Smart Export Guarantee: Best SEG Rates in 2026 and How to Maximise Them

What Is the Smart Export Guarantee?

The Smart Export Guarantee is the UK government's mechanism for paying homeowners for solar electricity exported to the grid. It replaced the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) in January 2020.

Brief history: The Feed-in Tariff (2010–2019) paid for both generation and export, with rates around 43p/kWh. The SEG only pays for export (not generation), with rates determined by market competition rather than government subsidy. Ofgem does not set a floor rate; suppliers set their own rates, meaning the best rate is often found through shopping around.

The current SEG floor is effectively 7.5p/kWh, though in practice, major suppliers offer slightly better rates (7.6–7.9p/kWh). The "best" SEG rate fluctuates with electricity market conditions.

Key requirement: To qualify for SEG, your installation must be MCS-certified. Without MCS certification, you cannot register for export payments. You also need a smart meter for metering and payment processing.

Best SEG Rates UK 2026

Here's a snapshot of SEG rates from major suppliers as of March 2026. Note: these rates are variable and change frequently. Always verify current rates directly with suppliers before committing.

Supplier	SEG Rate	Key Notes
Octopus Energy	7.9p/kWh	Intelligent SEG, requires smart meter + compatible inverter. Most popular current rate.
E.ON	7.6p/kWh	Fixed rate, straightforward signup, good for predictability.
EDF Energy	5.5p/kWh	Lower but simple process. Good for those seeking uncomplicated signup.
British Gas	5.5p/kWh	Part of HomeEnergy Solar package. Bundled with other services.
OVO Energy	6.5p/kWh	Included in some tariffs. Check current bundles.
Octopus Agile SEG	Variable (1–25p/kWh+)	Peak-time rates reach 15–25p/kWh during grid stress. Requires smart battery.

As of early 2026, Octopus Energy at 7.9p/kWh is the best fixed SEG rate available. However, rates change regularly—check the latest rates on supplier websites before deciding.

How to Register for SEG

Registration is straightforward and can be completed within days:

1. Complete your MCS-certified solar installation. Your installer will handle all electrical work and compliance checks.
2. Receive your MCS installation certificate. Your installer issues this upon completion. Keep it safe—you'll need it for registration.
3. Have a smart meter installed. If you don't already have one, contact your energy supplier. Installation is typically free and takes 30–60 minutes.
4. Apply to your chosen SEG tariff supplier. Visit their website or call them. You'll provide your postcode, meter details, and MCS certificate information. The application process takes 15–30 minutes online.
5. Confirmation and payment setup. The supplier will contact you via email/phone with confirmation and payment details. Export payments are typically processed monthly via bank transfer.

Important note: You don't have to use the same supplier for SEG as you use for electricity import. Many homeowners get their best deal by splitting suppliers: importing from one (e.g., Octopus for a good import tariff) and exporting to another (e.g., Octopus Agile for a better SEG rate, or E.ON for simplicity). Switching is free and straightforward.

SEG vs the Old Feed-in Tariff

The maths appear unfavourable at first glance:

• FiT (ended 2019): Paid approximately 43p/kWh for generation + 5p for export. Total value per kWh: 48p.
• SEG (2026): Pays 7.5–7.9p for export only. Appears to offer ~6x less value.

However, the full picture is more nuanced. Modern solar panels (2026) are 40% more efficient than FiT-era panels (2010). Installation costs have fallen 60%. And the self-consumption model (using your own power at 24.5p import rate rather than exporting at 7.5p) is more valuable than FiT-era generation payments.

In practical terms, an MCS-certified 4kW system installed in 2026 delivers similar or better financial returns than an equivalent FiT-era installation, despite lower per-kWh export payments. The difference is that value comes primarily from self-consumption rather than export subsidies.

Octopus Agile vs Fixed SEG—Which Is Better?

For homes with battery storage: Octopus Agile SEG can be highly lucrative. During winter evenings and grid stress events, export rates can reach 15–25p/kWh or higher. A smart battery charges during cheap overnight periods (sometimes 1p/kWh) and discharges during peak-rate periods, arbitraging the difference. The financial upside is real—£200–£500 additional annual value compared to fixed SEG rates.

Requirements: compatible inverter (Huawei or Solargeddon), GivEnergy or Tesla battery, and active enrollment in Octopus's intelligent tariff program.

For homes without battery: A fixed rate (E.ON 7.6p, Octopus 7.9p) is simpler and more predictable. You don't have the sophistication to exploit peak-rate events, so Agile's upside is lost. Stick with a fixed rate for peace of mind.

How to Maximise Your SEG Earnings

SEG earnings are typically modest (£100–£200/year for a 4kW system), but these practical tips can improve returns:

• Install a battery if your budget allows. Battery storage flips your self-consumption from 35% to 75%, dramatically reducing export volume. This seems counterintuitive for maximizing export earnings, but it's financially optimal: you keep more power at 24.5p (import value) rather than exporting at 7.9p. Net effect: higher total energy value even if export payments decline.
• Use Octopus Agile or equivalent variable SEG tariff. If you have a battery, Agile can significantly boost earnings through peak-rate arbitrage. Without a battery, this is less effective.
• Ensure your smart meter is working correctly. Faulty or misconfigured meters sometimes fail to register exports. Contact your supplier if you suspect metering issues.
• Review rates annually. Switching suppliers for SEG is free and takes 10 minutes. Check competitor rates every 6–12 months and switch if a better offer is available.
• Combine SEG with self-consumption focus. The real money in solar is self-consumption (import avoidance) rather than export payments. Design your system and consumption patterns around this—e.g., time dishwasher and EV charging for peak solar hours.

SEG rates correct as of March 2026 but variable and subject to frequent change by suppliers. Check current rates directly with suppliers before committing. MCS certification is required for all SEG-registered installations. All rate comparisons assume standard residential installations on fixed tariffs. Agile tariff benefits are estimates and vary by usage pattern and market conditions.