Ofgem reports that fewer than 40% of UK solar households are on an export tariff
Many homeowners who have installed solar panels are not being paid for the electricity they send back to the grid. Ofgem data from 2026 shows that fewer than 40% of UK homes with solar panels are registered for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) (Ofgem, 2026). Without an export tariff, every unit of electricity your panels generate that you do not use yourself is given to the grid for free.
A typical 3.5 kWp solar system on a standard export tariff pays between £80 and £150 per year, based on Energy Saving Trust modelling (2026). Fixed-rate tariffs range from 4p to 8p per kWh, while time-of-use rates can hit 15p-25p/kWh during peak hours.
- Register for Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) to get paid for exported electricity.
- Fixed-rate tariffs pay 4p to 8p per kWh, the simplest option for new owners.
- Time-of-use tariffs offer 15p-25p/kWh during peak hours (4pm-7pm).
- Variable tariffs like Octopus Agile track wholesale prices, risking near-zero rates.
- Typical 3.5 kWp system earns £80-£150 per year on a standard export tariff.
- Ofgem reports that fewer than 40% of UK solar households are on an export tariff
- The three types of solar export tariff available in 2026
- Quick numbers 2026 solar export tariff rates compared
- Who qualifies for the best solar export tariffs in 2026
- The direct answer the highest solar export tariff rate in 2026 is typically Octopus Outgoing, paying 15p/kWh fixed
- How to verify your installer and export tariff eligibility
- Why a higher export rate doesn't always mean a better deal
The direct answer is that a typical 3.5 kWp solar system on a standard export tariff pays between £80 and £150 per year, based on Energy Saving Trust modelling (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). The SEG replaced the Feed-in Tariff in 2020. It is mandatory for licensed electricity suppliers with more than 150,000 customers to offer at least one export tariff (DESNZ, 2026).
The three types of solar export tariff available in 2026
There are three main types of solar export tariff available in 2026. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right one for your household.
Fixed-rate tariff pays a flat pence per kilowatt-hour (p/kWh) for every unit you export. Rates typically range from 4p to 8p/kWh, according to the DESNZ SEG annual report 2026 (DESNZ, 2026). This is the most common tariff type and the easiest to understand for new solar owners.
Time-of-use tariff pays higher rates during peak demand periods, often 15p to 25p/kWh between 4pm and 7pm, and lower rates at other times. Octopus Energy and EDF publish these rates on their tariff pages (Octopus Energy, 2026). You need to shift your electricity usage to match the cheaper import periods to benefit fully.
Variable-rate tariff changes with wholesale electricity prices. For example, Octopus Agile Outgoing pays a rate that updates every half-hour based on wholesale market prices (Octopus Energy, 2026). This can pay very high rates during supply shortages but can also drop to near zero.
Quick numbers 2026 solar export tariff rates compared
| Supplier | Tariff type | Rate (p/kWh) | Min term | Annual payout (3.5 kWp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy (Outgoing Fixed) | Fixed | 15p | 12 months | £120–£150 |
| EDF (Export+) | Fixed | 6p | 12 months | £50–£80 |
| British Gas (SEG) | Fixed | 5p | 12 months | £40–£70 |
| OVO Energy (SEG) | Fixed | 4p | 12 months | £30–£60 |
| Octopus Energy (Agile Outgoing) | Variable | Varies (0p–50p+) | No fixed term | £100–£200 (estimate) |
Sources for these figures: GOV.UK SEG supplier list, Octopus Outgoing tariff page, EDF SEG page, British Gas SEG page, OVO Energy SEG page.
Who qualifies for the best solar export tariffs in 2026
To qualify for any SEG tariff, your solar PV system must be installed by an MCS-certified installer. You can check the MCS register online (MCS, 2026). Your system must be under 5 MW capacity, which covers all domestic installations.
You must have a smart meter installed and exporting data to your supplier (Ofgem SEG guidance, 2026). You must register for an export tariff within 12 months of your MCS certification date, or you may lose eligibility entirely.
Some suppliers offer higher rates if you have additional technology. For example, Octopus Cosy tariff requires a heat pump or battery storage to access its highest export rates (Octopus Energy, 2026). Check the tariff terms before you sign up.
The direct answer the highest solar export tariff rate in 2026 is typically Octopus Outgoing, paying 15p/kWh fixed
The highest fixed-rate export tariff available to most households in 2026 is Octopus Energy’s Outgoing tariff, which pays 15p/kWh fixed. This rate is published on Octopus Energy’s tariff page as of January 2026 (Octopus Energy, 2026).
Some time-of-use tariffs pay more during peak windows, such as 25p/kWh on certain Octopus Agile periods. However, the fixed-rate 15p/kWh is the headline comparison because it is guaranteed for 12 months from sign-up. A variable tariff might pay more on some days but less on others.
For a typical 3.5 kWp system, the annual payout on Octopus Outgoing is around £120 to £150. This is significantly higher than the 4p to 6p/kWh rates offered by British Gas or OVO Energy.
How to verify your installer and export tariff eligibility
Your installer must be MCS-certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. You can search the MCS register online to verify their certification (MCS, 2026). The installation must comply with MCS standards for solar PV, specifically MCS 010.
You must receive an MCS certificate after installation. This certificate is required for SEG registration (MCS, 2026). If you install a battery system, check that your installer is also MCS-certified for battery storage under MCS 022.
TrustMark registration is not mandatory for SEG eligibility. However, some suppliers, such as British Gas, require TrustMark registration for their tariff terms (TrustMark, 2026). Check your supplier’s requirements before you apply.
Why a higher export rate doesn’t always mean a better deal
A high export rate may come with higher import tariffs or standing charges. You should compare the total energy bill impact, not just the export rate. Ofgem price comparison guidance advises looking at the whole tariff package (Ofgem, 2026).
Time-of-use tariffs can shift your consumption costs. A 25p/kWh export rate might be offset by 40p/kWh import rates during peak periods. Octopus Agile tariff terms explain this trade-off clearly (Octopus Energy, 2026).
Minimum export registration periods vary. Some tariffs lock you in for 12 months, which could be a problem if a better rate appears. Check the supplier tariff terms and conditions before signing.
Some suppliers pay less for exports if you also have a battery. EDF’s SEG policy page notes that batteries change how much you export, which can affect your payout (EDF, 2026). Always read the full tariff terms before you choose.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The best tariff depends on your usage pattern. Fixed-rate tariffs (4p-8p/kWh) suit most households, while time-of-use tariffs (15p-25p/kWh peak) reward shifting usage. Compare offers on Ofgem's SEG list (Ofgem, 2026).
Fixed-rate tariffs pay 4p to 8p per kWh, according to the DESNZ SEG annual report 2026 (DESNZ, 2026). Time-of-use rates can reach 15p-25p/kWh during peak hours, and variable tariffs fluctuate with wholesale prices.
Yes, most export tariffs require a smart meter to measure exported electricity accurately. Octopus Energy and EDF specify this in their tariff terms (Octopus Energy, 2026). Contact your supplier to arrange installation if needed.
Contact your current supplier or a new one offering SEG tariffs. Provide your MCS certificate and meter point number. The process is similar to switching energy suppliers, and you can compare rates on Ofgem's website (Ofgem, 2026).
Without an export tariff, you give excess solar electricity to the grid for free. Ofgem data from 2026 shows fewer than 40% of UK solar households are registered for SEG (Ofgem, 2026), missing out on £80-£150 yearly income.
