It's very exciting to have had your solar panels installed, but how can you make money from any excess electricity that you produce and sell back to the National grid? Introducing: the SEG!
The article will cover:
- What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
- Who can apply to the SEG?
- What do you need to apply to the SEG?
- How to choose which provider to go with?
- Which suppliers offer export tariffs, and how do they compare?
- Can I have a separate SEG tariff alongside my current import tariff?
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff is a government backed initiative that allows you to sell your excess energy captured through your solar panels back to the grid.
Who can apply to the SEG?
Anyone with a renewable generation at home should be able to sign up to an SEG tariff, but there are a few requirements you must meet:
- Your installation must be of 5MW capacity or less.
- You'll need a meter that can provide half-hourly readings for electricity export (smart meters).
- Your installation must be MCS-certified.
- You must not be receiving deemed export payments from a feed-in-tariff (FIT).
What do you need to apply to the SEG?
Each supplier has different application requirements, but there are a few documents you usually need to send through, or extract information from:
- MCS certificate, which will include your installation details, smart meter details and site details
- Site schematic/single line connection diagram
- G98/G99 post commissioning District Network Operator (DNO) notification form
- G98/G99 DNO response
- Energy suppliers will want proof of your final invoice having been paid - a copy of all of the bills marked as "paid" is usually best
How to choose which provider to go with?
Energy suppliers set their own SEG tariff prices, so you should look around to make sure you are getting the best price.
There are fixed rate and variable rate SEG tariffs:
- Fixed rate SEGs have a set amount that they pay per kWh of electricity exported to the grid.
- Variable rate SEGs pay varying amounts depending on how valuable the electricity is to the system at different times.
Each SEG provider will have details of their specific application process on their website.
Which suppliers offer export tariffs, and how do they compare?
All energy suppliers with over 150,000 customers have to offer an SEG tariff. However, some energy suppliers offer other export tariffs as well. These often have more favourable rates, but come with different requirements. We've listed the available ones below so that you can find which suits you best.
| Supplier | Tariff name | Tariff type | Price | Notes |
| Octopus Energy | Outgoing Agile | Variable | Matches your half-hourly prices with day-ahead wholesale rates. Best for those who are proactive in deciding when to import and export their energy. | Octopus must be your import supplier as well. |
| Octopus Energy | Outgoing Fixed | Fixed | 15p/kWh. Best for those who want peace of mind and stability. | Octopus must be your import supplier as well. |
| ScottishPower | SmartGen | Variable | 12p/kWh | Available to all customers. |
| ScottisPower | SmartGen+ | Variable | 15p/kWh | Available to customers who have gotten their solar panels and/or battery installed by ScottishPower. |
| British Gas | Export and Earn Flex | Variable | 6.4p/kWh | Available to all customers. |
| British Gas | Export and Earn Plus | Variable | 15p/kWh | British Gas must be your import supplier as well. |
| OVO Energy | OVO SEG Tariff | Fixed | 4p/kWh | Exit fee applicable. |
| E.ON Next | Next Export | Fixed | 3p/kWh | No exit fee applicable. |
| E.ON Next | Next Export Exclusive | Fixed | 16.5p / kWh | E.ON Next must be your import supplier as well. |
| EDF Energy | Export Variable Tariff | Variable | 3p/kWh | Available to all customers |
| EDF Energy | Export Variable Value Tariff | Variable | 5.6p/kWh | EDF Energy must be your import supplier as well. |
| Utility Warehouse | Standard Tariff | Variable | 2p/kWh | Available to all customers. |
| Utility Warehouse | Bundle Tariff | Variable | 5.6p/kWh | Utility Warehouse must be your import supplier as well as provider of two or more additional services. |
Can I have a separate SEG tariff alongside my current import tariff?
An SEG tariff is designed exclusively to enable you to export renewable electricity to the grid. It is separate from your import tariff, which is the rate you pay for the electricity you use from the grid.
It is important to shop around and compare SEG tariffs before you choose one. Some suppliers will only offer an export rate if you also buy your energy from them. This can lock you into a long-term contract, so it is important to be aware of the terms and conditions before you sign up.
To ensure that you are on the best deal for your electricity and gas, we recommend that you only search for SEG tariffs that allow you to have a separate import energy. This will give you the flexibility to choose the best supplier for each of your energy needs.
We know the SEG application process can be overwhelming, but hopefully this guide will help you navigate through it!
