Smart Export Guarantee Rates in 2026: Which Suppliers Pay the Most?

The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for solar electricity you send back to the grid. Rates vary a lot between suppliers — here is how to make sure you are getting a fair deal.

What the SEG is

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires larger energy suppliers to pay solar owners for surplus electricity exported to the grid. It replaced the old Feed-in Tariff for new installations and has been in place since 2020. To claim it you need an eligible installation — fitted by an MCS-certified installer like us — and a smart or export meter.

What rates look like in 2026

SEG rates aren't fixed by the government; each supplier sets its own, so they vary widely — broadly from a few pence up to around 15p per kWh. Some suppliers offer a flat fixed rate, which is simple and predictable; others offer variable or 'agile' export rates that track wholesale prices and can pay more at peak times. The best deals often come from the supplier you also buy your electricity from, so it's worth comparing export and import rates together.

Fixed vs variable export

A fixed SEG rate is easy to plan around and a sensible default for most households. Variable export can earn more if you're able to export during high-price periods — particularly if you have a battery and can choose when to discharge to the grid. Which is better depends on your generation, your usage and how hands-on you want to be.

How to earn more from export

There's a trade-off between using your solar yourself and exporting it. Because grid electricity costs far more than most export rates pay, using your own power is usually worth more than selling it. That's where battery storage comes in — it lets you store surplus for your own evening use rather than exporting it cheaply, then export only what you genuinely can't use. Our savings calculator shows how self-consumption and export income stack up.

Get set up correctly

To benefit from the SEG you need the right metering and a compliant installation. We handle the MCS certification and DNO paperwork as standard, so your system is export-ready from day one. Get a free quote to get started.