Key Takeaways
- You only earn for exported electricity, not for generation itself.
- SEG is designed to be simple and accessible for typical domestic solar setups.
- With more than 40 tariffs available, checking the tariff details is essential.
- Over 283 GWh were exported and £30 million paid out to generators in the latest SEG year.
- You remain eligible by simply updating your documentation and tariff details as needed.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is the scheme that pays you for exporting unused solar electricity back to the grid. You qualify by having certified solar panels and an export-capable meter.
Payments depend on the amount you export and the tariff you select. Rates vary by supplier, and if you expand your system later, you can stay on SEG as long as you remain within eligibility.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
SEG is the UK’s export payment scheme. It replaced the old Feed-in Tariff for new installations and gives homeowners a simple way to earn from the clean electricity they don’t use:
- You generate solar energy.
- You use what you need in the home.
- Anything left over gets exported to the grid.
- Your SEG supplier pays you for every kWh you export.
It’s regulated by Ofgem and available to most homes with standard rooftop solar.
Why SEG matters today
Solar is now a real part of the UK’s energy mix:
Solar power generated around 5.2% of the UK’s electricity in 2024, with 17.8 GW of installed capacity, and around 31% of that is residential rooftop solar.
That means a large share of solar generation comes from homes, exactly where SEG applies.
Who Qualifies for SEG?
Most homes with solar qualify. The rules are simple:
You need an eligible renewable system
Solar PV, small wind, hydro, and some micro-CHP systems qualify. For domestic homes, solar is by far the most common. Around 99.9% of SEG installations are solar PV, almost all under 10 kW.
You need an MCS certification
This proves the panels and installation meet UK standards.
You need a smart meter or export meter
Your supplier must be able to measure your exported electricity accurately.
You need to register with a supplier (not your installer)
Any SEG-licensed supplier can pay you; you are not tied to the company that installed your solar panels.
If you meet these, you can get SEG payments.
How Do SEG Payment Rates Work?
Every large energy supplier must offer at least one SEG tariff, but they set their own prices. That’s why rates vary.
Current UK landscape (Ofgem)
- 42 export tariffs
- 13 licensed SEG suppliers
These numbers increased from 39 tariffs in the previous year, showing a steadily growing and competitive market.
Types of SEG tariffs
Most suppliers offer one of two styles:
Fixed-rate export tariffs
- Every exported kWh earns the same price.
- Simple and predictable.
Variable or time-of-export tariffs
- Price changes based on grid demand.
- May pay more at busy times.
- Requires giving your supplier detailed export data.
Important note
SEG payments are not guaranteed income. They depend on:
- Your export volume
- Your household consumption
- Weather and season
- Your chosen supplier’s tariff
What Affects SEG Export Payments
| Factor | Why It Matters |
| Export rate in p/kWh | Determines how much each kWh earns |
| Solar system size | Larger arrays usually export more |
| Home energy use | Higher self-consumption = lower export |
| Season | Summer exports > winter exports |
| Tariff type | Fixed is stable, variable can rise or fall |
What Does Real SEG Data Show About Payments?
This is where we use the precise, verified numbers:
Ofgem 2023–24 Annual Report
- 283.1 GWh exported under SEG
- £30,749,485 paid out to generators
Most of this export came from households with small solar systems, so SEG is actively working for everyday homeowners, not just large generators.
What Changes if You Expand Your Solar System or Add a Battery Later?
Many homeowners grow their system over time. Here’s how SEG treats upgrades.
If you expand your solar array
- You stay eligible as long as you remain within capacity rules (≤ 5 MW).
- You may need to update your MCS documentation.
- You must notify your SEG supplier.
If you add a battery
- SEG still applies, but you only get paid for what you export, not what you store.
- Some suppliers have rules about exporting stored energy; always check before you switch tariffs.
If your export increases
Your payments increase too, but only if:
- You export more
- Your tariff pays a meaningful rate
- Your export metering is accurate
How Can Synergy PV Renewables Help You Get the Right SEG Export Rates?
SEG only works smoothly when your system is set up properly, with the right metering, the right paperwork, and a solar installation that’s designed to export cleanly. That’s where we make things simple.
We look at how your home actually runs: your solar array, your usage pattern, your export potential, and whether a battery might help you hold more value before sending power back to the grid.
We check your metering and help you understand your tariff options in plain English, so you know exactly how SEG fits into your setup.
Our aim is straightforward: lower bills, more control, and a system that works without fuss.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or planning an upgrade, we design clean, tidy, reliable installations that are built for the long term, and we stay with you after installation, so you always have someone local to call.
Wrapping Up!
SEG is a simple way to earn money from the solar electricity you don’t use at home. You qualify with certified panels and a smart meter, and payments depend on how much you export and which tariff you choose.
Real-world data shows the scheme is widely used, with millions paid to households each year. If you expand your system later, you can stay on SEG by updating your details. It’s flexible, fair, and a helpful bonus for most solar homes.
FAQs
Do I get paid for all the solar I generate?
No, only what you export. Anything you use at home is free for you, but not paid by SEG.
Can I choose any SEG supplier?
Yes. You’re not tied to your installer.
Do SEG rates change?
Yes. Suppliers update tariffs often, so always check before you switch.
Does SEG replace my energy bill?
No. It’s an extra payment, not a reduction in unit rates.
Does adding a battery stop me from getting SEG?
No. You still qualify, but only exported energy earns payments.
Is SEG the same as the old Feed-in Tariff (FiT)?
No. FiT pays for generation; SEG pays only for export.
