The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for solar electricity you send to the grid. Rates are set by each supplier and vary widely, from 1p to 15p per kWh for most people in April 2026.
What it is
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed scheme that started on 1 January 2020. Larger electricity suppliers must offer to pay you for renewable electricity you export to the grid, such as spare power from solar panels. It applies in Great Britain.
Who has to offer it
Suppliers with at least 150,000 domestic customers must offer a SEG tariff. Smaller suppliers can choose to. You don’t have to use the supplier you buy your electricity from, although some of the best rates are only for their own customers.
Who can get paid
- For home systems (up to 50kW), both the system and your installer must be MCS-certified, or an equivalent.
- You need a smart meter that can record exports every half hour.
- You can’t receive SEG export payments and old Feed-in Tariff export payments at the same time.
How much it pays
Each supplier sets its own rate; the only rule is that it must be above zero. Which? compared rates in April 2026. A few examples:
- Open to anyone: Scottish Power SmartGen 6p, So Energy 4.5p, Octopus 4.1p, Ovo 4p, British Gas 3.02p, EDF 3p per kWh.
- For the supplier’s own customers: British Gas Export and Earn Plus 15.1p, EDF Export 12m 15p, Octopus Outgoing 12p.
- If you bought your panels or battery from that supplier: rates of about 15p to 25p.
Rates change often, so check the current figure before you sign up.
How to apply
- Compare SEG tariffs, including any from your current supplier.
- Apply to the supplier with your MCS certificate and installation details.
- The supplier checks your eligibility and confirms the terms.
Your installer should also register your system with the local electricity network operator, which is part of a proper installation.
Northern Ireland
The SEG doesn’t apply in Northern Ireland. There, Power NI pays 11.88p per kWh for exported electricity from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027.
Why export pays less than using it yourself
Most export rates are well below the price you pay for electricity, currently about 26p per kWh on the price cap. That is why using your solar power at home, or storing it in a battery, saves more than exporting it.
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Sources
- Ofgem: Smart Export Guarantee
- Ofgem: SEG for electricity suppliers
- Which?: The best and worst SEG tariffs (24 Apr 2026)
- Power NI: Microgeneration tariff rates (Sep 2026)
- Ofgem: Energy price cap rates (Oct 2026)
- MCS: Notifying DNOs (14 Jul 2026)