Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme

Last Updated: 20 May 2024

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme is a UK Government-backed initiative that launched on 1 January 2020. It requires the larger electricity suppliers, known as SEG Licensees, to pay small-scale generators, known as SEG Generators, for low-carbon electricity which they export back to the National Grid, providing certain criteria are met. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme replaces the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme which ended on 1 April 2019 for new applicants.

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme aims to encourage more people to install renewable energy technologies in their homes or businesses, such as solar panels, wind turbines, hydro power, or micro combined heat and power (micro-CHP). By doing so, they can reduce their carbon footprint, they can save money on their energy bills, and they can earn extra income by selling their surplus renewable electricity back to the National Grid.

How does the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme work?

To be eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme, you need to have a renewable electricity generating system that meets the following criteria:

It has a capacity of up to 5MW (5,000kW), or up to 50kW for micro-CHP.
It is located in Great Britain (GB).
It is certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or equivalent.
It has a meter capable of providing half-hourly export readings (usually a smart meter).

If you meet these requirements, you can apply for a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme tariff from any SEG Licensee of your choice. You can find the list of current SEG Licensees below, with their website details. Your SEG tariff supplier does not need to be the same as your energy supplier, but if your SEG tariff supplier is the same as your energy supplier you can get better SEG tariff rates.

SEG Licensees are free to determine the rate, contract length, and other terms of the SEG tariff or tariffs they offer. However, they must always pay you more than zero for your exported electricity. You should shop around and compare different SEG tariffs to find the best deal for your situation. Remember your SEH tariff supplier doesn’t have to be your energy supplier.

SEG payments are calculated by using your export meter readings. You will be paid by your chosen SEG Licensee for the electricity that you export back to the National Grid. You will not be paid for the electricity that you use yourself, but you will save money by importing less from the National Grid.

If you have a storage device, such as solar battery storage or an electric vehicle, that can import and export electricity, you may also be able to benefit from the SEG. Your prospective SEG tariff supplier can advise you on how this works.

How much can you earn from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme?

The amount of money that you can earn from the SEG depends on several factors, such as:

The size and type of your renewable energy system.
The amount of electricity that you generate and export.
The rate and terms of your SEG tariff.
The time of day and season that you export electricity.

To get an estimate of how much you could save and earn from installing a renewable energy system and joining the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme, you can use the Energy Saving Trust calculator. This tool will also help you compare different technologies and suppliers.

How to apply for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme?

If you are interested in applying for a SEG tariff, here are the steps that you need to follow:

Install a renewable energy system that meets the eligibility criteria and get it certified by MCS or equivalent.
Get a smart meter installed if you don’t already have one.
Contact a SEG Licensee and ask for their application form and terms and conditions.
Fill out the application form and provide proof of ownership and certification of your system.
Sign a contract with your chosen SEG Licensee and start receiving payments for your exported electricity.

You can switch between different SEG Licensees at any time, as long as you comply with their terms and conditions. You should regularly check the market to see if there are better offers available.

To receive Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme payments, you’ll first need to apply directly to an energy supplier which offers a SEG tariff. Energy suppliers who offer SEG export tariffs are listed below:

Full list of licensees who advised Ofgem that they are SEG Licensees for the fourth SEG year: 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024

Mandatory Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme Licensees

British Gas

E (Gas & Electricity)

Support | E Gas & Electricity

E.ON

Voluntary Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme Licensees

Pozitive Energy

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) – (pozitive.energy)

Rebel Energy

About Smart Export Guarantee Tariffs – Rebel Energy

The Best SEG/Export Tariffs in May 2024

Here are the best and worst SEG/Export rates out there, as of May 2024.

Energy Company	SEG Tariff Name	Who Can Access This SEG Tariff	SEG rate per kWh
E.ON Next	Next Export Premium Plus	E.ON Next customers who have had both solar panels and a battery installed by E.ON after 1/1/2024	40p^(a)
Octopus Energy	Intelligent Octopus Flux	Octopus customers who have solar panels and a GivEnergy battery	27p^(b)
E.ON Next	Next Export Premium	E.ON Next customers who have had solar panels installed by E.ON after 1/1/2024	25p^(a)
Octopus Energy	Octopus Flux	Octopus customers who have solar panels and a battery	21p^(c)
Ovo Energy	Ovo SEG Tariff	Ovo customers in eligible area who bought solar panels and battery through Ovo	20p
Good Energy	Solar Savings Exclusive	Good Energy customers in eligible area who have solar panels and battery installed by Good Energy solar installers	20p
So Energy	So Bright	So Energy customers who have solar panels and battery installed through So Energy	20p^(d)
E.ON Next	Next Export Exclusive	E.ON Next customers, or non-customers who solar installed by E.ON	16.5p
Octopus Energy	Outgoing Fixed	Octopus customers^(e)	15p
Ovo Energy	Ovo SEG Tariff	Ovo customers in eligible area who bought solar panels through Ovo	15p
Scottish Power	SmartGen+	Anyone who bought solar panels and/or battery through Scottish Power	15p
British Gas	Export and Earn Plus	British Gas customers	15p
Good Energy	Solar Savings	Good Energy customers	15p
Scottish Power	SmartGen	Everyone	12p
Octopus Energy	Outgoing Fixed Lite	Octopus customers who have an EV	8p
British Gas	Export and Earn Flex	Everyone	6.4p
Rebel Energy	SEG Tariff	Everyone	6p
EDF Energy	Export Variable Value	EDF customers	5.6p
Utility Warehouse	UW SEG – Bundle	Utility Warehouse customers who use three or more Utility Warehouse services	5.6p
So Energy	So Export Flex	Everyone	4.5p
Octopus Energy	SEG Tariff	Everyone	4.1p
Ovo Energy	Ovo SEG Tariff	Everyone	4p
Good Energy	Export Only	Everyone	4p
Utilita	Utilita Smart Export Guarantee	Everyone	3p
EDF Energy	Export Variable	Everyone	3p
E.ON Next	Next Export	Everyone	3p
Utility Warehouse	UW SEG – Standard	Everyone	2p
E	E SEG January2020v.1	Everyone	1p

Rates correct in 20 May 2024. (a) Rate fixed for 12 months. (b) Time-of-use tariff, approx. 27p average. Peak rates 4-7pm. (c) Time-of-use tariff, approx. 21p average. Peak rates 4-7pm; low rates 2-5am. (d) Fixed for 12 months; thereafter So Export Flex rate, 4.5p/kWh. (e) Only Octopus Energy customers (not white labels) can benefit from its Outgoing Fixed 15p/kWh rate. White labels include Affect Energy, M&S Energy, London Power and Co-op Energy.

You should note that your current energy supplier does not need to be your Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme tariff supplier – these can be two separate companies. Any energy suppliers who are part of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme are obliged to offer you a SEG tariff, and this can be either fixed or variable; with the terms and conditions being set by the energy supplier. Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme tariffs can change over time, so be sure to carry out regular checks on whether your SEG tariff is still competitive.

If you are interested in installing solar panels at your home or business, contact us today on 01268 928 690 or via the ‘Enquire Now’ button below. We are an accredited MCS installer of solar panels and battery storage solutions so we can install your complete Solar PV System to MCS Standards and we can help you with every step of the process, from a free no-obligation quote and solar PV system design service to installation to aftercare.

Enquire Now →

Robert Wheeler

Robert Wheeler is the Marketing and Business Development Manager at NXTGEN Energy Ltd, a solar energy solutions company based in Rayleigh, Essex, UK. He is passionate about helping homeowners and businesses save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Robert loves to share his knowledge and expertise on solar energy, and he regularly writes informative articles on the NXTGEN Energy blog. If you’re looking at investing in Residential Solar Panels in Essex or Commercial Solar Panels in Essex, contact NXTGEN Energy today.

Frequently Asked Questions about the SEG scheme

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme enables small-scale low-carbon generators, like homeowners, to receive payments from electricity suppliers for electricity exported to the National Grid, providing certain criteria are met.

Is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme worth it?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a good idea. It forces energy suppliers to financially reward consumers who send their excess renewable energy back to the National Grid, which makes the UK’s electricity cleaner, greener and cheaper. However, its fatal flaw is that energy companies can pay any amount for your energy as there is no standard rate.

Who pays the best Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff?

Who Offers the Best SEG Rates? At present, energy supplier Octopus Energy offers the best SEG tariff export rate in the UK. They pay 15p for every kWh you provide from your solar or another renewable system to the National Grid. The catch with Octopus Energy is the fact that you have to be one of their current energy customers to get the higher SEG rate, otherwise its SEG tariff for non-customers is only 4.1p kWh.

Can I sell electricity back to the National Grid?

If you generate renewable electricity in your home or business, you can feed back into the National Grid any electricity that you don’t use. Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme you will be paid for every unit (kWh) of electricity that you feed back to the National Grid. You will need to have your solar PV system installed by a MCS Certified Solar PV (Panels) Installer like NXTGEN Energy, as you are required to have an MCS Certificate. An MCS Certificate proves that your Solar PV System has been correctly installed to MCS standards.

Who pays the most for solar electricity?

This, of course, is on top of the lower energy bills that you should be able to enjoy as a result of your solar energy investment. Currently Octopus Energy pays the best rate for excess solar energy exported back to the National Grid at a rate of 15p per kWh. E (Gas & Electricity) pays the lowest at 1p per kWh.

Latest Solar Panel Grant Posts

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme
Last Updated: 20 May 2024 What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme? The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme is a UK Government-backed initiative that launched on 1 January 2020. It requires the larger electricity suppliers, known as SEG Licensees, to pay small-scale generators, known as SEG Generators, for low-carbon electricity which they export back… Read more: Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme
Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme 2023
Last Updated: 6 November 2023 Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme (Including LA Flex) 2023 The current UK government Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme Phase 4 (ECO4) which is managed by Ofgem focuses on improving the country’s least energy-efficient homes and is primarily aimed at low-income and vulnerable households in the Great Britain. Through the ECO4… Read more: Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme 2023
Home Upgrade Grant UK 2023 (HUG2)
How to Get Free Solar Panels with the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) If you live in England and meet certain criteria, you may be eligible for a Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) that can cover up to 100% of the cost of installing solar panels on your roof. The Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) is… Read more: Home Upgrade Grant UK 2023 (HUG2)
Solar Panel Grants UK 2023/2024
Last Updated: 28 February 2024 Are you looking for the latest information on solar panel grants UK in 2023/2024? Did you know that solar energy is one of the most eco-friendly and cost-effective ways to power your home or business. But installing solar panels can be a big investment that not everyone in the UK… Read more: Solar Panel Grants UK 2023/2024

Brian Ainger

08:43 01 May 24

Choosing a solar installer is a nightmare, we are so glad that we found NXTGEN. From the initial contact with Steve, the quote from Bobby and the installation by Connor and his team this has been seamless and stress free. They supplied quality equipment at a reasonable price, excellent technical knowledge and advice, all supplied and installed on time. As anyone knows its so difficult to choose a company as there are so many pitfalls , we cannot recommend NXTGEN highly enough so pleased we chose you.

Marcin Gajdowski

21:36 08 Apr 24

I am very happy with the solar panels and battery system. Excellent customer services, Instalation. Highly recommend

Martin Yeung

11:14 31 Mar 24

Fantastic experience from start to finish ! Bobby was extremely helpful and always available to answer any questionsThe guys that came to fit were polite and tidied up after themselves, we couldn't have asked for more.From start to finish it was done within a week... so no hanging about like waiting weeks or months and getting stressed.. so all in all, im very happy to have chosen NXT GEN

Martin Pattinson

15:09 26 Mar 24

We initially used NxtGen for our consultation and this went really well. NxtGen then subcontracted to Cozy Energy, which again was fine. The installation went well. It was then that things started to go awry. Cozy failed to supply us with a guarantee, MPAN or MCS certificate. Over a period of approximately six months, we were promised that "this was being dealt with", or "someone would get back to us", but nothing was resolved. It was then that we re contacted NxtGen and they could not have been more helpful. Whilst it did take a while, all of the issues have been resolved and Kelly at NxtGen could not have been more helpful. I would thoroughly recommend NxtGen.

Luke Brassington

11:27 26 Mar 24

Really happy to give the NxtGen team a 5-star review.Stuart on the sales team was fantastic in the build up, Kelly in the office was always there to support and the team who did the install were fantastic (and even interacted with my very interested children)Very happy with the whole process

Rob Jones

07:59 14 Mar 24

After some initial hiccups, really pleased with the service from nxtgen, specially Kelly who smoothed everything out

Malcolm Tait

10:51 08 Nov 23

Very good customer service all the way and they provide a great all round solar installation provision. Glad we used them from start to finish and after care👍.

Silnicorp Web Design

15:56 17 Oct 23

Excellent price and service. Would recommend for sure.

frank eden

08:24 02 Oct 23

If your in the market for a Solar installation then I can really highly recommend Nxtgen.We researched the technology and got several quotes from other companies most of which were located much closer to us.Nxtgen came out on top on price , specification and delivery.Once we made the decision to proceed the whole process took less than a week from placing the order to complete installation.The scaffold was erected at the front and back of our house on the Wednesday,on the Thursday the installation team arrived at 8.30 sharp , having driven from Essex to Oxfordshire, (which is about a 3 hour drive) and after a quick cup of tea the 3 chaps got straight to work, by the end of the day the whole system was in place and commissioned and up and running. To install 6 panels on front roof plus 6 panels on the back roof CW birdguard with the inverter and battery in the loft,They tidied up and left around 7 in the evening with another 3 HR drive in front of them I have to say they did a fantastic job , I take my hat off to them, they are a credit to Nxtgen.Darren and Kelley from the Sales and admin team at Nxtgen are very helpful and accomodating and made the whole process very easy with prompt responses to any queries we have had along the way,although it's early days and the system only 2 days old the savings are already racking up.Well pleased , I'd post 6 stars if I could, well done Nxtgen

Ash V

09:13 14 Jul 23

A wonderfully efficient installation with a genuine pre-quote discussion of my needs prior to offering advice on the best solution to meet them. Very happy with the service.

Matt Alexander

10:37 15 Jun 23

I chose NxtGen to install our solar and battery system having received 12 quotes from various companies and couldn’t be happier with either the service or the resulting system.I work in the renewables industry and so came to my own project with a reasonable amount of knowledge, not that I made that clear to any of the installers who called me back.I had spoken with 7 installers by the time Stuart at NxtGen called me, and it was immediately obvious that I was speaking to someone knowledgeable, honest and who was genuinely interested in designing a system specific to my own needs and preferences.Having reviewed all 12 quotes, NxtGen was jumped out above all others based on knowledge, helpfulness, quality of the kit being offered and even price. I wouldn’t have picked a quote based purely on price, but the fact NxtGen was also the most competitive of the 12 I had received meant a great deal.I was kept informed throughout the whole process, Stuart responding quickly and usefully to all my email queries. Once contracts had been signed, Kelly picked up the baton and gave me regular updates on our DNO notification, all the way through to the installation.With DNO approval in hand, we waited just 10 days for the scaffolding to be put up, which was done within a couple of hours and to a very high standard. Plenty of care was taken to protect our new patio, and I was left confident in a job well done.Installation happened just a few days later, and again, it couldn’t have gone any smoother. The 3 installers were all helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and keen to do a good job. The work has been completed to a very high standard, with all wiring very neatly finished and the panels tightly aligned to the exact centre of our roof. The inverter and batteries were also installed incredibly neatly, with all cables hidden. The installers did a great job tidying up on the day and the left us with nothing other than a very positive experience.I was genuinely hopeful that the brilliant first impression I got when I spoke with Stuart would be reflected throughout the entire install, and so I’m beyond delighted that proved to very much be the case.Stuart, Kelly, the scaffolders and the installers should take a great deal of pride in being part of such an excellent team.Thank you to the whole team, I couldn’t be happier and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend NxtGen.

Jill Harrison

18:09 08 May 23

We had Stuart as a project manager who was super. We had solar panels and a house battery fitted and they are excellent. The process was quick and professional and Stuart was super responsive to any questions or emails I sent. The electricians were also excellent. Thank you

Alastair Aston

12:26 24 Apr 23

Great experience on a 7KW solar installation in Hampshire. I sought quotes from many installers beforehand and this was one of the most reasonable. (theres a lot of opportunists out there who'll happily charge a few K more!) Really good decision - Sean managed the whole process end to end, great communication & a quality job that looks great and delivers ample power. Much recommended to anyone taking their first step on the Solar journey.

Joe Fletcher

17:36 04 Apr 23

Like most people I sat other fence for aged, I only wish I had jumped months ago. NXT GEN were by far te out competitive qoute that fulfilled my requirements.Sean arranged installation quickly without any hassle or pressure, the installation was done in one day by a very knowledgeable skilled team who just got on with installing the system.Totally happy with how it's been so far as it's only been 6 days sonce installation yet I've already seen substantial savings on electricity costs.My advice would be just give NXT GEN a call when seeking quotes.

Ronald Wagg

15:58 30 Mar 23

With the energy crisis starting to bite (autumn 2022). We did some research on the various options available we decided that we wanted to install solar panels to ease our energy bills. We obtained three quotes. Nxtgenenergy ticked all of the boxes as far as we were concerned and did happen to be the cheapest. We were helped all the way from quotation to the final installation by Stuart and Sean and at no time did we feel under any pressure. As the system was only installed two days ago we have yet to discover the full potential of the system, but we are encouraged by the performance seen so far. I will be honest and say that my prime concern is to save money, I am sure that my installation will not save the planet. From the projections given to me by Stuart I may be able to achieve a return on my investment of up to 10% per year compared to the small returns I could get if I kept my money invested elsewhere.I look forward to monitoring the system performance over the coming months / years.

Derek Southgate

20:26 23 Jan 23

Really positive experience with Nxtgen. In danger of becoming a solar power evangelist. We needed our roof replaced as well and they handled everything. New roof is first class and I can't stop looking at the app to see how much we are generating. Sean made the system selection clear. Already considering another battery!

Victor Simonis

15:06 05 Sep 22

I dealt with Sean at NXTGen over a six month period due to a complicated installation. I only have praise for Sean who kept to his word throughout the entire job which is now running satisfactorily. I recommend this company amidst the many that are in the same business knowing you will be supported through the planning and installation stages.

Clive West

13:00 24 Aug 22

In looking to install solar and battery this year, Nxtgen were by far the most responsive and helpful company. They had a lot of options compared to other companies, which is good but worth swatting up before so you know whats, what. Ended up with a good sized system, inc battery storage, installed quickly at a good price that so far is working well. This is impressive as demand is so high for this at present, some companies wait lists are months and months!

Geoff Doggett

14:19 25 Jul 22

I had a solar installation planned and installed in March 2022. The quotation was accurate and understandable and so I went ahead. The installers were quick and did a good job including the electrical work and inverter/battery installation. The system has been working well according to the app I have. I wholeheaartedly reccommend Next Generation - they are experienced and their customer care is excellent. Good to know I am in safe hands in the future!

Rick Exton

10:23 25 Jul 22

Great system installed and working perfectly as expected. System design was changed at my request numerous times effortlessly. On day of install engineer suggested better location (loft) for inverter and battery pack meaning no unsightly cables were seen. Great customer service throughout. Getting MCS certification was a bit slow but not the fault of the company. I would definately recommend. Great company and top spec system at a good price.

Dawn Morton

09:17 22 Jul 22

From start to finish this company's professional standards were excellent. Once the acquisition of the materials had been confirmed, the installation and customer service was fantastic and would highly recommend.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme

Last Updated: 20 May 2024

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme?

How does the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme work?

How much can you earn from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme?

How to apply for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme?

Mandatory Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme Licensees

British Gas

E (Gas & Electricity)

E.ON

EDF Energy

Octopus Energy

OVO Energy

Scottish Power

Shell Energy

So Energy

The Utility Warehouse

Utilita

Voluntary Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme Licensees

Pozitive Energy

Rebel Energy

The Best SEG/Export Tariffs in May 2024

Frequently Asked Questions about the SEG scheme

Latest Solar Panel Grant Posts

Recent Posts

Comments

10 Reasons to go solar!

Latest Energy News

Join our Monthly Newsletter!

Our Recent Awards

Our Recent Customer Reviews

FOR FREE SOLAR PANEL QUOTES AND GENERAL ENQUIRES GET IN TOUCH

Contact Us

Company

Services

Areas

NXTGEN