Smart Export Guarantee: Get Paid for Excess Solar Energy

Why let unused solar energy go to waste when you could be paid for exporting it back to the grid?

The Smart Export Guarantee, often called SEG, allows eligible homeowners and businesses with solar panels to receive payments for the renewable electricity they export. If your solar PV system generates more electricity than your property is using, that surplus energy can be sent back to the National Grid and paid for through a registered SEG supplier.

At GB Solar, we help customers across Retford, Worksop, Mansfield, Sheffield, Rotherham, Lincoln, Nottingham, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire, York, Hull and the East Riding understand how SEG works, how to apply, and how to make the most of their solar panels and battery storage.

What Is the Smart Export Guarantee?

The Smart Export Guarantee is a government-backed scheme that requires certain licensed electricity suppliers to offer an export tariff and pay eligible customers for renewable electricity exported to the National Grid. Suppliers are free to set their own tariff rates, contract lengths and terms, but any SEG tariff must pay more than zero.

In simple terms, SEG gives you a way to earn money from the excess electricity your solar panels generate but your home or business does not use at the time.

What Is Exported Solar Power?

There will be times when your solar panels generate more electricity than your property needs. For example, if your solar PV system produces 2kWh of electricity but your home only uses 1kWh, the remaining 1kWh can either be stored in a battery, used by another smart device, or exported back to the grid.

That exported electricity helps support the wider energy network with cleaner, renewable power — and with the right SEG tariff in place, you can be paid for every unit you export.

Do SEG Payments Happen Automatically?

No. SEG payments are not automatic. To receive payments, you need to apply directly to a SEG supplier. You will usually need an eligible renewable energy system, an approved installation certificate such as MCS certification, and a meter capable of recording half-hourly export readings, which is typically a smart meter.

Your SEG supplier does not always have to be the same company that supplies your electricity, although some suppliers offer better export rates to their own energy customers. This means it is worth comparing tariffs before applying.

What Are the Current SEG Rates?

There is no single government-set SEG rate. Each supplier sets its own export tariff, which is why payment rates can vary significantly.

At the time of publication, many standard SEG export rates sit at around 3p to 16.5p per kWh, depending on the supplier, tariff type and eligibility requirements. Some specialist, supplier-linked or time-of-use tariffs may pay more at certain times, while lower standalone tariffs may pay less. Because SEG tariffs can change, you should always check the latest rates and terms before applying. Energy Saving Trust also notes that SEG tariffs may be fixed or variable, and suppliers can decide what tariff options they offer.

Fixed vs Variable SEG Tariffs

SEG tariffs are usually either fixed or variable.

A fixed SEG tariff pays a set amount for each kWh of electricity you export during the contract period. This gives you more certainty and makes it easier to estimate your export income.

A variable SEG tariff can change depending on the supplier, market conditions or time of export. Some variable or time-of-use tariffs may offer higher rates during peak periods, but they can also be less predictable.

The best option depends on your solar generation, energy usage, battery storage, export pattern and current electricity supplier.

Can I Use SEG with Battery Storage?

Yes, many solar customers with battery storage can still apply for SEG. A battery can help you store excess solar energy during the day and use it later in the evening, reducing the amount of electricity you buy from the grid.

However, not all suppliers treat battery exports in the same way. Some may only pay SEG on renewable electricity generated by your solar panels, while others may have different rules for energy imported from the grid and later exported from a battery. GOV.UK advises customers with storage devices to check directly with their prospective SEG supplier.

What If I Am Already on the Feed-in Tariff?

If your solar panels were installed under the older Feed-in Tariff, you should take advice before switching your export payments to SEG. You cannot receive both FIT export payments and SEG export payments for the same exported electricity, although in some cases customers may be able to keep their FIT generation payments while switching only the export element.

Make the Most of Your Solar Panels

A well-designed solar PV and battery storage system can help you use more of your own clean energy, reduce your reliance on the grid and generate export income when you have surplus electricity.

GB Solar can help you understand:

• How much solar energy your property is likely to generate
• How battery storage could improve self-consumption
• How export payments work
• What information you need for a SEG application
• How to get the best value from your solar PV system over time

For expert advice on solar panels, battery storage and Smart Export Guarantee payments in Worksop, Retford, Mansfield, Sheffield, Rotherham, Lincoln, Nottingham and the surrounding areas, speak to GB Solar today.