Updated: June 2026 • Energy Solutions NW
Upgrading an Old Feed-in Tariff System
If you have a Feed-in Tariff (FiT) system, payments continue for your contract term even though the scheme closed to new applicants in 2019. You can upgrade — adding a battery is usually safe — but expanding generation can affect your FiT, so take advice first.
This guide explains upgrading an old Feed-in Tariff system — whether payments continue, switching to SEG, and adding a battery — for NW homeowners.
Hundreds of thousands of UK homes are still on the FiT, and many are now weighing up battery storage or other upgrades.
It pays to understand how it interacts with the Smart Export Guarantee before you change anything.
💡 On the old FiT and thinking about an upgrade? Every system is different. Get a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your home — takes 2 minutes.
Upgrading an Old Feed-in Tariff System
The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) paid early solar adopters for the electricity they generated and exported. It closed to new applicants in 2019, but existing systems are still on it.
If that’s you, the priority when upgrading is simple: improve your setup without putting your existing payments at risk.
Considering Solar or Battery Storage?
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Do FiT Payments Still Continue?
Yes. If you joined before the scheme closed in 2019, you keep receiving FiT payments for the full length of your contract — often up to 20 years from when you signed up.
Payments still rise with inflation each year. From April 2026, that yearly increase is linked to CPI rather than RPI, so the rises are generally smaller — but payments continue.
Can You Switch Your Export Rate to SEG?
Possibly — and this is worth looking into. Many older FiT systems receive a “deemed” export payment based on an assumed 50% of generation, rather than what they actually export.
You may be able to switch your export payment to a Smart Export Guarantee tariff while keeping your FiT generation payment — potentially earning more. Check the terms carefully before switching, as it isn’t always reversible.
Adding a Battery to a FiT System
Adding a battery is usually the safest upgrade for a FiT home. It stores your daytime solar so you use more of it yourself instead of buying from the grid in the evening.
Because it doesn’t increase your generation capacity, it generally won’t affect your FiT payments. See adding a battery to existing panels for how retrofitting works.
Be Careful Adding More Panels
Adding more panels is where caution is needed. Your FiT is tied to the system’s original declared capacity, so increasing generation can complicate — or in some cases affect — your payments.
Always get advice before expanding a FiT array, so you don’t accidentally put a valuable tariff at risk.
Is Upgrading an Old FiT System Worth It?
For most FiT homes, the best upgrades are the ones that don’t touch the generation side: adding a battery, and reviewing your export rate.
Together these can help you use more of your own power and make the most of a system you’re already being paid for. We can assess your specific setup as part of a free quote.
Why Choose a Professional Installer?
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- Protects your FiT: upgrades planned so your existing payments aren’t put at risk.
- Right advice: guidance on switching export rates and adding storage.
- MCS certification: needed for battery and export arrangements.
- Safe installation: electrical work to current UK standards, with certification.
What Happens When You Request a Quote?
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- Submit the form: tell us about your FiT system and energy use.
- We review: our team looks at your setup and requirements.
- Free consultation: we discuss your options with no obligation.
- Tailored quote: you receive an upgrade designed around your specific needs.
💡 Want to get more from your FiT system? Every system is different. Get a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your home — takes 2 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still get Feed-in Tariff payments?
Yes, if you joined before the scheme closed in 2019. You keep receiving payments for the full length of your contract — often up to 20 years. From April 2026, annual increases are linked to CPI rather than RPI.
Can I add a battery without affecting my FiT?
Usually yes. A battery stores your own solar for later use and doesn’t increase your generation capacity, so it generally won’t affect your FiT payments. It’s often the safest upgrade for a FiT home.
Can I switch from FiT export to the Smart Export Guarantee?
You may be able to switch your export payment to a SEG tariff while keeping your FiT generation payment, potentially earning more. Check the terms carefully first, as switching isn’t always reversible.
Is it worth upgrading an old Feed-in Tariff system?
Often yes — adding a battery or more panels can boost self-consumption and savings, usually without affecting your existing FiT generation payments. The right approach depends on your current setup, so it’s worth getting it assessed before committing.
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.
