The short answer
- The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for electricity your solar panels send to the grid.
- Large energy suppliers must offer an export tariff, but they set their own rates.
- The best rates are usually only for that supplier's own customers. Rates "open to all" are often much lower.
- You usually need a smart meter and an MCS certificate for your panels.
Export rates compared
These are some of the rates listed by SunSave on 16 September 2026. Check with the supplier before switching, as rates change.
| Supplier and tariff | Rate per kWh | Who can get it |
|---|---|---|
| Ecotricity Smart Export Tariff | 16p | Ecotricity electricity customers |
| EDF Export 12m | 15p | EDF electricity customers |
| E.ON Next Export Exclusive | 13p | E.ON customers |
| Fuse Energy | 13p | Open to all solar homes |
| Octopus Outgoing | 12p | Octopus customers |
| British Gas Export Premium | 12p | British Gas customers |
| OVO SEG Beyond Exclusive | 12p | OVO customers |
| ScottishPower SmartGen Premium | 12p | ScottishPower customers |
| E.ON Next Flex Export | 6p | Open to all |
| OVO SEG tariff | 4p | Open to all |
| British Gas Export SEG | 3p | Open to all |
How much difference does the rate make?
A typical 4.5 kW system sends around 2,565 kWh a year to the grid if you use about 40% of what it makes yourself. At 3p per kWh that earns about £76.95 a year. At 15p it earns about £385. Same panels, same sunshine.
Use the export payment checker to see what switching could earn you.
How to start getting paid
- Check you have a smart meter that can record exports. Your supplier can fit one free.
- Find your MCS certificate. Your installer should have given you one. If not, ask them.
- Pick an export tariff. Compare the best rate you can get against your import tariff: moving supplier for a higher export rate only makes sense if your import price doesn't rise more.
- Apply through the supplier's website. Most need your MPAN (the export meter number), MCS certificate and proof you own the home.
Had panels before 2019?
You may be on the older Feed-in Tariff instead, which can pay much more. Make sure you're still claiming it.
Sources: SunSave export tariff list (updated 16 September 2026), Utilita.