Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Explained
Get paid for the excess solar energy you export to the grid. Current 2026 rates, top-paying suppliers, and how to maximise your export income.
What is the SEG?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK Government scheme that requires licensed energy suppliers to pay you for the electricity your solar panels export to the national grid. It replaced the Feed-in Tariff in January 2020. Any home with an MCS-certified solar installation and a smart meter can register for SEG payments — and you can choose any participating supplier, not just your current electricity provider.
Current SEG rates (2026–26)
Rates vary significantly by supplier and tariff type. Shopping around can more than double your export income. Here are the top-paying options:
- E.ON Next Export Premium v3: 17.5p/kWh (fixed, 12 months — requires E.ON installation)
- British Gas Export and Earn Plus: 15.1p/kWh (variable — requires battery and import account)
- Octopus Outgoing Octopus: 15p/kWh (fixed — requires import account)
- Good Energy Solar Savings: 15p/kWh (variable — pairs well with EV tariff)
- Standard fixed SEG tariffs: 4–8p/kWh (widely available, no conditions)
- Typical annual SEG income: £100–£300 for a 4 kW system
How to register for the SEG
Registration is straightforward and free. You can switch SEG suppliers at any time to chase the best rates — just like switching your energy supply.
- Ensure your installation is MCS-certified (your installer handles this)
- Have a smart meter installed (or a meter capable of recording exports)
- Compare SEG tariffs from different suppliers — use comparison sites
- Apply directly to your chosen supplier's SEG tariff online
- You don't need to be an import customer to register (but some top rates require it)
Maximising your export income
To get the most from the SEG, consider pairing solar with a battery and a variable or agile export tariff. A battery lets you store energy and export at peak times when variable rates are highest — some homeowners report export income of £300–£500+ per year using agile tariffs strategically.
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