The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed scheme that allows homeowners with solar panels to earn money for the surplus electricity they export back to the grid.

Understanding how SEG works can help you maximise the financial benefits of your solar energy system, and get paid for the energy you generate.

Here’s everything you need to know about SEG tariffs, and how to get started with solar...

How Does the Smart Export Guarantee Work?

The SEG requires energy suppliers with over 150,000 customers (like Octopus Energy, EON, EDF, British Gas and Scottish Power) to offer a special tariff that pays you for the excess electricity your solar panels generate.

Once you've taken the energy you need from your solar panels, any unused electricity is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh) and tracked using a smart meter, before being fed back into the grid.

If your system includes battery storage, there's even more opportunity to earn from the Smart Export Guarantee, as it allows you to store your solar energy - giving you the flexibility to either use your solar energy immediately, store it for later, or export what's left.

The rates you’ll receive can vary depending on the supplier and the type of tariff you choose. By shopping around, you can find the best SEG rates to suit your energy usage and solar output.

How to Get an SEG Tariff

To qualify for a SEG tariff, you’ll need:

• Solar Panels that are MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified.
• A Smart Meter that can accurately record how much energy you export.
• A registered energy supplier that offers SEG tariffs.

Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for a SEG tariff directly with your chosen supplier. Each supplier sets their own rates, so it’s worth comparing options to find the best deal.

How Much Will I Get Paid by SEG?

The amount you’ll earn depends on the supplier’s rate and the volume of electricity your system exports. SEG rates typically vary between 1p and 20p per kWh, so choosing a supplier offering higher rates can significantly improve your returns.

Some suppliers offer smart tariffs for solar that optimise when you sell your electricity back to the grid, helping you make the most of peak pricing periods.

When our team here at Natural Generation design your system, we'll also walk you through the potential benefits of the Smart Export Guarantee - including how much you could earn, based on your setup and usage patterns.

What Does the Smart Export Guarantee Look Like in Practice?

To show how the Smart Export Guarantee can make a real difference to your monthly electricity bills, here's how it works for our customer Ken in Rose...

We designed a solar and battery system for Ken, which included fifteen Trina Solar 450W panels and two Haier Smart Cube BAT HBP-5.0 batteries. The solar panels gave him an estimated annual generation of 5,481kWh, and the battery storage means Ken can store excess electricity generated during the day and use it when needed, significantly reducing his reliance on the grid. During periods of surplus generation, Ken's system also exports excess energy back to the grid, helping him to generate additional income via the Smart Export Guarantee.

Before he made the switch to solar, Ken was paying around £85 each month for his electricity bill. After the solar installation, his June electricity bill dropped to just 36p - he used less that 1kw from the grid, with a £16.47 standing charge. Ken also made £17.01 in income for the 11 days in June that he exported excess energy back to the grid; so the exported energy will more than pay for his standing charge, taking him from an £85 bill each month to a small profit!

🔌 Before solar: Around £85/month electricity bil

☀️ After solar: 36p electricity usage, £17.01 earned through SEG

You can read Ken's full case study here, or speak to our team to hear more real life examples of how the Smart Export Guarantee works.

Maximising Your SEG Earnings

To get the most from your SEG payments:

• Use your solar energy wisely – power your home during daylight hours to reduce your reliance on the grid.
• Install a solar battery storage system to save excess energy and sell it back at peak times.
• Regularly compare SEG rates to ensure you’re getting the best possible return.

Why Consider an SEG Tariff?

An SEG tariff allows you to earn money by turning your excess solar energy into an additional income stream.

It also reduces waste, and helps support clean renewable energy — instead of unused power going to waste, you can share it with the grid. By exporting clean energy, you’re helping reduce the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels.

At Natural Generation, many of our customers tell us they love how the SEG helps accelerate their return on investment; all while knowing their surplus energy is supporting the local grid and cutting carbon emissions. It's a win–win for both their finances and the planet.

Start Earning with Solar Energy

At Natural Generation, we can help you set up your solar system to maximise your SEG payments. From choosing the right supplier to installing smart meters and storage solutions, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

When we design a solar system, we don't just calculate how much electricity it will generate. We look at how you'll use it, store it and export it, helping you make the most of every unit of energy your system produces.

Contact us today to arrange your free survey, to find out exactly how much your could earn through the Smart Export Guarantee.