Every UK energy supplier with over 150,000 customers must offer a Smart Export Guarantee tariff. The rates they pay you for exported solar vary hugely — from 4p to 16.5p per kWh. Here's the current state of play, with our quick estimator below.
Don't know your export figure? A rule of thumb: 60% of your solar generation exports without a battery, ~20% with one. Use our solar calculator for a precise estimate.
You don't have to use your import supplier. If you import from British Gas, you can still export to Octopus on a separate SEG contract — but most fixed-rate SEG tariffs are restricted to existing customers of that supplier. You'd need to switch import too to access the headline rates.
You need a smart meter. Without half-hourly export data your supplier can't pay you per kWh. If your meter doesn't have export functionality, ask your supplier for an upgrade — it's free.
Your inverter must be MCS-certified and registered. Your installer handles this; verify at mcscertified.com.
Rates change. SEG suppliers can vary their rates with notice — typically 30 days. Headline rates often start higher to attract sign-ups and trim back later. Check actual paid rates on review sites like Trustpilot or Money Saving Expert forums before switching.
SEG income is tax-free for households below the trading allowance threshold (£1,000). Most domestic exports fall well within this — even a generous Octopus Outgoing customer would need to export ~6,500 kWh/year to hit the cap.
If you're already with Octopus, Outgoing Fixed at 15p/kWh is the obvious pick. Highest flat rate, simple terms, easy switch.
If you're tech-confident with high export volumes and a smart-controlled battery, Octopus Outgoing Agile can earn 16–22p/kWh during peak wholesale moments — but it requires active management and unpredictable settlement.
If you're with E.On Next, Export Exclusive at 16.5p is currently the highest fixed rate from any supplier. Watch for terms changes — it has been positioned as a customer-acquisition rate.
If you don't want to switch suppliers, British Gas Export & Earn Plus at 6.4p is a reasonable mid-range option with stable terms.
Avoid: any tariff with a tiered drop above 4,500–5,000 kWh exported (catches mid-size 5kW+ systems) and any supplier-tied tariff that locks you into a poor import rate to access the export rate.
Updated 28 April 2026. Rates change frequently — confirm before switching.