How Much Will You Earn from Solar Export?
Typical SEG rates 2025: Octopus 4.1p, E.ON 3p, British Gas 5p, some tariffs up to 20p+
Frequently Asked Questions
The SEG scheme requires larger energy suppliers to offer a tariff to small-scale generators (up to 5MW) who export electricity to the grid. It replaced the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) for new installations from January 2020.
It depends on your export rate and the SEG tariff. A 4kWp system generating 3,600 kWh/year, exporting 50% at 6p/kWh, earns approximately £108/year from export. Plus you save on import costs for the energy you use directly.
SEG rates vary by provider and tariff type. Octopus Energy offers variable Agile Export (can be very high at peak times) or fixed rates. Some providers pay 5-15p/kWh for guaranteed fixed rates. Rates change frequently — compare on the Ofgem website.
UK households and businesses with a DNNO-approved solar, wind, micro-hydro, anaerobic digestion, or micro-CHP generator under 5MW. The system must have an appropriate export meter (smart meter preferred).
Ofgem encourages smart meters for SEG as they enable half-hourly export metering, which is more accurate. Some providers may accept estimated export (usually 50% of generation) without a smart meter.
For homeowners, SEG income from domestic solar panels is generally below the property income threshold (£1,000/year property allowance) and is typically tax-free. Larger commercial systems may generate taxable income.
The FiT scheme closed to new applicants in March 2019. Existing FiT recipients continue to receive payments. The SEG replaced FiT for new installations — generally at lower rates but with more provider competition.
A battery stores excess solar generation for use at high-rate times instead of selling at low SEG rates. This increases self-consumption and import savings. However, selling at peak times via Octopus Agile can be profitable.
Yes. EV charging consumes electricity you might otherwise export. Smart EV chargers can prioritise solar energy, increasing self-consumption and reducing both import costs and export.
Ofgem requires obligated suppliers to offer a positive, non-zero rate for exported electricity. However, there's no minimum rate — different providers offer very different rates.
No. You can only be on one scheme at a time. If you joined FiT before April 2019, you receive both generation tariff and export tariff through FiT. SEG is only for those who installed systems after FiT closed.
Ideally via a dedicated export meter or smart meter with half-hourly readings. Some providers estimate export as 50% of generation using your generation meter. Smart meters provide more accurate and potentially more valuable readings.