Every solar panel owner in the UK with a smart meter is legally entitled to be paid for electricity they export to the grid. But not all Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs are equal — rates vary from 3p to over 20p per kWh. For a typical Yorkshire home, this difference adds up to £300–£800 per year.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The SEG replaced the old Feed-in Tariff in January 2020. Any electricity supplier with more than 150,000 customers must offer a SEG tariff to solar owners with a smart meter. The rate is set by the supplier — Ofgem sets no minimum (above zero), which is why rates vary so dramatically.
Current SEG Rates (April 2026)
These rates are correct as of April 2026 but change regularly — always check the supplier's current tariff page before switching:
- Octopus Flux: Variable, peaking at 30p+ during high-demand evening periods. Best for battery owners who can time exports. Available as part of Octopus Flux bundled tariff.
- Octopus Export Agile: Half-hourly variable rate tracking wholesale prices. Averages 8-15p/kWh but spikes higher. Ideal for homes with battery storage.
- E.ON Drive Solar: 20p/kWh fixed for the first 4,000 kWh exported. Strong predictable rate for medium-sized arrays.
- EDF Solar Export: 15p/kWh fixed. Good for smaller systems without battery storage.
- British Gas Solar Export: 12p/kWh fixed. Widely available, simple to access.
- Scottish Power Green: 9p/kWh. Competitive if you're already a customer.
How Much Can You Earn in Yorkshire?
A typical 4kWp solar system in Yorkshire generates approximately 3,400 kWh per year. Without battery storage, around 50% of this is typically exported (1,700 kWh). With a battery, this drops to 20-30% export (680–1,020 kWh) as you self-consume more.
At E.ON's 20p fixed rate: 1,700 kWh × £0.20 = £340/year export income without a battery. With Octopus Flux and smart battery timing, earnings can reach £600–£900 per year from the same 4kW system.
SEG and Battery Storage: The Combination That Pays
A home battery doesn't just reduce what you export — it lets you choose when you export. By charging during the day and exporting during the evening peak (typically 4–9pm), Octopus Flux and Agile customers can earn 2–3x more than a standard fixed-rate SEG. YEERS installs Sigenergy and Solax batteries with full Octopus API integration, automating this process entirely.
How to Switch Your SEG Tariff
You don't have to use the same supplier for import and export. You can buy electricity from one supplier while selling your solar export to another. Contact YEERS if you're unsure whether your current setup is optimised — we review SEG tariff options as part of our annual solar health check.
