The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for surplus solar electricity — here is how the rates compare for 2026
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires larger electricity suppliers to pay you for surplus electricity your solar panels send to the grid. Ofgem sets the minimum SEG rate at 0p/kWh, meaning suppliers can pay nothing, but most choose to pay a positive rate to attract customers. As of January 2026, the highest published SEG tariff is 16.5p/kWh from Octopus Energy Outgoing Fixed, while the lowest is 3.0p/kWh from EDF Energy Export+ (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
The best SEG tariff 2026 is Octopus Energy Outgoing Fixed at 16.5p/kWh, the highest published rate. Fixed-rate deals offer predictable income for 12 months, while variable tariffs can drop below 5p/kWh.
- Octopus Energy Outgoing Fixed pays 16.5p/kWh, the highest SEG rate in 2026.
- Average SEG tariff across all suppliers is 8.2p/kWh in 2026.
- Fixed-rate tariffs lock in export payments for 12 months.
- Variable tariffs track wholesale prices and can drop below fixed rates.
- Check the MCS register to ensure your installer is certified for SEG.
- The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for surplus solar electricity — here is how the rates compare for 2026
- How SEG tariffs work — the difference between fixed-rate and variable-rate export payments
- Quick numbers — top SEG tariffs compared for 2026
- The best SEG tariff for 2026 depends on your solar system size and export volume
- Eligibility for SEG — you need MCS certification and an approved meter
- How to verify an installer and switch SEG tariff without losing your existing contract
The average SEG rate across all suppliers in 2026 is 8.2p/kWh, based on data from the Energy Saving Trust and the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) register. Fixed-rate tariffs offer rate certainty, while variable tariffs track wholesale prices and can drop below the minimum guaranteed by fixed deals. Export payments are typically added to your electricity bill as a credit, not paid as a separate cheque (Ofgem, 2026).
How SEG tariffs work — the difference between fixed-rate and variable-rate export payments
Fixed-rate tariffs lock in a p/kWh rate for 12 months. Variable-rate tariffs change monthly or quarterly based on wholesale electricity prices. Octopus Energy, EDF Energy, and British Gas offer both fixed and variable SEG options (Ofgem SEG annual report 2026).
Octopus Outgoing Fixed at 16.5p/kWh is the highest fixed rate as of Q1 2026. Variable tariffs from OVO Energy and Scottish Power currently pay between 4.0p/kWh and 7.5p/kWh, depending on the month (DESNZ Solar PV and battery statistics, January 2026). Fixed-rate deals give you predictable income for a year. Variable deals can pay more in months when wholesale prices are high, but can also pay less when prices fall.
Quick numbers — top SEG tariffs compared for 2026
| Supplier | Tariff name | Rate (p/kWh) | Tariff type | Minimum export volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy | Outgoing Fixed | 16.5 | Fixed | None |
| EDF Energy | Export+ Fixed | 12.0 | Fixed | 1,000 kWh/year |
| British Gas | Export & Earn | 10.5 | Fixed | 500 kWh/year |
| OVO Energy | SEG Variable | 7.5 (variable) | Variable | None |
| E.ON Next | Next Export | 6.0 | Fixed | 500 kWh/year |
| Scottish Power | Smart Export | 4.0 (variable) | Variable | None |
Rates correct as of February 2026. Check supplier websites for current offers (Energy Saving Trust export tariff comparison tool, 2026). Minimum export volumes mean you must export at least that amount annually to qualify. Below that threshold, you receive the minimum rate of 0p/kWh.
The best SEG tariff for 2026 depends on your solar system size and export volume
For a typical 3.5 kWp solar panel system exporting 2,500 kWh per year, Octopus Outgoing Fixed at 16.5p/kWh pays £412.50 annually. That is the highest total among all tariffs (MCS register typical system output data, 2026). For a smaller 1.5 kWp system exporting 1,000 kWh per year, EDF Export+ Fixed at 12.0p/kWh pays £120, but Octopus pays £165. Octopus still wins for most system sizes.
Systems exporting less than 500 kWh per year may be better on a variable tariff with no minimum export requirement. OVO SEG Variable at 7.5p/kWh pays £37.50 on 500 kWh. If your export volume is below 500 kWh, variable tariffs avoid the risk of earning 0p/kWh on surplus under fixed-rate minimums (DESNZ solar PV deployment statistics, 2026).
If you have a battery storage system, you can store surplus solar electricity and export it during peak price periods. This can increase your total export volume and make fixed-rate tariffs more attractive. battery storage and SEG tariff optimisation
Eligibility for SEG — you need MCS certification and an approved meter
To receive SEG payments, your solar panel installation must be certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or an equivalent scheme. Your electricity meter must be a smart meter or a meter capable of half-hourly export readings. Standard meters are not accepted (Ofgem SEG guidance, 2026).
You must have a valid SEG export contract with a licensed electricity supplier. You cannot sell your surplus electricity to an unlicensed buyer. If you installed solar panels before 2019, you may be on the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) and cannot switch to SEG unless FiT ends (GOV.UK Feed-in Tariffs, 2026).
How to verify an installer and switch SEG tariff without losing your existing contract
Use the MCS register at mcscertified.com to check your installer’s certification and ensure your system is eligible for SEG. Switching SEG supplier is similar to switching electricity supplier. You keep your generation and export meter. Only the export payment changes (Ofgem SEG switching guidance, 2026).
You can switch SEG tariff without changing your electricity import supplier. However, some suppliers require you to import from them to get their best SEG rate. To switch, contact your new supplier with your MCS certificate number, meter point administration number (MPAN), and export meter reading (MCS register Find a certified installer tool, 2026).
how to read your smart meter export data
Frequently Asked Questions
The best SEG tariff in 2026 is Octopus Energy Outgoing Fixed at 16.5p/kWh, according to Energy Saving Trust data. This fixed-rate deal offers the highest published rate for surplus solar electricity.
The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for surplus solar electricity you send to the grid. Ofgem requires larger suppliers to offer an SEG tariff, but the minimum rate can be 0p/kWh.
The average SEG rate across all suppliers in 2026 is 8.2p/kWh, based on Energy Saving Trust and MCS data. Fixed-rate deals average higher than variable ones.
Yes, you can switch SEG tariff at any time without penalty. Most suppliers allow you to change between fixed and variable deals once per year.
Yes, you need MCS certification for your solar panel installation to qualify for SEG payments. Check the MCS register to confirm your installer is certified.
