Feed-in Tariff
Guaranteed payments for generating and exporting renewable electricity. It closed to new applicants in 2019, but many households are still on the Feed-in Tariff scheme.
Selling your surplus solar power
If you generate your own electricity at home with solar panels, you may be able to sell the surplus back to the grid. This is usually done through export tariffs, with solar panels being the most common way households take advantage.
A typical solar household could earn hundreds of pounds per year through solar export payments. Over time, this can help shorten the payback period on your solar installation. Choosing the right export tariff can make a big difference to your return on investment.
This guide explains how solar tariffs work, what the Smart Export Guarantee is, and how to find the best solar tariffs for your home.
What are solar tariffs?
A solar tariff is the rate an energy supplier pays you for each unit of electricity you sell (or "export") back to the National Grid for other people to use. The government requires and regulates how energy suppliers do this, currently under the Smart Export Guarantee scheme, which replaced the older Feed-in Tariff scheme in 2020.
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Smart Export Guarantee
Requires large energy suppliers to offer an export tariff. Unlike FiT, Smart Export Guarantee rates are set by suppliers, so it pays to shop around.
Important things to know about solar tariffs
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Smart meter
Solar tariffs require a smart meter capable of half-hourly readings
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Battery storage
Storing your energy means you can export it when prices are highest
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Supplier requirements
Some tariffs are only available if you also buy energy from the same supplier
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Certification
You’ll need proof your solar panels were installed by an accredited installer
Solar tariff suppliers
Different suppliers structure their solar tariffs in different ways. Here’s what you can expect:
Octopus Energy – Known for flexible, battery-friendly tariffs (like Flux), with higher export rates during peak hours. Great if you have a solar battery or want time-of-use deals.
Good Energy – Offers competitive standard rates and premium deals if you install your solar and battery system.
British Gas – Provides a straightforward solar tariff, but you usually need to be a British Gas customer already.
E.ON Next – Simple and accessible export tariff, ideal if you just want a no-frills way to get paid for your solar power.
OVO, ScottishPower and So Energy – Mid-range tariffs, often tied to specific import plans or green energy bundles. Good for households combining solar with electric vehicle tariffs.
Export rates can range from just a few pence to over 30p per kWh. Always check the supplier’s latest offers before applying.
Frequently asked questons
Do I need a battery to get a Smart Export Guarantee tariff?
No. You can sign up for an SEG tariff with just solar panels and a smart meter. However, the highest-paying tariffs often require battery storage, as it lets you export electricity at peak times when prices are higher.
Can I still get the old Feed-in Tariff (FiT)?
No. The Feed-in Tariff scheme closed to new applicants in 2019. If you joined before then, you’ll still receive payments, but new customers must apply for a Smart Export Guarantee tariff instead.
Can I switch from FiT to SEG?
Yes. If you’re on the Feed-in Tariff, you can move to a SEG tariff, but it’s not automatic. You’ll need to contact suppliers directly to compare offers. Some households choose to stay on FiT if their payments are still competitive.
Do I need to buy my electricity from the same supplier as my SEG tariff?
Sometimes. Some energy companies require you to be both an import (electricity) and export (SEG) customer, but others allow you to keep your current electricity supplier while selling your exported power separately.
What type of meter do I need for SEG?
You’ll need a smart meter that can take half-hourly export readings. This ensures suppliers can pay you accurately for the electricity you send back to the grid.
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