Solar export tariffs pay you for any excess electricity your solar panels send back to the grid. Most UK export tariffs sit under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), but rates, eligibility rules and payment structures vary significantly by supplier.

The timing has never been better to get this right. Government data shows that March 2026 saw 27,000 solar installations completed, the highest monthly total since 2012, pushing the UK past two million solar installations in total.

Two-thirds of those March installations were rooftop solar on homes. In April 2026, a new generation record was set, with data from the National Energy System Operator (NESO) showing solar output passed 15 GW on Britain’s electricity system for the first time.

If your solar system is generating more electricity than your home is using, that surplus flows back through your meter and onto the national grid.

Without an export tariff in place, that energy is simply given away for free. With the right tariff, it becomes a meaningful income stream that improves the overall payback period of your solar investment.

Understanding how solar export tariffs work, what you need to qualify, and how to compare your options can ensure you choose the best tariff for your specific setup.

Key Takeaways on Solar Export Tariffs:

• Solar export tariffs pay you for the unused electricity your panels send back to the grid.
• Most UK export tariffs operate under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG); you usually need a smart meter that can provide export readings.
• An MCS certificate and an export MPAN are typically required to register for a tariff.
• Some tariffs pay fixed rates; others use time-of-use rates that can pay significantly more at peak times.
• The best tariff depends on your solar output, home usage pattern, battery storage, EV and import tariff.

What Is a Solar Export Tariff?

A solar export tariff is a payment scheme that compensates you, in pence per kilowatt-hour (p/kWh), for every unit of electricity you export from your solar PV system to the grid.

Think of it as the reverse of your import rate: just as you pay your supplier for every unit you consume, you receive payment for every unit you contribute.

Export tariffs in the UK were first introduced under the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme, which closed to new applicants in 2019. The scheme that replaced it, the Smart Export Guarantee, came into force in January 2020 and remains the primary framework for new solar installations today.

Rates are set competitively by suppliers, not by the government, so the range is striking.

As of April 2026, export tariff rates across major suppliers ran from as low as 1p/kWh, from suppliers who are obliged to offer a tariff but aren’t competing for solar customers, up to 25p/kWh for the best-qualifying fixed tariffs. That difference can amount to several hundred pounds a year.

How Do Solar Export Tariffs Work?

The basic mechanics are straightforward: your solar panels generate electricity, your home uses what it needs, and any surplus is exported to the grid.

A smart meter with export capability measures how much you export, and your supplier pays you for those units at your agreed export rate.

Here is the typical journey from generation to payment:

1. Your solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours.

2. Your home’s appliances consume what they need in real time.

3. Any surplus electricity flows back through your meter to the grid.

4. Your smart meter records the export in half-hourly intervals.

5. Your supplier reads the data and credits your account (monthly, quarterly or annually, depending on the tariff).

The amount you earn depends on three variables: how much electricity you export, when you export it (for time-of-use tariffs), and the rate your tariff pays.

Solar Export Tariffs vs the Smart Export Guarantee

The terms “solar export tariff” and “SEG tariff” are often used interchangeably, but they are not quite the same thing.

The Smart Export Guarantee is the regulatory framework; a solar export tariff is the specific product a supplier offers under that framework.

Key differences worth understanding:

• The SEG is a government-mandated obligation. Energy suppliers with 150,000 or more domestic customers must offer at least one SEG tariff. As of 2026–27, Ofgem lists 12 mandatory SEG licensees, though more than 12 tariffs exist because many suppliers offer multiple products. Smaller suppliers may also offer tariffs voluntarily.
• Rates aren’t set by the government. Unlike the Feed-in Tariff, the SEG doesn’t prescribe a minimum rate beyond requiring it to be above zero at all times. Rates are competitive and vary widely between suppliers.
• You can switch tariffs. You’re not locked in permanently. If a better rate becomes available elsewhere, you can switch supplier or tariff.
• The SEG and FiT cannot be combined. If you’re already receiving Feed-in Tariff export payments, you cannot also register for the SEG for the same installation.

Here is the simple distinction:

Term	What It Means	What It Controls
Smart Export Guarantee	The scheme framework for paying eligible exported electricity	Basic eligibility and supplier obligations
Solar export tariff	The payment tariff offered by a supplier	Export rate, terms, payment method and conditions

Who Is Eligible for A Solar Export Tariff?

To be eligible for most SEG tariffs, you need to meet the following criteria, as set out in Ofgem’s SEG guidance for generators:

• MCS-certified installation. You must use an MCS-certified installer to set up your solar PV system. The MCS certificate is the standard proof of quality and compliance.
• System size. Your installation must have a total installed capacity of no more than 5 MW. Most domestic systems are well within this limit.
• A smart meter. You must have a smart meter capable of half-hourly export readings. SMETS2 meters and some SMETS1 meters can do this.
• An export MPAN. A Meter Point Administration Number for your export connection.
• Import supplier requirement (for some tariffs). Certain bundled or time-of-use tariffs require you to import from the same supplier.

If your installation was completed before the SEG launched in 2020 and you were not on the Feed-in Tariff, you can still apply for the SEG retrospectively, provided you meet the above criteria.

Do You Need a Smart Meter to Export Solar Electricity?

Yes. While it’s technically possible to receive estimated SEG payments based on assumed export (typically 50% of generation under older deemed arrangements), the vast majority of current tariffs require a smart meter with live export readings to pay you accurately.

The requirement is a SMETS2 smart meter, or an SMETS1 meter that you have migrated to the national communications network and enabled export measurement.

Meters must be capable of providing half-hourly readings, and this doesn’t happen automatically for all meters: you may need to contact your supplier to activate export readings.

If you’re unsure whether your meter is recording exports, check your in-home display for an export reading, or log into your supplier’s online account to see whether they’re capturing export data.

The most common misunderstanding we encounter is homeowners assuming that installing a smart meter automatically means they’re being paid for exports. The meter needs to be set up to measure and report export separately, and many aren’t. It’s a quick fix, but you need to know to ask. Tim Arnold— MCS-certified solar installer, Southern England

Do You Need an Export MPAN?

Yes. An export MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) is a unique reference number for your export connection, distinct from your import MPAN. Suppliers use it to register your export meter point and record your export readings correctly.

For most residential solar installations, your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) will issue an export MPAN when you notify them of your installation.

Your MCS-certified installer should handle this notification as part of the commissioning process under the G99 or G98 application, depending on system size, but it’s worth confirming this has been done.

If you’re registering for a SEG tariff and your supplier asks for your export MPAN but you don’t have one, contact your DNO directly.

Fixed vs Variable Export Tariffs and the Rates Currently Available

Solar export tariffs fall broadly into two pricing structures: fixed (flat-rate) and variable (time-of-use). Understanding the difference is essential to choosing the right product for your setup.

Fixed Export Tariffs

A fixed export tariff pays the same rate for every unit you export, regardless of when you export it. Fixed tariffs are simple to understand and predict.

They suit households where the sun determines the export pattern rather than flexible storage or demand-shifting behaviour.

Time-Of-Use (Tou) Export Tariffs

Time-of-use export tariffs pay variable rates depending on the time of day. Rates are typically highest during evening peak demand periods, often 4–7 pm, and lowest overnight or at midday.

For solar-only homes, ToU tariffs require more thought: your panels generate most electricity during the middle of the day, which often coincides with lower-rate export windows.

Households with battery storage can capture that midday surplus and discharge it during high-rate periods, significantly improving returns.

Types of Solar Export Tariff:

Tariff type	How it works	Best for	Watch-outs
Fixed SEG tariff	Pays a flat rate (p/kWh) for every unit exported, regardless of when.	Predictability; households without battery or EV flexibility.	Rates can be low. You earn the same whether you export at noon or peak evening.
Time-of-use export tariff	Pays variable rates by time of day and is higher at peak demand (typically 4–7 pm).	Battery owners and EV drivers who can shift export to high-value windows.	Requires smart meter half-hourly data; often pairs with a matching import tariff.
Import/export bundle	A single tariff covers both what you import and what you export.	Simplicity: households that want one supplier to manage both flows.	Bundled deals may not offer the best export rate individually, so compare the total package.
EV-linked tariff	Integrates solar export with EV charging. Offers cheap overnight import plus export credit at peak hours.	EV owners with solar and optionally home battery.	Requires compatible smart charger and vehicle.
Battery-optimised tariff	Designed around charge/discharge cycles. Import cheap overnight, export stored solar at peak rates.	Households with solar + battery wanting to maximise grid arbitrage income.	Works best with automated energy management software.

What are the Current Solar Export Tariff Rates?

As of April 2026, the spread of SEG and solar export rates across UK suppliers is wide. The tables below summarise current offers, grouped by accessibility.

Highest Rates – Installer or Bundle Exclusive

Supplier	Tariff	Who can access it	Rate	Notes
Good Energy	Solar Savings Exclusive	Good Energy customers with solar + battery installed by Good Energy Solar	25p	Fixed 12m. Above April 2026 price cap (24.67p/kWh).
Octopus Energy	Intelligent Octopus Flux	Octopus customers with solar + any battery	~23p avg	Time-of-use. Import and export rates match. Peak export window 4–7 pm. Automated battery management.
OVO Energy	SEG Install Exclusive	OVO customers who bought solar + battery through OVO	20p	15p if solar-only.
So Energy	So Bright	Installed solar + battery through So Energy (need not be a customer)	20p	Fixed 12m.
EDF Energy	Export Exclusive 12m V3	EDF customers with solar and/or battery installed through EDF	18p	Fixed 12m.
E.ON Next	Next Export Premium v3	E.ON customers with solar/battery installed by E.ON after 10 Nov 2025	17.5p	Fixed 12m.

Mid-Tier Rates – Existing Customers

Supplier	Tariff	Who can access it	Rate	Notes
British Gas	Export and Earn Plus	British Gas electricity customers	15.1p
EDF Energy	Export 12m	EDF electricity customers	15p	Fixed 12m.
Good Energy	Solar Savings	Good Energy electricity customers	15p
Scottish Power	SmartGen Premium Plus	Scottish Power customers with solar/battery installed by Scottish Power	15p
E.ON Next	Next Export Exclusive v3	E.ON customers, system up to 15 kWp	13p	Fixed 12m.
100Green	Export Tariff	100Green customers, system up to 15 kWp	12p
Octopus Energy	Outgoing Octopus	Octopus customers with solar panels	12p
OVO Energy	SEG Beyond Exclusive	OVO Beyond customers, system up to 30 kWp	12p
Scottish Power	SmartGen Premium	Scottish Power electricity customers	12p
Octopus Energy	Outgoing Octopus Agile	Octopus customers with solar panels	~9.09p avg	Half-hourly variable pricing.
Utility Warehouse	UW SEG – Bundle	UW customers bundling 2+ services	8p
E.ON Next	Next Flex Export v1	E.ON customers, system up to 5 MW	6p

Open-Access Rates — Available to Anyone

Supplier	Tariff	Who can access it	Rate	Notes
Scottish Power	SmartGen	Anyone	6p	Highest open-access rate.
So Energy	So Export Flex	Anyone	4.5p
Octopus Energy	Smart Export Guarantee	Anyone	4.1p
OVO Energy	SEG	Anyone	4p
British Gas	SEG	Anyone	3.02p
EDF Energy	SEG Export Variable	Anyone	3p
Utilita	Smart Export Guarantee	Anyone	3p
Utility Warehouse	UW SEG – Standard	Anyone	2p
Outfox Energy	Outfox Export	Anyone	1.05p	Compliance-only.
E (Gas & Electricity)	SEG Tariff	Anyone	1p	Compliance-only.

A note on why some rates are so low: Ofgem requires all suppliers with more than 150,000 customers to offer a SEG tariff, but doesn’t set a minimum rate above zero. Some suppliers at the bottom of the table are there simply because they must be, not because they’re competing for solar customers.

Can You Use a Solar Battery with An Export Tariff?

Yes, and for many households, battery storage is what makes an export tariff genuinely lucrative. However, the relationship between batteries and export tariffs is more nuanced than it might appear.

The key issue is the source of the exported electricity. Some tariffs distinguish between direct solar export (electricity flowing straight from panels to the grid) and battery-discharged export (electricity that has been stored and then exported later).

A minority of tariffs restrict or exclude battery export, while others are specifically designed around it.

Battery-optimised tariffs allow you to charge your battery from the grid at cheap overnight rates and export that stored energy during high-rate peak periods.

Done consistently, this strategy can generate export income that exceeds what direct solar export alone would achieve.

Battery storage fundamentally changes the export tariff decision. Without a battery, you’re a price taker because you export when the sun shines and earn whatever the flat rate is. With a battery, you become a price maker. You can align your export with the highest-value periods, and the right tariff will reward you substantially for that flexibility.”— Timothy Dwight, Energy tariff specialist.

How Much Can You Earn from Exporting Solar Electricity?

Export income depends on four main factors: how much electricity your system generates, how much of that you use in the home, the rate your tariff pays, and whether you have storage that lets you time your exports strategically.

As a rule of thumb, a typical domestic solar installation self-consumes around 40–60% of what it generates, exporting the rest. The worked example below illustrates a straightforward calculation.

Worked Example: Estimating Your Annual Export Income

Scenario: A typical 3-bed semi-detached home with a 4 kWp solar array in southern England.

• Annual solar panel output: 3,400 kWh
• Estimated self-consumption (50%): 1,700 kWh used in the home
• Exported to grid (50%): 1,700 kWh
• Export rate (illustrative): 15p/kWh (fixed tariff, existing customer)
• Estimated annual export income: 1,700 × £0.15 = £255 per year

At the highest current rate (25p/kWh, qualifying customers): 1,700 × £0.25 = £425 per year. At the best open-access rate (6p/kWh): 1,700 × £0.06 = £102 per year

Note: This is illustrative only. Actual earnings depend on system size, location, shading, household usage profile, tariff rate and whether you have battery storage. Use your installer’s generation estimate and your supplier’s current rate for a personalised figure.

To maximise export income beyond this baseline, consider shifting flexible loads (dishwasher, washing machine) to solar-generation hours to reduce unnecessary export.

You can also use a battery to capture midday surplus and export it during peak tariff windows, or pair solar with an EV charger that intelligently uses excess generation.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, solar panel annual savings, including export payments, can range from £530 if you’re out until 6 pm, to £650 if you’re home all day.

How To Choose the Best Solar Export Tariff

There is no universally “best” solar export tariff. The right choice depends on your specific situation. Work through the following considerations:

• Do you have a battery? If yes, prioritise time-of-use or battery-optimised tariffs. If no, a competitive fixed tariff is usually simpler and more predictable.
• Do you have an EV? EV-linked tariffs that combine cheap overnight import rates with solar export rates can offer strong overall economics.
• Are you willing to switch your import supplier? The best export tariffs often come bundled with an import tariff from the same supplier. Compare the total package, including import plus export, not just the export rate in isolation.
• What is your export volume? If you export a large volume, even a small difference in p/kWh rate makes a meaningful annual difference.
• How is payment structured? Some tariffs pay monthly; others quarterly or annually. Monthly payments improve cash flow.

“The highest export rate isn’t always the best deal. I’ve seen homeowners chase 15p/kWh export tariffs while paying a premium import rate that costs them far more than the export income saves. Always look at the combined cost of import and export before switching.” — Carl Duxbury, Battery storage installer, Midlands

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming your smart meter is already recording exports. Many aren’t configured to do so out of the box. Confirm with your supplier.
• Applying for a SEG tariff before your export MPAN is in place. The registration will fail or be delayed.
• Comparing export rates without considering the import tariff. A bundled deal with a slightly lower export rate may still be a better value overall.
• Choosing a tariff that excludes battery export if you have or plan to have battery storage.
• Not shopping around. SEG rates are competitive and change regularly. Review your tariff annually.
• Waiting too long after installation to register. There is no retroactive payment for exports made before your SEG registration is active.

Solar Export Tariffs Checklist — What You Need Before You Register

Requirement	Why it matters	How to check
MCS certificate	Confirms your installation meets industry standards. Most suppliers require this to register for a SEG tariff.	Provided by your installer at completion. Search the MCS database at mcscertified.com.
Export MPAN	Unique meter point reference for your export. Needed by suppliers to measure and pay for your exported electricity.	Contact your DNO or energy supplier. Some suppliers arrange this as part of registration.
Smart meter	Required to record actual half-hourly export data. Standard meters cannot distinguish export from consumption.	Check your meter display or ask your supplier. Must be SMETS2 (or compatible SMETS1) with export reading enabled.
Supplier eligibility	Not all suppliers offer SEG tariffs; those with 150,000+ customers are obligated to, but terms vary.	Check the Ofgem SEG licensee register at ofgem.gov.uk or compare offers directly with suppliers.
Import supplier requirement	Some tariffs require you to import from the same supplier.	Read the tariff terms carefully before signing up.
Battery compatibility	Some tariffs exclude or restrict export from battery storage; others are specifically designed for it.	Ask the supplier directly before signing up.

Final Thoughts on Solar Export Tariffs

Choosing the right solar export tariff is one of the simplest ways to improve the financial return on your solar investment.

The difference between staying on a compliance-only 1p/kWh tariff and switching to a competitive deal can easily amount to £200–£300 a year on a typical 4 kWp system, with qualifying households potentially earning more than £400 annually at the best available rates.

The core principle is straightforward: get the right paperwork in place first (MCS certificate, export MPAN, export-enabled smart meter), then choose a tariff that matches how your home actually works.

A fixed rate suits a solar-only household that wants simplicity. A time-of-use or battery-optimised tariff rewards households willing to manage when they export. If you have or are planning to add battery storage or an EV, the tariff decision becomes significantly more valuable and worth spending time on.

Don’t compare export rates in isolation. A higher export rate paired with a poor import tariff can leave you worse off overall, which is why the total cost of switching, including import and export together, always needs to be the basis for comparison.

SEG rates also change regularly, and the market has become increasingly competitive since the scheme launched in 2020, so reviewing your tariff at least once a year is worthwhile.

FAQs on Solar Export Tariffs

Can I Be on the Feed-In Tariff and the Smart Export Guarantee at the Same Time?

No. If you’re already receiving FiT export payments for your installation, you cannot also register for the SEG for the same system.

If you’re considering switching away from the FiT, note that you cannot return to it once you leave.

What Happens If I Switch Energy Supplier? Do I Lose My Export Tariff?

Your export tariff is with a specific supplier. If you switch the import supplier, your export tariff may not transfer automatically.

You’ll need to re-register for an export tariff with your new supplier, or keep exporting and importing with different suppliers if the tariff allows it.

Is The Income from Solar Export Tariffs Taxable?

For most households, export income from a domestic solar installation falls within HMRC’s £1,000 Miscellaneous Income Trading Allowance.

Income below this threshold isn’t taxable. For larger or commercial-scale installations, seek professional tax advice.

Can Renters Get Solar Export Tariffs?

Only the party that owns the solar installation can register for an export tariff. If you’re a tenant with a landlord-owned system, you would need to discuss arrangements with your landlord.

How often are Export Tariff Rates Reviewed?

Suppliers can change their SEG rates at any time, subject to providing notice to customers.

Fixed tariffs typically guarantee a rate for the duration of the agreement (often 12 months); variable tariffs can change more frequently. Always check the terms before signing up.

Do I Need to Do Anything to Enable Export on My Solar System?

Your inverter should export automatically once the installation is commissioned.

However, you need to ensure your smart meter is configured to measure exports, that you have an export MPAN, and that you have registered with a supplier’s SEG tariff. Exporting to the grid without a tariff in place means you’ll not be paid for it.

Sources and References

• Department for Energy Security and Net Zero – Britain embraces solar revolution following war in Iran
• National Energy System Operator (NESO) – Britain’s electricity system breaks zero-carbon record, as gas reaches historic low and solar hits historic high
• Ofgem – Smart Export Guarantee Supplier List
• Ofgem – SEG: Guidance for Generators
• Energy Saving Trust – Solar panels