An EDF export tariff can pay you between 3p and 18p per kilowatt-hour for the electricity your solar panels send back to the grid. The one you can access depends on whether you import electricity from EDF, and whether your solar or battery hardware was installed by Contact Solar, EDF’s installation subsidiary.
More homes in the UK are embracing solar power than at any point in over a decade. Official statistics show there were over 2 million solar installations at the end of April 2026, an increase of 11.2% since April 2025. With solar panels, you can generate free, clean electricity to power your home, but that is only half the story.
You can also sell excess electricity to the grid using solar export tariffs, such as the EDF export tariff. EDF is one of the UK’s largest energy suppliers, and it offers four solar export tariffs ranging from compliance-only to premium rates. The difference between EDF’s best and worst export tariffs can reach 15p/kWh, so it’s worth knowing which one you qualify for.
Understanding what EDF offers, who can get each tariff, what you need to apply, and how EDF’s rates compare with the wider market can help you choose the best tariff for your solar system.
Key Takeaways:
- EDF offers four export tariffs: Export Exclusive 12m V3 (18p/kWh), Export 12m (15p/kWh), SEG Export Variable Value (5.6p/kWh) and SEG Export Variable (3p/kWh).
- The 18p tariff requires solar or battery hardware installed by Contact Solar, EDF’s own subsidiary, on or after 2 March 2026, plus EDF import supply.
- The 15p tariff is available to any EDF electricity customer, regardless of who installed their solar system.
- The 3p tariff is open to anyone with an eligible solar installation, with no requirement to import from EDF.
- All tariffs require an MCS-certified or Flexi-Orb-equivalent installation and a smart meter capable of half-hourly readings.
- EDF pays quarterly, within 28 days of receiving your export meter reading.
What Is the EDF Export Tariff?
EDF Energy is a mandatory Smart Export Guarantee licensee. These are the suppliers required by Ofgem to offer at least one above-zero export tariff to eligible solar generators.
EDF goes beyond the minimum requirement with a structured range of four tariffs. The principle is a straightforward trade-off: the more of your energy relationship you give EDF, as your electricity supplier, your installer, or both, the higher the rate it pays for your exported solar electricity.
EDF describes its export tariffs as variable and subject to change, committing to give advance written notice of any changes and to update prices on its website.
EDF export tariffs at a glance:
| Tariff | Rate | Who can access it | Rate type |
| Export Exclusive 12m V3 | 18p/kWh | EDF electricity customers who install solar or battery via Contact Solar on or after 2 March 2026 | Fixed 12 months |
| Export 12m | 15p/kWh | EDF electricity customers (any installer) | Fixed 12 months |
| SEG Export Variable Value | 5.6p/kWh | EDF electricity customers with eligible solar | Variable |
| SEG Export Variable | 3p/kWh | Anyone with eligible solar | Variable |
Rates and eligibility were checked against supplier information in June 2026. Tariffs can change, so confirm directly with the supplier before switching.
Export Exclusive 12m V3 – 18p/kWh
This is EDF’s highest export tariff and one of the best fixed export rates currently available from any major UK supplier. The rate is fixed for 12 months.
Who Can Get It?
You must be a residential EDF electricity customer and have successfully submitted a solar or battery Contact Solar lead form on or after 2 March 2026, resulting in a new installation by Contact Solar.
If you already have solar panels but not a battery, you can qualify by getting a battery installed through Contact Solar.
EDF notes that you must not already be receiving FiT export payments or SEG payments from another supplier, and the system capacity must not exceed 50 kW.
The Paired Import Tariff
The Empower Fixed Exclusive 12m is an import tariff available to customers who purchase any combination of solar or battery through Contact Solar.
It features no standing charge for 12 months, a 10p/kWh overnight discount on battery charging, no exit fees, and is backed by zero-carbon electricity.
What Are the Constraints?
You must use Contact Solar as your installer, which means you cannot obtain competitive quotes from other MCS-certified installers.
You must also remain an EDF electricity customer. If you switch import supplier during the contract, EDF confirms it will move you to the Export Variable tariff at 3p/kWh. There are no exit fees for leaving the export tariff.
Export 12m – 15p/kWh
This is EDF’s best export tariff for homeowners who already have solar panels or who want to choose their own MCS-certified installer. The rate is fixed for 12 months.
Who Can Get It?
You must be a residential EDF electricity customer supplied by EDF for electricity at your home. There is no requirement to have used Contact Solar or any specific installer.
Your system capacity must not exceed 50 kWp. You must hold an MCS certificate and a DNO letter for the installation, and must not already be receiving Feed-in Tariff (FiT) export payments or SEG payments from another supplier.
The Import Switch Risk
If you switch to another electricity supplier during the term of the agreement, EDF will move you to the Export Variable tariff and notify you of the prices and terms that will apply.
There are no exit fees for leaving the export tariff itself, but the rate drop is a material financial consequence of switching import supplier mid-contract.
Why This Matters
At 15p/kWh, this is genuinely competitive. Any EDF electricity customer receiving less for their exports under essentially the same eligibility conditions is leaving a significant sum on the table.
If you’re an EDF electricity customer with an eligible solar installation, check whether you qualify for Export 12m before accepting any lower rate.
SEG Export Variable Value – 5.6p/kWh
A variable tariff available to EDF electricity customers with an eligible solar installation. The rate can go up or down, and EDF confirms it will give advance written notice of any change.
There is no installer requirement and no system capacity restriction beyond the 5 MW SEG limit. If you switch to another electricity supplier during the term, EDF will move you to the Export Variable tariff. There are no exit fees.
The Honest Position
It’s very difficult to justify this tariff for most EDF customers. Export 12m pays 15p/kWh under essentially identical eligibility conditions, nearly three times the SEG Export Variable Value rate of 5.6p/kWh.
The only scenario where the SEG Export Variable Value would apply over Export 12m is a system exceeding the 50 kWp cap on Export 12m, which is uncommon in a domestic context.
If you’re an EDF electricity customer on this tariff, check whether you qualify for Export 12m.
SEG Export Variable – 3p/kWh
EDF’s open-access tariff is available to any eligible solar household, regardless of the import supplier. EDF offers this because it’s a mandatory SEG licensee.
The rate is variable and can change with advance notice. There are no exit fees.
In context
At 3p/kWh, this is among the lowest open-access export rates on the market.
The best open-access rate from any UK supplier as of April 2026 is Scottish Power SmartGen at 6p/kWh, with no import supplier commitment required.
If you don’t want to switch import supplier to EDF, Scottish Power SmartGen pays twice as much with no additional conditions.
Who Is Eligible for EDF Export Tariffs?
The following requirements apply across EDF’s export tariff range.
Eligibility Checklist
| Requirement | Detail | How to confirm |
| MCS or Flexi-Orb certification | You must have an MCS certificate for solar panels or an equivalent scheme such as Flexi-Orb. | Certificate provided by your installer at handover. |
| DNO letter | EDF requires a DNO letter confirming your installation’s connection to the network. | Provided as part of your installer’s commissioning paperwork. |
| Smart meter or half-hourly export meter | Must be capable of recording and reporting export readings at half-hourly intervals. EDF accepts automatic smart meter readings or quarterly manual readings if automatic readings aren’t available. | Ask your supplier whether your meter records and transmits export data. |
| System capacity | 5 MW maximum for variable tariffs; 50 kWp maximum for Export 12m and Export Exclusive 12m V3. | Stated on your MCS certificate. |
| No existing FiT export payments | Cannot receive FiT export payments and SEG payments simultaneously for the same installation. | Check with your FiT licensee. |
| No existing SEG payments from another supplier | Cannot receive SEG payments from two suppliers for the same installation. | Confirm you are not already registered with another SEG licensee. |
| EDF import supply | Required for Export 12m, SEG Export Variable Value and Export Exclusive 12m V3. Not required for SEG Export Variable. | Check your current import supplier. |
| Contact Solar installation (Export Exclusive V3 only) | Lead form submitted on or after 2 March 2026 resulting in a Contact Solar installation. | Confirmed during EDF application. |
| Residential EDF customer (Export 12m and Export Exclusive V3) | You must be a residential customer of EDF supplied by EDF for electricity at your home. | Confirmed by your EDF account. |
Do You Need a Smart Meter and Export MPAN?
Smart Meter
EDF requires either a smart meter that automatically sends half-hourly export data or a customer-submitted quarterly meter reading.
Most SMETS2 meters and many SMETS1 meters qualify, but export readings must be enabled. Not all meters are configured for this by default, so ask your supplier to confirm export readings are active before applying.
Export MPAN
EDF requires an export MPAN before they can register your export meter point and activate payments. If you don’t already have one, EDF will apply to your DNO on your behalf as part of the sign-up process.
This is one of the most common causes of delay. If your installer didn’t complete the DNO notification at the time of installation, obtaining an export MPAN will add weeks to the timeline.
How To Apply for An EDF Export Tariff
The application process is the same for all four tariffs.
Step 1 — Gather Your Documents:
- MCS or Flexi-Orb installation certificate
- Your import MPAN (on your electricity bill)
- A copy of your electricity bill if you are not currently an EDF customer (not needed for existing EDF customers)
- Bank details for payment
Step 2 — Apply:
Complete EDF’s online SEG application form.
Step 3 — DNO registration:
EDF contacts your DNO to register or confirm your export MPAN. This is the step most likely to cause delays.
Step 4 — Meter confirmation:
EDF requests an initial export meter reading to confirm the setup is working correctly.
Step 5 — Tariff goes live:
Once the export MPAN is registered with EDF, your tariff activates.
How Long Does It Take?
EDF doesn’t publish a guaranteed timeline because the process involves third parties. Allow 5 to 12 weeks from application to the first active payment, depending on whether your export MPAN is already in the national database.
How Does EDF Make Export Payments?
EDF pays quarterly (every three months). EDF sends a read reminder, and you can submit your export meter reading.
You’ll be paid at the tariff unit rate multiplied by the eligible electricity exported to the grid. EDF aims to make the payment via bank transfer within 28 days of receiving your meter reading.
If your smart meter sends automatic half-hourly data, the reading process is handled automatically. If not, submit readings when EDF requests them. EDF gives at least five days’ advance written notice if a variable tariff rate changes.
Quarterly payments are less frequent than the monthly schedules offered by some other suppliers, and it’s worth considering if cash flow matters.
How Much Could You Earn?
According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average UK solar panel system is around 3.5 kWp. Annual generation for a typical south-facing 3.5 kWp system in the UK is approximately 3,000 kWh.
Worked example:
- Estimated annual generation: 3,000 kWh
- Self-consumed in home (50%): 1,500 kWh
- Exported to grid (50%): 1,500 kWh
| EDF tariff | Rate | Estimated annual export income |
| Export Exclusive 12m V3 | 18p/kWh | £270 |
| Export 12m | 15p/kWh | £225 |
| SEG Export Variable Value | 5.6p/kWh | £84 |
| SEG Export Variable | 3p/kWh | £45 |
An EDF electricity customer on SEG Export Variable Value (5.6p) who switches to Export 12m (15p) gains an additional £141 per year on this scenario, with no change of import supplier, no new hardware and no new installer required.
Note: Actual earnings depend on system size, location, self-consumption profile and the applicable rate at the time. These figures are illustrative.
Which EDF Tariff Is Right for Your Situation?
Decision Framework
| Your situation | Recommended EDF tariff | Why |
| Not an EDF customer, not willing to switch import supplier | SEG Export Variable (3p), or consider Scottish Power SmartGen (6p, open access) | Only the EDF option without an import requirement; Scottish Power pays more with no import commitment |
| EDF electricity customer, any installer, solar already installed | Export 12m (15p) | Best available rate without installer restriction |
| EDF electricity customer, purchasing new solar or battery through Contact Solar | Export Exclusive 12m V3 (18p) | Highest rate; paired with Empower Fixed Exclusive 12m import tariff offering zero standing charge for 12 months |
| EDF electricity customer with solar, but adding a battery through Contact Solar | Export Exclusive 12m V3 (18p) | Battery retrofit through Contact Solar qualifies |
| EDF electricity customer with both solar and battery from another installer | Export 12m (15p) | Not eligible for Exclusive; 15p remains competitive |
| Currently on EDF SEG Export Variable Value (5.6p) | Check eligibility for Export 12m (15p) | Export 12m pays nearly three times as much under the same import supplier condition |
EDF vs the Wider Market
The Export 12m tariff of 15p/kWh is competitive in the mid-tier.
It’s comparable to British Gas Export and Earn Plus (15.1p) and Good Energy Solar Savings (15p), but is ahead of Outgoing Octopus (12p). All of these require import from the respective suppliers.
EDF’s Export Exclusive 12m V3 at 18p/kWh is strong but not the market’s highest.
Good Energy’s Solar Savings Exclusive pays 25p/kWh (installer-exclusive), Octopus Intelligent Flux averages around 23p/kWh (battery and compatible hardware required), and OVO’s SEG Install Exclusive and So Energy’s So Bright both pay 20p/kWh. All carry their own conditions.
Where EDF falls short is at the open-access level. Its 3p/kWh SEG Export Variable is the second-lowest open-access rate in the market, above only Outfox Energy and E (Gas & Electricity).
Scottish Power SmartGen at 6p/kWh is the best open-access alternative and requires no import commitment from any supplier.
“The most common mistake we see is EDF customers staying on the open-access 3p tariff when they could move to 15p simply because they are already an EDF electricity customer. The eligibility bar for Export 12m is no higher than what they are already on. They just haven’t been told it exists”— Energy tariff specialist.
Pros and Cons of EDF Export Tariffs
What Works Well?
A Competitive Mid-Tier Fixed Rate
Export 12m at 15p/kWh is available to all EDF electricity customers with no installer condition and no requirement to purchase new hardware.
For an existing EDF electricity customer with solar already installed, it’s accessible immediately with no switching of import supplier required.
No Exit Fees on Any Tariff
There are no exit fees for cancelling or ending any of its four export tariffs. You can switch to a better deal elsewhere without financial penalty if rates improve or your circumstances change.
Certified and Accredited Installer
Contact Solar is MCS-certified, TrustMark-accredited and a Which? Trusted Trader. These are recognised industry standards for solar installation quality and consumer protection.
Empower Fixed Exclusive 12m Import Benefits
You can access Empower Fixed Exclusive 12m by purchasing any combination of solar or battery through Contact Solar. It features zero standing charges for 12 months and a 10p/kWh overnight discount on battery charging.
Regulatory Oversight
EDF is a mandatory SEG licensee regulated by Ofgem. If EDF changes a variable tariff rate, it must give at least five days’ advance written notice.
Limitations To Be Aware Of
Export Exclusive Requires Installation by Contact Solar
The 18p tariff is only accessible to customers who install through Contact Solar, EDF’s subsidiary. This means you cannot obtain competitive quotes from other MCS-certified installers for the same installation.
Quarterly Payments
EDF pays export income quarterly. Some suppliers pay monthly. For households where cash flow matters, a quarterly payment is less convenient.
Automatic Downgrade If You Switch Import Supplier
If you switch electricity supplier during the term of the contract, EDF will automatically move you to its Export Variable tariff. The rate drop can be significant and takes effect without requiring any further action from you.
Weak Open-Access Rate
EDF’s open-access SEG Export Variable tariff pays 3p/kWh and is among the lowest open-access rates in the market. Scottish Power SmartGen pays 6p/kWh with no import commitment required.
Final Thoughts on EDF Export Tariff
EDF’s export tariff range is well structured and, in its mid-tier, genuinely competitive.
The 15p/kWh Export 12m tariff is among some of the best fixed rates available from a major UK supplier to customers who want to keep their choice of installer, and it’s available to any EDF electricity customer without additional installer conditions.
For new solar customers purchasing through Contact Solar, the 18p Export Exclusive rate and the Empower Fixed Exclusive 12m import tariff are good choices. The zero standing charge and 10p/kWh overnight battery charging discount make for a coherent combined package.
If you already import from EDF, avoid staying on the 3p open-access tariff. The Export 12m at 15p is available to you now. Remember not to switch from EDF as your electricity supplier mid-contract without understanding that you’ll automatically move your export payments to 3p.
Confirm that your smart meter is recording and transmitting half-hourly export readings before applying. Without this, no tariff rate will result in payment.
EDF Export Tariff FAQs
How Much Is an EDF Export Tariff?
EDF currently offers four rates: 18p/kWh (Export Exclusive 12m V3), 15p/kWh (Export 12m), 5.6p/kWh (SEG Export Variable Value) and 3p/kWh (SEG Export Variable). The two fixed tariffs lock the rate for 12 months; the two variable tariffs can change with advance notice.
What Is an EDF Export Tariff?
An EDF export tariff pays you for surplus electricity your solar panels send back to the grid.
EDF is a mandatory SEG licensee required by Ofgem to offer at least one above-zero export rate to eligible generators. It currently offers four tariffs, ranging from a compliance-only open-access rate to a premium installer-exclusive product.
Who Pays the Best Export Tariff?
As of April 2026, the highest available rate from any UK supplier is Good Energy’s Solar Savings Exclusive at 25p/kWh, followed by Octopus Intelligent Flux, averaging around 23p/kWh.
Both carry specific eligibility conditions. EDF’s best rate is 18p/kWh. The best open-access rate, available to anyone, is Scottish Power SmartGen at 6p/kWh.
Do EDF Export Tariffs Have Exit Fees?
No. There are no exit fees on any of EDF’s four export tariffs. You can cancel or switch to another supplier at any time without a financial penalty.
Note that switching your import supplier during a fixed export contract will automatically move your export payments to an export variable rate.
What Affects My Solar Export Tariff Rate?
The main factors are whether you import electricity from EDF, and whether Contact Solar installed your solar or battery hardware.
Your system capacity, MCS certification status and smart meter configuration also affect eligibility. The rate you receive is fixed for 12 months on fixed tariffs and variable thereafter.
Can I Take My EDF Export Tariff with Me When I Move?
No. If you move homes, you’ll need to take a final export meter reading and notify EDF. You must sign up for a new export tariff to receive export payments at your new address. Your existing contract doesn’t transfer to a new property.
Sources and References
- GOV.UK – Solar photovoltaics deployment
- Ofgem – Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- EDF Energy – Energy tariff eligibility criteria and key features
- EDF Energy – Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and export tariff application
- Energy Saving Trust – Solar panels
