SEG Rates Comparison 2026: Best Smart Export Guarantee Tariffs

What is the Smart Export Guarantee?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government scheme that requires energy suppliers to pay you for excess solar electricity you export to the grid. If you have solar panels, you're generating money even when you're not using the electricity!

Best SEG Rates in 2026

Here are the current best SEG rates available:

#

Fixed Rate Tariffs

SupplierRate (p/kWh)Requirements Octopus Energy (Fixed)15.0pSmart meter EDF5.6pSmart meter British Gas5.1pSmart meter E.ON Next4.6pSmart meter Shell Energy4.0pSmart meter OVO Energy4.0pSmart meter

#

Variable/Agile Tariffs

SupplierRate (p/kWh)Notes Octopus Agile Export4-35pVaries by time of day Octopus Flux12.0pRequires Octopus import tariff

How to Maximise Your SEG Income

#

1. Choose the Right Tariff

Fixed rates offer predictable income

Agile tariffs can pay more if you time exports well

Battery owners benefit most from agile tariffs

#

2. Install a Smart Meter All SEG tariffs require a smart meter. Contact your energy supplier for a free installation.

#

3. Consider Battery Storage With a battery, you can:

Store solar during the day

Export during evening peak rates (up to 35p on Octopus Agile)

Triple your export income compared to daytime export

#

4. Time Your High-Energy Activities Run appliances like dishwashers and washing machines when solar generation is highest to maximise what you can export.

How Much Can You Earn?

A typical 4kW solar system exports around 1,700-2,400 kWh per year (50-70% of generation).

TariffAnnual Export Income 4p/kWh£68-£96 5.6p/kWh£95-£134 15p/kWh (Octopus)£255-£360 Agile (optimised)£400-£600

Switching SEG Providers

You can switch SEG provider without changing your electricity supplier. Simply:

1. Compare current rates 2. Apply to your chosen SEG provider 3. Provide your MCS certificate and smart meter details 4. Start receiving payments (usually monthly or quarterly)

Our Recommendation

For most solar owners, we recommend Octopus Energy's 15p fixed rate - it's the highest guaranteed rate available and easy to set up.

If you have a battery and are comfortable with variable pricing, Octopus Agile Export can earn significantly more, but requires actively managing when you export.

Remember: SEG income is a bonus, not the main benefit of solar. The biggest savings come from using solar electricity yourself rather than buying from the grid.