Updated: June 2026 • Energy Solutions NW
What Is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is an Ofgem scheme that pays solar owners for surplus electricity they export to the grid. Larger energy suppliers must offer at least one SEG tariff. Rates are set by each supplier and vary widely, so it pays to compare.This guide explains the Smart Export Guarantee — how it works, who’s eligible, how much you can earn and how to switch — for North West homes.
When your panels make more electricity than you’re using, the surplus goes to the grid. The SEG is how you get paid for it.
It’s one of the ways solar adds up financially — alongside the bill savings we cover in our guide on whether solar panels are worth it in the UK.
What Is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The SEG is a government-backed scheme, regulated by Ofgem, that launched in January 2020. It replaced the export side of the old Feed-in Tariff, which closed to new applicants in 2019.
Under it, energy suppliers with 150,000 or more customers must offer at least one tariff that pays you for the electricity you export.
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How Does the SEG Work?
Your smart meter records how much electricity you send back to the grid, usually every half hour.
Your SEG supplier pays you for that exported amount at their tariff rate. Importantly, the SEG only pays for electricity you export — not for everything your panels generate (which is how the old Feed-in Tariff worked).
Who Is Eligible for the SEG?
To qualify, you generally need:
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- An eligible system: solar PV is the most common (up to 5MW).
- MCS certification: your installation must be certified by MCS (or equivalent).
- A smart meter: one that can record your half-hourly export readings.
This is one reason to use an MCS certified installer — without that certificate, you can’t access the SEG.
How Much Can You Earn From the SEG?
This is where it varies a lot. Ofgem only requires suppliers to pay something above zero, so rates range from a penny or two per unit up to far more.
In 2026, the better fixed export rates sit around 12–15p per kWh, while some time-of-use tariffs pay more at peak times — particularly useful if you have a battery to export during those windows.
Rates change: SEG tariffs are set by suppliers and can change with around 30 days’ notice. Treat any figure as a guide, and always compare current rates — Ofgem publishes a list of SEG licensees.
Choosing and Switching SEG Supplier
A handy quirk of the SEG: your export supplier doesn’t have to be the same as the one you buy electricity from.
That means you can keep your current electricity supplier and still choose a higher-paying SEG tariff elsewhere. You can switch SEG supplier without penalty, so it’s worth reviewing your rate from time to time.
SEG vs a Battery: Store or Export?
Exporting earns you the SEG rate. But using your own solar yourself usually saves you more, because the price you pay to import electricity is normally higher than the SEG rate you’d earn for exporting it.
That’s the case for a battery: store surplus solar and use it in the evening rather than exporting it cheaply. Our battery storage guide weighs this up, and the solar cost guide covers the wider numbers.
Why Choose a Professional Installer?
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- MCS certification: required to access the Smart Export Guarantee in the first place.
- Correct paperwork: you get the MCS certificate you’ll need to register.
- Proper design: a system sized around your usage and export potential.
- Grid compliance: the install is notified and tested to current UK standards.
What Happens When You Request a Quote?
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- Submit the form: tell us about your property and energy use.
- We review: our team looks at your roof and requirements.
- Free consultation: we discuss your options with no obligation.
- Tailored quote: you receive a quote designed around your specific needs.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Smart Export Guarantee pay?
Rates are set by each supplier and vary widely — from a penny or two per kWh up to more. In 2026, the better fixed rates are around 12–15p per kWh, with some time-of-use tariffs paying more at peak. Always compare current rates.
Do I need a smart meter for the SEG?
Yes. You need a smart meter that can record your half-hourly export readings. If you don’t have a suitable one, your supplier can usually arrange an upgrade.
Can I use a different supplier for the SEG than for my electricity?
Yes. Your SEG export tariff is independent of your import supplier, so you can keep your current electricity supplier and still choose a higher-paying SEG tariff elsewhere.
Last updated: June 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Energy savings estimates are based on industry averages and may vary depending on your property, energy usage, system size, and electricity tariff. We recommend obtaining a personalised quote for accurate savings estimates. Energy Solutions NW is part of the Blue Rock Energy network. MCS certified. NICEIC approved.
