What Is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is an Ofgem-mandated scheme that requires all licensed electricity suppliers with more than 150,000 customers to offer a tariff for the electricity you export from a solar panel system. Unlike its predecessor, the Feed-in Tariff, the SEG rate is not fixed by government — suppliers set their own rates, which creates genuine competition.
As of April 2026, the SEG continues to mature. More suppliers have entered the market, rates have edged upward, and time-of-use export tariffs are now mainstream.
Current Best SEG Tariffs (April 2026)
| Supplier | Rate Type | Export Rate | Smart Meter Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy (Outgoing Octopus) | Fixed | 15.0p/kWh | Yes |
| EDF Energy (Export Variable) | Variable | 13.5p–16.0p/kWh | Yes |
| British Gas | Fixed | 12.0p/kWh | Yes |
| OVO Energy | Fixed | 11.5p/kWh | Yes |
| So Energy | Fixed | 14.2p/kWh | Yes |
Rates correct as of April 2026. Check supplier websites for the most current figures, as these change regularly. Once you have chosen a tariff, compare MCS-certified UK solar installers to ensure your system qualifies for SEG registration from day one.
Octopus Energy: Outgoing Octopus
Octopus Energy's Outgoing Octopus remains the standout SEG product in 2026. The fixed 15p/kWh rate applies to all exported units measured by a smart meter. Crucially, you can pair it with Octopus Flux or Agile on the import side, creating a complete time-of-use strategy — charge your battery cheaply overnight, sell the surplus at peak rates during the day.
EDF Energy: Variable Export
EDF's variable rate tracks wholesale electricity prices, meaning it can exceed 16p/kWh during high-demand periods. This suits homeowners with battery storage who can time their exports. The downside is unpredictability — in low-demand months, the rate can dip below 13p/kWh.
→ Still unsure if the maths add up? Check your personal payback period — it takes 60 seconds.
Who Qualifies for the SEG?
To register for any SEG tariff, your installation must meet two conditions:
- MCS certification: Your installer and the system itself must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. No MCS certificate, no SEG payments.
- Smart meter: All major SEG suppliers now require a smart meter to measure actual export rather than estimating it at 50% of generation.
Systems up to 5MW are eligible, though most domestic installations are between 3kWp and 10kWp.
How to Switch Your SEG Tariff
Switching is simpler than most homeowners expect:
- Gather your documents — MCS installation certificate, meter serial number, MPAN (the 13-digit number on your electricity bill).
- Compare current offers — use Ofgem's SEG supplier list or a comparison platform.
- Apply directly — most suppliers process applications online within 5 business days.
- Update your smart meter readings — ensure your supplier's data acquisition service can read your export register.
You are not locked to your import supplier. You can export with Octopus while importing with British Gas, for example.
Maximising Your SEG Income
Self-consumption first
SEG income is secondary to self-consumption savings. Every unit you use directly avoids paying the import rate (currently averaging 24–28p/kWh in 2026). Only export what you genuinely cannot use.
Battery storage changes the maths
A 5–10kWh home battery lets you capture midday surplus, use it in the evening, and only export the true remainder. This approach typically increases annual savings by £200–£400 compared with exporting everything immediately.
Pair with a time-of-use import tariff
Octopus Agile or Flux lets you import at sub-5p/kWh overnight and export at 15p+ during peak hours. The arbitrage opportunity is real — see our dedicated guide on battery arbitrage.
→ Curious what solar would actually put back in your pocket? Run a free 60-second estimate.
