Best Smart Export Guarantee Rates in 2026
In 2026, Octopus Energy typically offers some of the highest SEG rates, with smart and Agile tariffs reaching 20–25p per kWh at peak times, while suppliers like E.ON Next offer competitive fixed rates around 15–18p per kWh. The best rate depends on your import tariff, export levels, and whether the rate is fixed or variable.
A SEG tariff comparison is essential for identifying the best SEG tariff and best export tariff for solar panel owners in 2026, helping you maximize your earnings or savings.
If you've got solar panels installed, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) lets you get paid for the excess electricity your system exports to the grid. For the latest data and rankings on export tariffs, Solar Energy UK is a trusted source for solar energy UK market insights.
With energy prices still unpredictable in 2026, choosing the right SEG tariff can make a real difference to your electricity bills and overall solar power savings.
So what are the best SEG tariffs right now, and what should you consider before switching?
What Is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The Smart Export Guarantee is a UK government scheme that requires licensed electricity suppliers to pay small-scale generators for excess renewable electricity exported to the National Grid.
If your solar panel system generates more electricity than your home uses, that surplus energy is sent to the grid. Your supplier then pays you per kilowatt-hour (kWh) exported. The scheme applies to certified solar PV systems and other renewable energy installations, ensuring that only eligible and properly installed systems can access SEG tariffs.
SEG applies to systems up to 5MW, which covers virtually all UK homes. Solar exporters benefit from the SEG by earning payments for surplus energy sent to the grid.
Understanding Export Tariffs
Export tariffs are the rates that energy companies pay to solar panel owners for the excess electricity they generate and send back to the National Grid. Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, energy suppliers are required to pay a minimum rate for this exported energy, ensuring that solar panel owners are rewarded for their contribution to renewable energy in the UK.
The value of export tariffs can vary widely between energy companies, with rates typically ranging from as low as 1p to as high as 30p per kWh, depending on the supplier and the specific SEG tariff. For solar panel owners, understanding how these export tariffs work is essential to maximizing the return on their solar installations. Factors such as your household's energy consumption, the capacity of your solar panels, and whether you have battery storage to hold excess energy all play a role in determining which export tariff will offer the best value.
When comparing SEG tariffs, it's important to look beyond just the per kWh rate. Consider how much excess energy you're likely to export, whether your system is eligible for the best rates, and if your energy supplier offers additional benefits for solar customers. By carefully reviewing your options, you can ensure you're getting the most from your smart export guarantee and boosting your solar savings.
What Are the Best SEG Tariffs in 2026?
SEG rates change regularly depending on wholesale prices and supplier strategy. Below are typical leading fixed and variable export rates available in early 2026.
| Supplier | Tariff Name | Rate (p/kWh) | Eligibility/Notes | |----------|-------------|--------------|-------------------| | Octopus Energy | Intelligent Octopus Flux | 15.0 | For Octopus Energy customers with solar panels and a compatible smart meter | | E.ON Next | Next Export | 12.5 | Open to all solar panel owners with a smart meter | | E.ON Next | Next Export Exclusive | 16.0 | Export exclusive tariff for customers who installed solar with E.ON after Jan 2020 | | Good Energy | Good Energy Solar | 13.0 | For Good Energy electricity customers with solar and a smart meter | | Utility Warehouse | UW Smart Export Guarantee | 11.5 | Available to Utility Warehouse electricity customers | | British Gas | SEG Fixed | 10.0 | For electricity customers with a smart meter |
Export exclusive and export exclusive tariff options are available from several suppliers, offering higher rates or special terms for eligible solar panel owners.
Good Energy Solar and UW Smart Export Guarantee are notable options, with Good Energy Solar offering premium rates for good energy electricity customers and UW Smart Export Guarantee providing a branded SEG tariff for Utility Warehouse users.
Some tariffs are only available to electricity customers or good energy electricity customers, while Octopus Energy customers can access special export tariffs like Intelligent Octopus Flux.
The solar export tariff is a modern alternative to the old Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme, using smart meters to measure and pay for actual exported solar energy.
Best Smart Export Guarantee Rates in 2026
| Energy Supplier | Typical SEG Rate (p/kWh) | Tariff Type | Notes | |-----------------|--------------------------|-------------|-------| | Octopus Energy | Up to 20–25p (Agile can be higher at peak times) | Variable / Smart | Requires smart meter, import tariff often linked | | E.ON Next | Around 15–18p | Fixed | Often requires being an import customer | | Scottish Power | Around 12–15p | Fixed | Competitive for existing customers | | British Gas | Around 12–15p | Fixed | May require bundled tariff | | OVO Energy | Around 10–15p | Fixed | Smart meter required |
Rates are subject to change and depend on eligibility and market conditions.
Agile or time-of-use export tariffs can sometimes exceed 25p/kWh during peak demand periods, but they can also drop lower at off-peak times.
Who Has the Best SEG Rate in 2026?
There is no single best supplier for everyone.
While Octopus Energy often offers the highest peak export rates through smart tariffs, the best overall deal depends on:
- Your import electricity rate
- Whether you must switch your supply to access the SEG
- Whether the tariff is fixed or variable
- Your solar panel output and export levels
Many solar panel owners compare import and export rates to maximize their savings, as both rates play a crucial role in the total financial benefit. The amount of excess solar electricity you export is also a key factor in determining your earnings.
The highest export rate does not always mean the highest overall savings.
British Gas Export Options
British Gas provides a range of export options for solar panel owners looking to earn money from their excess energy. One of their main offerings is the Export & Earn Flex tariff, which pays 6.4p per kWh for every unit of electricity exported to the grid. This tariff is open to all eligible solar panel owners, regardless of whether they get their electricity supply from British Gas.
For those willing to switch their energy supply, British Gas also offers the Export & Earn Plus tariff, which pays a higher rate of 15.1p per kWh for exported electricity. This option is designed to reward loyal customers who choose British Gas as both their import and export energy supplier.
When considering British Gas's export tariffs, it's important for solar panel owners to compare these rates with those offered by other energy companies. By doing so, you can ensure you're getting the best possible return for your excess energy and making the most of your solar investment.
Octopus Energy and Solar Savings
Octopus Energy stands out in the market for its innovative export tariffs, particularly for solar panel owners looking to maximize their solar savings. The Intelligent Octopus Flux tariff is one of the most attractive options, offering up to 30.31p per kWh for exported electricity during peak hours. This tariff is specifically designed for customers with compatible battery storage systems and requires you to be on an Octopus Energy import tariff.
For those with different battery setups, the Octopus Flux tariff provides a flexible alternative, still offering competitive export rates for solar panel owners. By pairing your solar panels with the right Octopus Energy export tariff, you could save up to £819.1 per year, making it one of the best choices for those serious about boosting their solar savings.
Octopus Energy's approach to export tariffs, especially with options like Intelligent Octopus Flux, demonstrates how smart export guarantee schemes can be tailored to benefit both your solar panels and your wallet. If you're looking to get the most from your exported electricity, Octopus Energy is well worth considering.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a SEG Tariff?
To access SEG tariffs, you must own solar panels and have them properly installed.
Before selecting the highest paying tariff, consider:
1. Do You Have to Switch Supplier?
Many SEG tariffs require you to be an electricity customer. A slightly lower export rate may still be better if the import tariff is cheaper.
2. Is the Rate Fixed or Variable?
Fixed tariffs provide certainty. Variable or smart tariffs can pay more but fluctuate with market prices.
3. Do You Have a Smart Meter?
Most suppliers require a smart meter to measure exported electricity accurately, and your system must have a smart meter capable of providing half-hourly readings to qualify for most SEG tariffs.
4. How Much Excess Energy Do You Export?
If you use most of your solar power generation during the day, your export income may be modest. In that case, a strong import tariff could matter more.
Solar Panels and Energy Storage
Combining solar panels with energy storage systems, such as batteries, is a powerful way to maximize your solar savings. During sunny periods, your solar panels often generate more electricity than your home can use. With a battery storage system, you can store this excess energy for use later in the day or at night, reducing your reliance on the grid and increasing your potential earnings from export tariffs.
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certifies both solar panels and energy storage systems, ensuring they meet strict quality and safety standards. For solar panel owners, having an MCS-certified system is essential for accessing the best smart export guarantee SEG tariffs and for peace of mind about the reliability of your solar installation.
Investing in energy storage not only helps you make the most of your solar panels but also allows you to take advantage of higher export tariffs by exporting excess energy when rates are at their peak. For anyone looking to optimize their solar installations and boost their export earnings, adding battery storage is a smart move.
How Does SEG Work in 2026?
The process is straightforward:
- Your solar panels generate electricity
- Your home uses what it needs
- Excess energy generated flows to the grid
- Your smart meter measures exports
- Your supplier pays you per kWh
An export meter is required to measure the amount of electricity exported, and export meter readings are used to calculate payments.
SEG payments and export payments are typically made quarterly or credited to your account.
Export Guarantee and Feed-in Tariff
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) replaced the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme in 2020, marking a significant change in how solar panel owners are paid for their renewable energy. While the FIT scheme offered a fixed rate for all electricity generated, the SEG pays a variable rate specifically for excess energy exported to the grid.
Under the SEG, export tariffs are determined by energy suppliers and can fluctuate based on market conditions. The use of smart meters and half-hourly readings ensures that solar panel owners are paid accurately for the electricity they export, rather than relying on estimates. This makes the SEG a more transparent and flexible system for rewarding solar panel owners.
If you were previously on the Feed-in Tariff, you can switch to the Smart Export Guarantee to take advantage of new export tariffs and potentially higher earnings. Understanding the differences between the SEG and FIT schemes is key to making informed decisions about your export options and ensuring you get the best value from your solar panels and excess energy.
Can You Switch SEG Tariffs?
Yes. You can switch to another SEG tariff if you're not satisfied.
Before switching, check:
- Exit fees
- Contract length
- Notice periods
- Import tariff changes
It is always worth comparing the full package rather than focusing only on export rates. Use a SEG tariff comparison to find the best deal before switching.
Do You Need an MCS Certificate?
Yes.
To access the Smart Export Guarantee, your solar panel system must be installed by an MCS-certified installer. The MCS certificate proves your system meets safety and performance standards.
Without it, suppliers will not pay for exported electricity.
How Much Could You Earn From SEG?
Earnings depend on:
- System size
- Solar panel efficiency
- Orientation and roof pitch
- How much energy you use vs export
- Your chosen SEG rate
For example:
- An 8-panel system exporting 1,500 kWh per year at 15p/kWh could earn around £225 annually.
- At 25p/kWh, that could rise to £375 per year.
Some suppliers offer solar savings exclusive tariffs with higher export rates for eligible customers, providing an opportunity to maximize your earnings compared to standard SEG rates.
If combined with reduced energy bills, total savings can be significant.
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Which System Size Is Right for You?
Small Energy Bill
8 Panel System Approx. 6.4kWh per day Potential savings of up to £700 per year
Medium Energy Bill
12 Panel System Approx. 9.6kWh per day Potential savings of up to £1,000 per year
Large Energy Bill
16 Panel System Approx. 12.8kWh per day Potential savings of up to £1,500 per year
Actual savings depend on energy usage, export rates, and system performance.
Is Solar Still a Smart Investment in 2026?
Yes.
With rising grid electricity prices and competitive SEG rates, installing solar panels allows UK homeowners to:
- Reduce reliance on the grid
- Lower electricity bills
- Generate clean renewable energy
- Earn money from excess electricity
- Increase property value
When combined with battery storage and the right export tariff, solar offers long-term protection against energy price volatility.
To see how much your home could generate and which SEG tariff might suit you best, visit www.crgdirect.co.uk and get your personalised estimate today.
