SolarSmart Export Guarantee (SEG) — Best Rates 2026
Get paid for the solar electricity you export to the grid. Here is every supplier’s SEG rate, how to switch, and whether fixed or variable pays more.
What Is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government scheme that requires licensed electricity suppliers with 150,000+ customers to offer a tariff for exported renewable electricity. If you have solar panels and a smart meter, you can earn money for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity you export to the national grid.
The SEG replaced the old Feed-in Tariff (FIT) in January 2020. Unlike the FIT, the government does not set a minimum rate — suppliers choose their own rates, which means they vary significantly. Choosing the right SEG tariff can be worth £50–£200+ extra per year compared to the lowest-paying suppliers.
To be eligible for the SEG, your solar panel system must be installed by an MCS-certified installer and you need a smart meter that can record export data in half-hourly intervals.
SEG Rates by Supplier (2026)
| Supplier | Tariff Name | Rate (p/kWh) | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy | Outgoing Agile | Up to 15p (variable) | Variable (half-hourly) | Tracks wholesale prices. Can earn 20p+ at peak times, but sometimes drops below 5p. Best for battery owners who can time exports. |
| Octopus Energy | Outgoing Fixed | 15p | Fixed | Currently the highest fixed rate. Requires Octopus as electricity supplier. |
| EDF Energy | Export SEG | 5.6p | Fixed | Stable rate. Does not require EDF as your electricity supplier. |
| British Gas | Export & Earn | 5.1p | Fixed | Available to all British Gas customers with smart meters. |
| E.ON Next | Next Export | 4.1p | Fixed | Open to all E.ON customers. |
| Scottish Power | Smart Export | 4.0p | Fixed | Available nationwide despite the name. |
| OVO Energy | SEG Tariff | 4.0p | Fixed | Includes OVO’s SSE customer base. |
| So Energy | Export Tariff | 3.5p | Fixed | Smaller supplier, competitive import rates. |
Rates as of March 2026. Rates can change — always check the supplier’s website for current offers.
Fixed vs Variable SEG Rates
Fixed rates pay the same amount for every kWh you export, regardless of when you export it. This is simple and predictable. At 15p/kWh with Octopus Fixed, a household exporting 2,000 kWh/year would earn £300.
Variable rates (like Octopus Agile Outgoing) change every half hour based on wholesale electricity prices. During sunny afternoons when everyone’s panels are generating, rates can drop to 3–5p. But during winter peak hours (4–7pm), rates can spike to 20–35p.
Variable rates work best if you have a battery that can store energy during the day and export it during expensive peak windows. Without a battery, most of your exports happen during cheap midday hours, and you may earn less than a fixed rate.
Our Recommendation
For most households without a battery, the Octopus Fixed 15p rate is the clear winner — it is roughly triple the rate offered by most other suppliers. If you have a battery and are comfortable with smart energy management, Octopus Agile can potentially earn more, but requires active monitoring.
How to Switch SEG Tariff
Switching your SEG tariff is free and usually takes 2–4 weeks. Here is how:
- Check your current SEG rate on your electricity bill or supplier’s app
- Compare rates in the table above
- Apply online with the new supplier — you will need your MCS certificate number, smart meter MPAN, and recent electricity bill
- The new supplier handles the switch — you do not need to contact your old SEG provider
Important: You do not need to switch your electricity supply to switch your SEG provider. However, some of the best rates (like Octopus 15p fixed) do require you to be an electricity customer of that supplier.
How Much Can You Earn with SEG?
A typical 4kW solar system in the UK exports around 1,800–2,200 kWh per year. Annual SEG earnings at different rates:
- Octopus 15p fixed: £270–£330/year
- EDF 5.6p: £100–£123/year
- British Gas 5.1p: £92–£112/year
- E.ON 4.1p: £74–£90/year
- Scottish Power / OVO 4.0p: £72–£88/year
The difference between the best and worst rate is over £200/year. Over 25 years, that is £5,000+ — well worth a 10-minute switch.
Related Guides
All solar guides • Solar panel costs • Battery storage guide • Grants & incentives • Are solar panels worth it? • How solar panels work
Check your postcode for local SEG earnings → • Best areas for solar
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