What the Smart Export Guarantee actually is
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is the scheme that replaced the old Feed-in Tariff. Any electricity supplier with more than 150,000 customers must offer at least one export tariff, paying you for the surplus solar electricity your system sends back to the grid. You need an MCS certificate to register — this is exactly why every installation we do comes with full MCS certification through our accredited partner scheme — no exceptions.
Rates checked July 2026 — export tariffs change often. Treat the figures below as a guide to the shape of the market, not a live price list, and always check current rates before switching.
The two types of export tariff
Flat-rate tariffs
Pay the same rate per kWh whatever time of day you export. Simple, predictable, and currently the most common option for solar-only systems (no battery). As of mid-2026, flat rates from major suppliers typically sit around 12–15p/kWh.
Time-of-use / smart tariffs
Pay more during peak demand windows (often 4pm–7pm) and less at other times. These need a compatible battery and a smart meter capable of half-hourly readings. They can pay significantly more at peak — sometimes 20p/kWh or higher — but require your battery to be set up to export strategically during that window rather than just storing power for your own use.
Typical annual earnings
| System | Typical export | Flat tariff (~13p) |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5kWp, no battery | ~1,200–1,500 kWh/yr | ~£155–£195/yr |
| 4kWp, no battery | ~1,500–2,000 kWh/yr | ~£195–£260/yr |
| 4kWp + battery, smart tariff | Variable — depends on export strategy | Often £250–£450+/yr |
Figures are indicative averages, not guarantees — actual generation depends on your roof's orientation, pitch, shading and local weather. We'll give you real numbers for your property at survey.
What you need to register
- An MCS certificate for your solar installation (and battery, if applicable)
- A smart meter capable of half-hourly export readings (SMETS2, or a suitable SMETS1)
- Your DNO paperwork (G98 for smaller systems, G99 for larger) — we handle this as part of every install
Important: export rate isn't the whole story
The highest advertised export rate often requires you to also buy your electricity import from that same supplier, or to have had your solar or battery installed by them. Before switching, compare the export rate alongside your import tariff and standing charge — a slightly lower export rate paired with a much cheaper import tariff can leave you better off overall. And in almost every case, using your own solar power directly in your home (rather than exporting and buying it back) saves you more than any export tariff pays.