Smart Export Guarantee explained
How the Smart Export Guarantee works, who can apply, what paperwork you need and why export rates vary by supplier.
Key takeaways
- SEG applies to eligible solar PV installations up to 5MW.
- The export tariff must be above zero, but suppliers choose their own rates and terms.
- You'll usually need suitable certification, an export meter and an export MPAN.
What SEG actually is
The Smart Export Guarantee, usually shortened to SEG, is the scheme that makes licensed suppliers offer eligible small generators a route to payment for exported electricity. For a household solar owner, it means you can be paid for the surplus power your system sends to the grid.
It's not the old Feed-in Tariff. FIT paid generation payments as well as export payments for older eligible systems. SEG is focused on exported electricity. Your bill saving from using solar at home is separate and usually worth modelling alongside export income.
Who can apply
Solar PV is an eligible technology under SEG, provided the installation meets the scheme requirements. Ofgem's generator guidance covers solar PV installations up to 5MW, which is far above normal domestic systems.
For solar PV and similar microgeneration up to 50kW, Ofgem says applicants will be asked to show that both the installation and installer are suitably certified. An MCS certificate is the familiar route, but Ofgem's guidance also recognises that equivalent certification may be accepted. In practice, ask the export supplier what they'll accept before you assume anything.
Metering and export MPAN
SEG payments are based on exported electricity, so you need metering that can support export readings. Ofgem's guidance says the renewable export must be metered, the meter must be capable of half-hourly measurement, and the installation needs an export MPAN.
Your export supplier doesn't have to be the same company that sells you import electricity. That can be useful because some suppliers offer better export terms than others.
How to compare export tariffs
Don't just look at the headline p/kWh rate. Check whether the tariff is fixed or variable, how often you're paid, whether you need to import from the same supplier, and how battery export is treated.
If you have a battery, read the terms carefully. Some suppliers treat grid-charged battery export differently from solar export. The right answer depends on your metering, supplier rules and how your battery is controlled.
- Ask whether the supplier accepts your certification route.
- Ask whether you need an export MPAN before payments start.
- Check payment frequency and minimum payment thresholds.
- Check whether tariff access depends on your import supply contract.
Sources checked
- Ofgem SEG guidance for generatorsOfficial SEG eligibility, certification, metering and payment guidance.
- Ofgem SEG supplier listCurrent SEG licensee list and annual supplier status.