Looking for the best solar export tariff in the UK? The headline rates look generous, but most come with a catch. This guide compares Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rates as at October 2026, and explains the conditions behind them.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The Smart Export Guarantee replaced the Feed-in Tariff on 1 January 2020. As a result, it applies in England, Scotland and Wales, but not Northern Ireland. Suppliers in Great Britain must pay you for electricity you export.
There is no fixed SEG rate. Each supplier sets its own, so it pays to compare. However, the rate must be above zero.
In addition, the main rules are these:
- Suppliers with 150,000 or more domestic customers must offer an SEG tariff. Others may opt in.
- Your system must be up to 5 MW in size.
- Export must be measured by a meter, normally a smart meter.
- You need an MCS-certified installation and installer, or an accredited equivalent such as Flexi-Orb.
Sources: gov.uk on the Smart Export Guarantee; Ofgem on the SEG.
Which SEG tariffs pay the most in October 2026?
The table lists rates as at October 2026. However, many top rates need you to buy your electricity from the same supplier. Rates change often, so check each supplier’s website before you switch.
| Supplier | Tariff | Rate | Who can get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus | Outgoing Octopus (fixed) | 12p/kWh | Octopus customers on an eligible import tariff |
| Octopus | Open SEG tariff | 4.1p/kWh | Non-customers |
| OVO | SEG Beyond Exclusive | 12p/kWh | OVO electricity customers, under 30 kW |
| OVO | SEG | 4p/kWh | Any import supplier |
| OVO | SEG Install Exclusive | up to 20p (15p solar-only) | OVO-installed systems |
| British Gas | Export & Earn Plus | about 15p/kWh | British Gas customers |
| British Gas | Export & Earn Flex | about 3p/kWh | Open |
| ScottishPower | SmartGen | 6p/kWh | Open to all |
| ScottishPower | SmartGen Premium Plus | 15p/kWh | Conditions apply |
| E.ON Next | Next Export Premium | around 17.5p/kWh | Eligible E.ON Next customers |
| EDF | Export 12m | about 15p/kWh | EDF customers |
| EDF | SEG Export Variable | about 3p/kWh | Open |
Note that the OVO and Octopus figures come from the suppliers’ own pages. The British Gas, ScottishPower, E.ON Next and EDF figures come from 2026 comparison sources, so please check current rates before you commit.
Sources: Octopus Outgoing; OVO Smart Export Guarantee.
How does Outgoing Octopus work?
Outgoing Octopus pays a fixed 12p/kWh. It was 15p from September 2022, but fell to 12p from 1 March 2026. You must also buy your electricity from Octopus on an eligible import tariff, and have a smart meter.
Also, it is not available if you received Feed-in Tariff payments in the last 12 months. Octopus also offers two variants. Prime Outgoing pays 16p between 4pm and 7pm and 9p at other times, on a 12-month fixed deal. Agile Outgoing follows half-hourly wholesale prices, so it changes through the day.
Otherwise, if you don’t buy power from Octopus, its open SEG tariff pays 4.1p.
How much can you earn from an export tariff?
Your export income depends on the rate and on how much you sell. For example, our standard model has a 4 kWp system making about 3,600 kWh a year. If you use 30% at home, you export about 2,520 kWh.
The table shows what that is worth.
| Export rate | Income per year |
|---|---|
| 3p/kWh | about £76 |
| 4.1p/kWh | about £103 |
| 6p/kWh | about £151 |
| 12p/kWh | about £302 |
| 15p/kWh | about £378 |
So the gap between an open 4.1p rate and 12p is about £200 a year. That is why it matters. See how much a system generates month by month to estimate your own export.
Export income also feeds your payback. For instance, at 12p, a typical 4 kWp system pays back in about 13 years, but at 4.1p it takes about 19–20 years. For more, see how long solar takes to break even and our page on typical UK solar costs and payback.
Is it better to store solar than export it?
Not always. First, a unit you use yourself saves you 26.32p, the October to December 2026 price cap average. A unit you export earns far less. So storing surplus can look attractive.
However, a battery costs thousands of pounds. Read about adding battery storage before you decide. In short, a good export rate and a battery both help, but neither is essential. To judge the bigger picture, read an honest look at whether solar pays off.
Sources: Ofgem price cap, October to December 2026.
What about Northern Ireland?
However, the SEG does not apply in Northern Ireland, and Ofgem does not regulate the market there. Power NI currently pays 11.88p/kWh for exported electricity from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027. The Utility Regulator approves the rate each year.
Since October 2022, export has been paid on actual metered export. Therefore, please check with Power NI for the current rate. You can read more about solar panels in Northern Ireland.
By contrast, in Great Britain the SEG applies everywhere, so see what solar generates in Scotland as one regional example.
Is the SEG the same as a grant?
No, because the SEG pays you for power you export. A grant helps with the upfront cost. See our page on government support for solar panels for what is on offer.
What happens to SEG when you sell your home?
Therefore, the new owner needs to register in their own name. This matters if you are buying. See what to check when a home comes with panels.
How do you switch SEG supplier?
Switching is simple in principle. First, compare the rates above. Next, check the eligibility rules, because many top rates need you to import from the same supplier. Finally, apply with your MCS certificate and meter details.
Terms differ by supplier, and some are fixed for 12 months. So, read the small print.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a different supplier for import and export?
Often, yes, but not for the best rates. For example, open tariffs, such as OVO’s 4p or Octopus’s 4.1p, work with any import supplier. The higher rates, such as Outgoing Octopus at 12p, need you to import from the same supplier.
What if I don’t have a smart meter?
Export must be measured by a meter, normally a smart meter. So, contact your supplier about getting one fitted. Without export metering you can’t be paid under the SEG.
Do I need an MCS certificate?
Yes. You need an MCS-certified installation and installer, or an accredited equivalent such as Flexi-Orb. Otherwise one you can’t be paid under the SEG.
Is SEG income taxable?
Tax rules depend on your circumstances. Check HMRC guidance, or ask an accountant, before you assume either way.
Will export rates change?
Yes. For example, suppliers review their rates, and Outgoing Octopus fell from 15p to 12p on 1 March 2026. Always check the current rate before you switch.