How to Claim Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Payments

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for electricity your solar panels export to the grid. It's not automatic — you need to register. Many solar owners leave money on the table by not claiming or by choosing a poor SEG rate.

What Is the SEG?

The Smart Export Guarantee replaced the old Feed-in Tariff export payments in January 2020. It requires licensed electricity suppliers with 150,000+ customers to offer a tariff for exported electricity from small-scale generators (up to 5MW).

The government sets the obligation but not the rate — each supplier sets its own price. This is why rates vary enormously.

Current SEG Rates (2026)

Rates change frequently, but as of early 2026:

The standout is Octopus, particularly their Flux and Agile export tariffs, which pay significantly more than flat-rate alternatives.

Eligibility Requirements

To register for SEG, you need:

1. MCS Certification

Your solar installation must be MCS-certified (Microgeneration Certification Scheme). This means it was installed by an MCS-certified installer. Your installer should have provided you with an MCS certificate showing:

• Installation date
• System capacity (kWp)
• Installer details
• MCS registration number

Without MCS certification, you cannot register for SEG. This is one reason why DIY and plug-in solar systems don't qualify.

2. Smart Meter or Export Meter

You need a meter capable of recording export:

• SMETS2 smart meter: The standard smart meter in the UK. Most installed since 2019 are SMETS2.
• SMETS1 smart meter: Older smart meters. Some record export; some don't. Check with your supplier.
• Approved half-hourly export meter: Required for some tariffs (like Octopus Agile Export).

If you don't have a smart meter, request one from your electricity supplier — it's free.

3. System Size Under 5MW

Virtually all domestic installations qualify. The limit is 5MW for SEG.

4. Not Already on Feed-in Tariff

If your system is registered for the Feed-in Tariff (installed before March 2019), you can't also claim SEG. The FiT export payment already covers this.

How to Register

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

• MCS certificate (from your installer)
• Meter MPAN number (on your electricity bill)
• Meter serial number
• System size (kWp)
• Installation date
• Your personal details

Step 2: Choose a Supplier

You don't have to use your electricity supplier for SEG. You can have one supplier for import and a different supplier for export. Choose whoever offers the best rate.

Step 3: Apply

Apply through your chosen SEG supplier's website:

• Octopus Energy: octopus.energy/smart-export-guarantee
• EDF: edfenergy.com/seg
• British Gas: britishgas.co.uk/smart-export-guarantee
• Other suppliers have similar pages

The application typically asks for all the details from Step 1. Processing takes 1–4 weeks.

Step 4: Confirm and Start Earning

Once approved, you'll receive confirmation. Payments begin from the registration date — they're not backdated to your installation date.

Switching SEG Supplier

If you registered with a low-paying supplier and want to switch to a better rate:

1. Check the new supplier's SEG terms and apply
2. Once accepted, cancel with your old SEG supplier
3. There's usually no notice period or exit fee for SEG agreements
4. Ensure there's no gap between the old and new registrations

Switching SEG supplier doesn't affect your electricity import supplier. They're independent.

How You Get Paid

Payment methods vary by supplier:

• Octopus Energy: Monthly or quarterly credit to your electricity account (or bank payment)
• EDF: Quarterly credit
• British Gas: Quarterly credit
• Others: Typically quarterly

For Octopus Agile/Flux, export payments are calculated half-hourly and credited to your account. For flat-rate SEG, payments are based on total export over the billing period.

Common Mistakes

Not Registering at All

The most expensive mistake. If you're exporting without SEG registration, you're giving away electricity for free.

Staying on a Low-Rate SEG

Many people register with their existing supplier at a low rate and never check alternatives. The best fixed SEG rates are around 12p/kWh as of early 2026 — make sure you're getting at least that.

Not Having a Smart Meter

Without a smart meter that records export, some suppliers estimate your export (usually assumed at 50% of generation). With a smart meter, you get paid for actual export. Request a smart meter if you don't have one.

Assuming SEG Is Automatic

SEG is not automatic — it requires active registration. Your installer should explain this, but not all do.

Maximising Your SEG Income

1. Choose the best tariff — Octopus Agile or Flux typically pay the most
2. Get a smart meter — actual export readings beat estimated ones
3. Time your export — with a battery, export during peak pricing windows
4. Monitor your export — track how much you're exporting and at what rates
5. Review annually — rates change; the best option today may not be best next year

For a typical 4kW system exporting 2,000 kWh/year:

The difference between the worst and best SEG rate is £240/year — over 25 years, that's £6,000. Choosing the right SEG tariff matters.

A battery lets you export strategically during high-price windows for maximum SEG income. Here's what we'd recommend:

GivEnergy All-in-One 9.5kWh Battery

£5,500

capacity kwh

9.5

usable capacity kwh

8.6

chemistry

LFP

cycles

6000

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For panels that maximise generation and therefore your export income potential:

LONGi Hi-MO X6 450W

£85

watt peak

450

efficiency pct

23

dimensions mm

1722 x 1134 x 30

weight kg

21.3

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