battery.
- We’ll install the system, ensure everything is MCS certified and ensure your export meter is working correctly.
- After installation, we’ll provide guidance on how to monitor and maximise self consumption so you get the most out of both the solar generation and the SEG export payments.
Final Thoughts
The Smart Export Guarantee presents a compelling opportunity for homeowners in Essex, Kent and Hertfordshire to not only reduce their electricity bills through solar, but also to earn an income from the surplus they export. While every home is different, getting the system right, choosing the best tariff and optimising usage makes a real difference.
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
