Best Solar Export Tariffs in the UK – 2025 Guide

If you're generating solar energy at home, there's a good chance you won’t use all of it during the day. So what happens to the excess electricity? That's where export tariffs come in—specifically, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

Whether or not you have a battery, the SEG lets you earn money by exporting your surplus energy back to the grid. But not all tariffs are created equal, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in your solar return.

Here’s a breakdown of the best solar export options currently available in the UK.

🔁 What Is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?

Introduced in January 2020, the SEG requires licensed electricity suppliers (with over 150,000 customers) to offer a tariff to solar users who export unused electricity.

To qualify:

• You need a certified MCS installation.

• You must have a smart meter capable of measuring exports.

Most SEG rates are set by the provider, though a few offer variable or dynamic rates that reflect real-time wholesale energy prices.

 Best SEG Tariffs (as of mid-2025)

⚡ Best SEG Tariffs (as of mid-2025)

These tariffs offer a consistent price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) exported:

Supplier	Tariff Name	Rate (p/kWh)	Notes
Octopus Energy	Fixed Outgoing	15.0p	Very competitive, widely used
ScottishPower	SmartGen	12.0p	For customers with smart meters
OVO Energy	SEG Tariff	4.0p	Low rate, simple setup
E.ON Next	Next Export	6.0p	Available to non-solar customers
British Gas	Export & Earn Flex	6.4p	Requires smart meter, quarterly

Note: Tariff rates and availability may change—always check the supplier’s website for the latest information

📈 Best Variable / Agile SEG Tariffs

These tariffs fluctuate based on wholesale electricity prices. They're ideal for those who can export at peak times or have automation systems in place.

Supplier	Tariff Name	Typical Range	Features
Octopus Energy	Agile Outgoing	4p–35p+ per kWh	Dynamic half-hourly pricing
Octopus Energy	Outgoing Go	15p (fixed rate)	Available if you also have their Go EV tariff

Agile tariffs reward users who export during high-demand hours. Some households pair this with battery storage or home energy management systems to maximise earnings.

💬 Which One Is Best?

The right tariff depends on your setup and goals:

• Want simplicity? Choose a high fixed-rate tariff like Octopus Fixed Outgoing (15p/kWh).

• Have a battery or energy automation? Agile tariffs may let you sell at peak prices.

• Already with a supplier? Check if your current provider offers SEG. You don’t always need to switch.

Also worth noting: you can get your electricity from one supplier and export to another. You’re not locked in outlay.

Final Thoughts

The Smart Export Guarantee isn’t just a technicality—it’s a real way to make your solar investment go further. While rates may seem modest, they add up year after year and offer an easy way to monetise your surplus energy.

At Greenwave Renewables, we’ll always advise you on the best combination of system design, usage strategy, and SEG tariff to get the most value from your system.

Got questions about SEG or want help switching to the right export tariff? Drop us a line—we're happy to help.

https://www.greenwaverenewables.co.uk/