Export tariffs: getting paid for your solar electricity

What is the Smart Export Guarantee?

Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), larger electricity suppliers in Great Britain pay for the electricity your solar panels export, at a rate they set but always above zero [1][2]. To qualify you need an MCS certificate or equivalent, a meter capable of half-hourly export readings, an export MPAN and no Feed-in Tariff export payments [2]. How to apply, and what to do when it goes wrong, is in the Smart Export Guarantee explained.

How do you choose an export tariff?

Look for the eligible combination of import and export tariffs with the lowest overall electricity cost for your usage, not simply the highest export rate. Higher export rates can come with conditions, such as buying your electricity from the same supplier or having equipment it installed. Check the import rate, the standing charge and when you export before you choose. Our dated snapshot of supplier rates is in best export tariffs.

What is the Feed-in Tariff?

The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) pays eligible existing solar owners in Great Britain for generation and, where applicable, export. It closed to new applicants in April 2019, but existing entitlements continue [3]. Generation and export are separate: you can keep eligible FIT generation payments while switching export to an SEG tariff [3]. Rates, meters and changes such as a new inverter or a battery are covered in the Feed-in Tariff explained.