The current Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rates in the UK for 2026 vary by supplier, but typical payments range from 3p to 15p per kilowatt-hour (kWh) exported, with the median rate around 5.5p/kWh, according to Ofgem’s latest SEG report (Ofgem, 2026).
The SEG rate you receive depends entirely on your energy supplier. Unlike the earlier Feed-in Tariff, the SEG is a market-driven scheme, suppliers set their own tariff rates, which can change quarterly. The rate is not fixed by the government, meaning you must compare offers to get the best deal. Not all suppliers offer the SEG; only those with over 150,000 domestic customers are required to, though many smaller suppliers choose to participate. If your supplier does not offer an SEG tariff, you can switch to one that does.
SEG rates vary significantly by supplier
In 2026, the highest SEG rates come from smaller suppliers. For example, Octopus Energy offers their Outgoing Octopus tariff at up to 15p/kWh for agile exports, while EDF Energy pays a flat 6p/kWh (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). The lowest rates, from some larger suppliers such as British Gas, can be as low as 3p/kWh. These rates are typically fixed for 12 months, but can change with notice. It pays to shop around, switching can double your export income.
Eligibility for the Smart Export Guarantee
To qualify for the SEG, your renewable installation must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or equivalent, and your system must be under 5 megawatts (MW) capacity (MCS, 2026). For most homes, this means solar panels up to around 4kWp or wind turbines up to 5kW. The installation must have been carried out by an MCS-certified installer. If you installed your system before 1 April 2019, you may still be on the Feed-in Tariff, and cannot switch to SEG without losing that income.
How to maximise your SEG income
To get the best SEG rate, you need to export electricity during peak demand times. Some tariffs, like Octopus Energy’s Agile Outgoing, pay higher rates when grid demand is high, sometimes over 20p/kWh for short periods (GOV.UK, 2026). Pairing your solar panels with a battery allows you to store excess generation and export it later when rates are higher. Alternatively, a fixed-rate tariff offers predictable income, typically between 4p and 7p/kWh. The average UK home with a 3.5kWp system exports around 2,000 kWh per year, earning roughly £100–£300 annually depending on the rate chosen.
A worked example
A typical 3-bedroom 1930s semi-detached house in Manchester with a 4 kW solar panel system can earn roughly £310 per year through the Smart Export Guarantee at the median 2026 rate of 5.5p/kWh. Under the Energy Saving Trust’s typical generation estimate of 3,400 kWh per year for a 4 kW system in Manchester, around 50% is exported to the grid, giving 1,700 kWh of exportable electricity. At 5.5p/kWh, that yields £93.50 annually from SEG alone, but total earnings rise to £310 when combining SEG with the £220 in bill savings from using self-generated solar power. The 0% VAT on solar panels until March 2027 and potential ECO4 or BUS grants can reduce upfront costs significantly. Payback on a typical £6,500 system falls to around 12 years with these combined savings, and over 25 years the household saves roughly £7,750 in total energy costs and export income.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Upfront cost after grants | £6,500 |
| Yearly savings | £310 |
| Payback period | 12 years |
| 25-year lifetime savings | £7,750 |
What homeowners often get wrong
The most common mistake is assuming the SEG rate you’re offered is the only one available and sticking with your current supplier without comparing. Here are three frequent errors that cost households real money.
- Staying with your current supplier’s default SEG tariff Many homeowners never check if their supplier offers a better rate or if switching could boost income. British Gas pays just 3p/kWh while Octopus Energy offers up to 15p/kWh, switching could triple your export earnings from £51 to £255 per year on a typical system.
- Not registering for SEG after solar installation Some households assume SEG is automatic, but you must actively apply to your chosen supplier within 30 days of your system going live. Missing this window can mean zero export income for months until the next registration period opens.
- Ignoring time-of-use or agile export tariffs Many homeowners pick a flat-rate SEG tariff without realising that agile tariffs pay more during peak demand hours. Octopus Energy’s agile export tariff can pay over 15p/kWh on winter evenings, but you need a smart meter and willingness to shift energy use to maximise the benefit.
Quick reference
- The median SEG rate across all UK suppliers in 2026 is 5.5p per kWh exported according to Ofgem’s latest report.
- Octopus Energy offers the highest SEG rate at up to 15p per kWh on their agile export tariff for households with smart meters.
- You must have a smart meter or a half-hourly export meter to qualify for any SEG tariff from any supplier.
- Switching from a 3p per kWh tariff to a 6p per kWh tariff can double your annual export income from £51 to £102 on a typical 4 kW system.
- British Gas and EDF Energy pay flat rates of 3p and 6p per kWh respectively, always compare before accepting a default offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The median Smart Export Guarantee rate in 2026 is 5.5p per kilowatt-hour, according to Ofgem's latest SEG report. Rates vary by supplier from 3p to 15p/kWh.
Octopus Energy pays the highest SEG rate in 2026 at up to 15p/kWh on their Outgoing Octopus agile tariff, as reported by the Energy Saving Trust. EDF Energy offers a flat 6p/kWh.
No, only suppliers with over 150,000 domestic customers are required to offer an SEG tariff, though many smaller suppliers choose to participate. You can switch to a participating supplier if yours does not offer SEG.
