Export Tariffs Explained

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires licensed energy suppliers to pay you for electricity you export from a solar or battery system. Rates vary by supplier — from around 4p/kWh to over 15p/kWh. To receive payments, you need a smart meter and an MCS-certified installation.

Which suppliers pay the most?

Rates change regularly. Consistently competitive options include Octopus Energy's Outgoing Octopus tariff, which pays a variable rate tied to wholesale prices, and fixed-rate tariffs from Ovo, British Gas, and E.on. Variable export tariffs can pay 20p+ at peak times but also pay less during low-demand periods. Fixed tariffs offer predictability.

Do you need a special meter?

Yes. You need a smart meter that records export separately from import. If you do not yet have a smart meter, contact your energy supplier — installation is free and your supplier is legally obligated to offer one. The meter is installed by the supplier, not by your solar installer.

What about the old Feed-in Tariff?

The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) closed to new applicants in March 2019. If your system was registered before that date, you continue to receive FiT payments at your original locked-in rate for 20 years from installation. FiT rates were significantly higher than current SEG rates — typically 12–20p/kWh for generation plus a deemed export payment.

Can you combine SEG with battery storage?

Yes. A battery-equipped system can export at peak times — storing cheap midday solar and discharging to the grid when export rates are most favourable. This requires a smart tariff and an inverter capable of controlled grid export. Not all battery systems support this without additional configuration.