How much do I get paid for excess solar electricity?

SEG rates range from 3p to 15p per kWh depending on your chosen supplier. Octopus Energy Outgoing offers up to 15p per kWh with variable rates, while fixed tariffs typically offer 4-5p per kWh. A typical 4kW system exports 1,000-1,500 kWh per year, earning £40-£225 annually.

Do I need a smart meter for the Smart Export Guarantee?

Yes. All solar installations require a smart meter (SMETS2) to measure exported electricity. If you do not have one, your energy supplier will install it free of charge when you sign up for an SEG tariff.

Which SEG tariff is best in 2026?

Best SEG rates: Octopus Energy Outgoing (up to 15p/kWh variable), E.ON Next Export (5.5p/kWh fixed), British Gas Export (4p/kWh fixed). Variable tariffs offer higher rates but fluctuate with wholesale prices. Fixed tariffs provide guaranteed income.

Can I switch SEG suppliers?

Yes. You can switch SEG suppliers at any time without penalty. Your electricity supply and SEG payments are separate contracts—you can have different suppliers for import and export.

Smart Export Guarantee

Smart Export Guarantee: Get Paid for Your Solar Electricity

The Smart Export Guarantee requires UK energy suppliers to pay you for excess solar electricity exported to the grid. Rates range from 3p to 15p per kWh depending on your chosen tariff.

What is the Smart Export Guarantee?

Introduced in January 2020, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) replaced the Feed-in Tariff and requires all medium and large UK energy suppliers to offer payments for renewable electricity exported to the grid.

15p

Top Variable Rate (Octopus)

20+ yrs

Guaranteed Payments

100%

MCS Systems Eligible

Best SEG Tariffs 2026

Octopus Energy Outgoing

Variable

Up to 15p/kWh

Export Rate

E.ON Next Export

Fixed

5.5p/kWh

Export Rate

British Gas Export

Fixed

4p/kWh

Export Rate

EDF Export Flex

Fixed

4.1p/kWh

Export Rate

Variable vs Fixed SEG Tariffs

Variable tariffs like Octopus Outgoing offer higher rates that fluctuate with wholesale electricity prices. You can earn significantly more during peak demand periods, but rates can drop.

Fixed tariffs provide guaranteed rates for 12+ months, offering predictable income but typically lower than peak variable rates.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings depend on your system size, household consumption, and chosen SEG tariff. Most households export 40-60% of generated electricity:

System Size	Annual Export	SEG @ 5p/kWh	SEG @ 15p/kWh
3kW	750-1,125 kWh	£37.50-£56.25	£112.50-£168.75
4kW	1,000-1,500 kWh	£50-£75	£150-£225
6kW	1,500-2,250 kWh	£75-£112.50	£225-£337.50
10kW	2,500-3,750 kWh	£125-£187.50	£375-£562.50

Eligibility Requirements

All MCS-certified solar panel installations automatically qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee:

MCS Certification: Your installer must be MCS-accredited (YEERS is fully certified)
Smart Meter: SMETS2 smart meter required to measure exports (suppliers install free)
System Size: Capacity up to 5MW qualifies (all residential systems eligible)
Technology: Solar PV, wind, hydro, micro-CHP, and anaerobic digestion qualify

Maximizing SEG Payments

Add Battery Storage

Store excess generation and export during peak SEG rate periods. With time-of-use tariffs like Octopus Agile, you can earn up to 15p/kWh by exporting when rates are highest.

Reduce Daytime Consumption

The less electricity you use during peak generation hours, the more you export. Shift high-consumption appliances to evenings or use timers.

Compare SEG Suppliers Annually

SEG rates change frequently. Review and switch suppliers annually to ensure you get the best rate. Switching takes 5 minutes online with no penalty.

Ready to Start Earning?

All YEERS solar installations are MCS-certified and automatically eligible for Smart Export Guarantee payments. We guide you through choosing the best SEG tariff for your circumstances.

Get Your Free Solar Quote

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Ready to reduce operational costs or improve your home's rating? Fill out the form for a free, no-obligation survey. We operate throughout Yorkshire.

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