Which UK Supplier Pays the Best on
Solar Export? (SEG)
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) was launched in January 2020. The initiative was created to push businesses and households to move towards renewable energy. SEG took over from the Feed in Tariff.
The SEG manages your excess electricity which you don't need and circulates it back to the national grid, which allows for energy to be bought by an energy supplier, and sold to someone else, such as your neighbour who doesn't have solar.
Why did the government end the FiT Scheme?
The FiT scheme was a government programme that closed from 31st March 2019. It was designed to promote the uptake of renewable generation like solar panels.
Those signed up to the FiT scheme receive quarterly payments from the government for the electricity their installation generated and exported back to the grid.
The key issues with the FiT scheme were that:
- FiT payments were funded by additional costs being added to household / businesses energy bills - today this cost is 0.8 p/kWh, or around £80 per household.
- Raised electricity prices for all customers, including low-income households who couldn’t afford the £4,000 - £10,000 cost on installation of panels and get the benefits.
- Lots of people felt it was a “regressive subsidy.”
UK Solar Export Tariff Rates 2025
Compare all Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rates from UK energy suppliers. Updated rates showing how much you can earn per kWh of electricity exported to the grid.
Solar Export Tariff Comparison - All UK Suppliers
| Rank | Energy Supplier | Tariff Name | Export Rate | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | British Gas | Export and Earn Plus | 15.1p/kWh | Customers Only |
| 2 | Good Energy | SEG Export Tariff | 15p/kWh | Customers Only |
| 3 | E-ON Next | Next Export Exclusive | 15p/kWh | Customers Only |
| 4 | EDF Energy | Export Variable Tariff | 15p/kWh | Customers Only |
| 5 | Scottish Power | SmartGen Premium | 12p/kWh | Customers Only |
| 5 | Octopus Energy | Panel Power | 12p/kWh | Customers Only |
| 7 | Octopus Energy | Shape sifters - export | 9p/kWh | Customers Only |
| 8 | Ecotricity | Smart Export Tariff | 8.9p/kWh | Open to All |
| 9 | Purely Energy | Bespoke | 7-10p/kWh | Open to All |
| 10 | Scottish Power | Smart Gen | 6p/kWh | Customers Only |
| 11 | PE Solutions | SEG Tariff | 5p/kWh | Open to All |
| 11 | Pozitive Energy Supply Ltd | SEG Export Tariff | 5p/kWh | Open to All |
| 13 | Octopus Energy Ltd | SEG Tariff | 4.1p/kWh | Customers Only |
| 14 | Tomato Energy | SEG Export Tariff | 4p/kWh | Open to All |
| 15 | Voltx Power Ltd | SEG Export Tariff | 3.02p/kWh | Open to All |
| 16 | Ruby Electricity Ltd | SEG Tariff | 3p/kWh | Open to All |
| 17 | Utility Warehouse | SEG Tariff | 2p/kWh | Open to All |
Understanding UK Solar Export Tariff Rates in 2024
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme requires energy suppliers with over 200,000 customers to offer export tariffs for solar panel owners. As of 2025, British Gas leads with 15.1p per kWh , making it the highest paying export tariff available, though it requires you to be an existing customer.
Three major suppliers offer 15p per kWh : Good Energy, E-ON Next, and EDF Energy, all requiring existing customer relationships. For those seeking competitive rates without switching suppliers, Ecotricity offers 8.9p per kWh and Purely Energy provides flexible rates between 7-10p per kWh , both open to all solar panel owners.
Scottish Power offers two tiers: SmartGen Premium at 12p per kWh and standard SmartGen at 6p per kWh. Octopus Energy provides multiple options including Panel Power at 12p per kWh , Shape sifters export at 9p per kWh , and their basic SEG Tariff at 4.1p per kWh.
Other suppliers offering SEG tariffs include PE Solutions and Pozitive Energy at 5p per kWh , Tomato Energy at 4p per kWh , Voltx Power at 3.02p per kWh , Ruby Electricity at 3p per kWh , and Utility Warehouse at 2p per kWh. These rates are typically available to all solar panel owners regardless of their energy supplier. Purely Energy can help you move to one of the above suppliers and help you get access to the best SEG export prices in the UK.
How does Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) work?
Once your renewable system is in place, such as a solar panel or battery, the electricity you use is managed so that any excess can be put back into the grid.
You could also charge a large battery at night, such as your electric car - and sell the energy back to the grid during peak times. In turn, your energy supplier will pay you for the excess energy that gets put back.
Payments are based on an agreed tariff, and the rates vary among suppliers. This means your business not only benefits from generating its own clean energy but can also earn extra income from any unused electricity.
Steps to get started with SEG
1. To begin with, is there renewable energy already installed on site? This might be anything such as solar, wind, hydro, anaerobic digestion (AD), or micro-combined heat and power.
2. The second would be to install a smart meter. This would essentially monitor how much electricity you export to the grid, usually in half-hourly intervals.
3. You will be required to possess an MCS certificate. The certificate ensures that the energy installation company and its products are of acceptable quality and are safe.
4. Compare the different SEG tariffs offered by energy companies and select the best export rates per kWh for your business.
5. Finally, receive payment. Once all the setup is done, your supplier will approximate how much electricity you have supplied and pay accordingly.
Why does SEG matter for businesses?
With energy costs rising, generating and exporting renewable power has never been more valuable. The SEG provides businesses a chance to lower their energy bills while also helping the UK get one step closer to reaching its sustainability goals.
Benefits of the Smart Export Guarantee
- Helps contribute to lower green house gases - Every time you send electricity back to the grid, you help build a greener future.
- Reduces energy costs - Make your business more cost-efficient by lowering energy consumption. By participating in the SEG, you can effectively recycle your energy.
- Earn money from excess energy - With rising energy bills, exporting surplus electricity provides extra income for your business - have a look above to select the best one.
If you have any questions or want help lowering energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk. Alternatively, you can get a quick quote.
Written by Faith Labong at Purely Energy.
