How much do I get for selling electricity back to the grid UK?
How much do I get for selling electricity back to the grid UK?
The amount you get from selling back to the grid will depend on your energy supplier. As of 2024, you can expect to get around 22 - 35p for every kWh (kilowatt-hour) of renewable electricity you generate and send back to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme.
🐙 The best SEG (export tariff) provider is Octopus Energy
🤝 Energy providers give the highest rates to their own customers
🌞 ou’ll save more money by using solar energy yourself or storing it in a battery, but you can always make more money from selling excess energy to the SEG scheme. Selling excess electricity can create a potential revenue stream and support a sustainable energy system.
How much money do you make a year from selling energy from your solar?
Depending on the size of your system, a standard residential system could export as much as £500 a year of solar energy. With the UK's significant investments in renewable energy and its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, selling solar energy back to the grid is becoming increasingly promising.
What are some competitive Smart Export Guarantee rates in 2024?
One of the leading options is the Intelligent Octopus Flux tariff.
With this plan, customers who select Octopus as their energy provider can typically earn 34.51p for every kWh (kilowatt-hour) of solar electricity they export between 4pm and 7pm, and 25.89p per kWh at other times. Selling solar power back to the National Grid can provide significant financial benefits, especially under the Smart Export Guarantee scheme, where the amount earned varies based on tariffs and local policies.
Another notable option is the standard Octopus Flux tariff, which offers different rates during off-peak and peak times, averaging at 23.5p per kWh.
These rates surpass other offerings in the market, such as fixed 20p per kWh tariffs from OVO and Good Energy. So Energy also provides a 20p per kWh option, but note that this rate won’t be available after 31 March 2024, and it requires you to choose So Energy as your installer, which may limit your choices when your contract ends.
If you prefer to stick with your current energy supplier, ScottishPower’s SmartGen tariff is worth considering, offering all solar generators 12p per kWh.
| Provider | Name of Tariff | Rate (p/kWh) | Need to be a Customer? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus | Intelligent Octopus Flux | 27* | Yes |
| Octopus | Octopus Flux | 23.5p* | Yes |
| OVO | OVO SEG Tariff | 20 | Yes |
| Good Energy | Solar Savings Exclusive | 20 | Yes |
| E.ON | Next Export Exclusive | 16.5 | Yes |
| Octopus | Outgoing Fixed | 15 | Yes |
| OVO | OVO SEG Tariff | 15 | Yes |
| ScottishPower | SmartGen+ | 15 | Yes |
| British Gas | Export and Earn Plus | 15 | Yes |
| Good Energy | Solar Savings | 15 | Yes |
| ScottishPower | SmartGen | 12 | No |
| Octopus | Outgoing Fixed Lite | 8 | Yes |
| So Energy | So Export Flex | 7.5 | No |
| British Gas | Export & Earn Flex | 6.4 | No |
| Rebel Energy | SEG Tariff | 6 | No |
| EDF | Export Variable Value | 5.6 | Yes |
| Utility Warehouse | UW Smart Export Guarantee - Bundle | 5.6 | Yes |
| Pozitive Energy | SEG tariff | 5 | No |
| Octopus | Outgoing Go | 4.1 | No |
| OVO | OVO SEG Tariff | 4 | No |
| Utilita | Utilita Smart Export Guarantee | 3 | No |
| EDF | Export Variable | 3 | No |
| E.ON | Next Export | 3 | No |
| Utility Warehouse | UW Smart Export Guarantee - Standard | 2 | No |
| E | E SEG January2020v.1 | 1 | No |
What is Surplus Solar Energy?
Surplus solar energy refers to the extra electricity generated by your solar panel system that exceeds your household’s immediate consumption needs. This typically occurs during peak sunlight hours when your solar panels are producing more energy than your home can use. Instead of letting this valuable resource go to waste, you can either store it in a solar battery for later use or sell it back to the grid. By selling this surplus solar energy, you not only contribute to the national grid but also earn money, making your investment in solar panels even more worthwhile. The amount of surplus energy you generate will depend on the size and efficiency of your solar panel system and your household’s energy consumption patterns.
How to Sell Surplus Solar Energy
Selling surplus solar energy is a straightforward process that can provide a steady income stream. To get started, you need to apply to a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff supplier. You can choose your current energy supplier or shop around for the best rates. When selecting a tariff, consider whether it’s fixed or variable, the length of the contract, and the rate per kWh of electricity. Regularly comparing suppliers is crucial as prices can fluctuate. To qualify for the SEG, you must have a valid MCS certificate for your solar installation and a smart meter to track the energy you export. Once set up, you can start earning from the excess energy your solar panels produce.
Benefits of Selling Excess Energy
Selling excess solar energy offers multiple benefits for homeowners. Financially, it can significantly reduce your energy bills by providing an additional income stream. Environmentally, it promotes the use of renewable energy, contributing to a more sustainable energy system. By selling excess energy back to the grid, you help reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Additionally, the money earned from selling excess energy can be used to offset future electricity bills or invested in a solar battery to store energy for later use. This not only enhances your energy independence but also ensures you make the most out of your solar power system.
Exploring the Top Solar Export Tariffs
Intelligent Octopus Flux
Intelligent Octopus Flux is the prime choice for Octopus customers equipped with solar panels and a GivEnergy battery. This tariff offers a compelling rate of 34.51p per kWh during peak hours (4pm to 7pm) and 25.89p per kWh at other times, averaging out to 27p. By utilizing the Octopus app, users can maximize their earnings by exporting excess electricity during peak periods.
Key Details:
Rate per kWh: 27p*
How to qualify:
Receive grid electricity from Octopus
Own solar panels & an eligible GivEnergy battery
Own an Apple or Android smartphone or tablet
Payment schedule: Monthly
Exit fee: None
Tariff type: Variable
Octopus Flux
Octopus Flux is a variable tariff that rewards customers based on the timing of their solar electricity exports and their location in the UK. It currently offers an average rate of 23.5p per kWh. Exporting during peak hours (4pm to 7pm) can significantly boost earnings compared to off-peak times.
Key Details:
Rate per kWh: 23.5p*
How to qualify:
Receive grid electricity from Octopus
Own solar panels and a battery
Payment schedule: Monthly
Exit fee: None
Tariff type: Variable
OVO SEG Tariff
OVO's SEG Tariff offers a competitive rate of 20p per kWh to customers who purchase solar panels and a storage battery from OVO. This fixed-rate tariff applies at any time of the day and is available in select regions.
Key Details:
Rate per kWh: 20p
How to qualify:
Buy solar panels and a battery through OVO
Receive grid electricity through OVO
Live in an eligible area
Payment schedule: Quarterly
Exit fee: £15
Tariff type: Fixed
Good Energy Solar Savings Exclusive
Good Energy offers a generous rate of 20p per kWh to customers in the south and southwest of England who have solar panels and a battery installed by Wessex ECOEnergy, acquired by Good Energy in 2023. Grid electricity must be imported through Good Energy on specific tariffs.
Key Details:
Rate per kWh: 20p
How to qualify:
Live in an eligible area
Receive grid electricity through Good Energy's eligible tariffs
Have solar panels and a battery installed by Wessex ECOEnergy
Payment schedule: Quarterly
Exit fee: None
Tariff type: Fixed
E.ON Next Export Exclusive
E.ON offers a competitive rate of 16.5p per kWh to customers receiving grid electricity from E.ON. This rate applies regardless of whether the customer purchases a solar installation from E.ON.
Key Details:
Rate per kWh: 16.5p
How to qualify:
Receive grid electricity from E.ON
or Buy a solar installation from E.ON
Payment schedule: Annually or quarterly (upon request)
Exit fee: None
Tariff type: Fixed
These top solar export tariffs offer varying rates and eligibility criteria, providing options for households across the UK to maximize their earnings from solar energy exports. Before choosing a tariff, it's essential to assess your energy consumption, location, and preferences to find the best fit for your needs.
Solar Battery Storage
Solar battery storage is an essential component of a modern solar power system. It allows you to store the excess energy generated by your solar panels during the day for use at night or on cloudy days. This reduces your reliance on the national grid and increases your energy independence. Moreover, having a solar battery enables you to sell excess electricity back to the grid, providing a potential revenue stream. By storing and managing your energy efficiently, you can maximize the benefits of your solar power system and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
Eligibility and Existing FIT Payments
To be eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee, homeowners must have a valid MCS certificate for their solar installation and a smart meter to track the exported energy. If you are already receiving Feed-in Tariff (FIT) payments, you can continue to receive your generation tariff income. However, you may need to switch from your FIT export tariff to the SEG to receive payments for the excess energy you export to the grid. It’s advisable to check with your energy supplier to determine the best option for your specific situation, ensuring you maximize your earnings from your solar power system.
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