When your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, that surplus flows back to the grid. Since 2020, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) has required licensed energy suppliers to offer export tariffs to solar homeowners. But the rates vary enormously — from under 4p to over 20p per kWh — and picking the right one can add hundreds of pounds to your annual return.
What Is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The SEG replaced the old Feed-in Tariff (FiT) in January 2020. Unlike FiT, there’s no government-set rate — suppliers set their own rates, and competition between them drives the market. Any supplier with 150,000+ customers must offer at least one SEG tariff, though smaller suppliers can opt in voluntarily.
To qualify for SEG you need: an MCS-certified solar system, a smart meter that can record half-hourly exports, and registration with your chosen SEG supplier (which doesn’t have to be your import supplier).
Best SEG Tariffs UK 2026
| Supplier | Tariff Name | Export Rate | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy | Outgoing Octopus Fixed | 15p/kWh | Fixed | Best fixed rate in market |
| Octopus Energy | Outgoing Octopus Agile | Variable | Agile | Can exceed 20p at peak; can go negative |
| British Gas | Solar+Export | 7.5p/kWh | Fixed | Available to BG import customers |
| EDF Energy | Solar Export | 6.5p/kWh | Fixed | Simple and reliable |
| OVO Energy | Export Reward | 5.5p/kWh | Fixed | Lower rate but flexible switching |
| E.ON Next | Next Export | 5.2p/kWh | Fixed | Available with Next import tariff |
| Scottish Power | Solar Export | 5.0p/kWh | Fixed | Lowest of the major suppliers |
| Ripple Energy | Variable SEG | 8–12p/kWh | Variable | Co-op model; community renewable link |
Rates correct as of June 2026. Always check supplier websites for current rates before switching — SEG rates change periodically.
Octopus Outgoing Explained
Octopus Energy leads the SEG market by a significant margin. Their fixed Outgoing Octopus tariff pays 15p/kWh — roughly 2–3× what most other suppliers pay — and it’s available regardless of whether you import with Octopus.
Their Agile export variant pays the half-hourly wholesale rate. Between 4–7pm (peak demand), Agile rates regularly reach 20–30p/kWh in 2026. However, in summer midday periods, rates can fall to 1–2p, and very occasionally go negative (you’d pay to export). On balance, households with a battery can time exports to peak periods and earn significantly more on Agile than the fixed 15p rate.
How Much Extra Can You Earn by Switching?
For a 4kW system exporting an estimated 1,200 kWh/year:
| Tariff Rate | Annual Export Income | vs 5p Baseline |
|---|---|---|
| 5p/kWh | £60 | — |
| 7.5p/kWh | £90 | +£30 |
| 15p/kWh (Octopus) | £180 | +£120 |
| 20p/kWh avg (Agile) | £240 | +£180 |
Switching from a 5p tariff to Octopus’s 15p fixed rate adds £120/year with no changes to your system. If you have a battery and can time exports to peak Agile slots, £200+ per year is achievable.
How to Switch Your SEG Tariff
- Check your current SEG tariff rate (it should be on your bill or online account).
- Register with your new SEG supplier — you can do this independently of your import supplier.
- Provide your MPAN (meter point reference number) and smart meter export readings.
- The switch typically takes 2–4 weeks. There’s no interruption to your solar generation.
Note: some SEG tariffs require you to also import from that supplier. Octopus’s Outgoing Octopus fixed rate is open to all, but their Agile export option may require you to import from Octopus too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I be on a different supplier for import and export?
A: Yes, for most SEG tariffs. Octopus Outgoing Fixed, for example, is available to anyone regardless of import supplier. Some suppliers do bundle import and export — always check before signing up.
Q: How often are export payments made?
A: Most suppliers pay monthly, based on your smart meter’s half-hourly export data. You’ll receive a credit to your account or direct bank payment depending on the supplier.
Q: What if I don’t have a smart meter?
A: You need a smart meter capable of half-hourly export recording to access SEG. Your installer should have notified your DNO (Distribution Network Operator) and arranged this. If you don’t have one, contact your import supplier to arrange installation — it’s free.
Q: Can I switch SEG suppliers whenever I want?
A: Yes — there are no minimum contract periods or exit fees for SEG tariffs. You can switch as soon as a better rate becomes available.
Q: Does my SEG income count as taxable income?
A: HMRC allows individuals up to £1,000/year of miscellaneous income (the Trading Allowance) tax-free, which covers the vast majority of SEG payments. You only need to declare SEG income if it exceeds £1,000/year — very unlikely for a typical home system.