The Complete Guide to Smart Export Guarantee Rates in 2026
The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for surplus solar electricity. We compare every supplier's rate and show you how to maximise your export income.
If you have solar panels, every unit of electricity you don't use gets exported to the grid. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) means you get paid for it. But the rates vary wildly between suppliers, and choosing the wrong one could cost you hundreds over the life of your system.
Current SEG rates (January 2026)
| Supplier | Export rate (p/kWh) | Payment frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy (Agile) | 4-25p (variable) | Monthly | Tracks wholesale price, can go negative |
| Octopus Energy (Fixed) | 15p | Monthly | Simple, predictable |
| EDF | 12p | Quarterly | Fixed for 12 months |
| British Gas | 12p | Quarterly | |
| E.ON Next | 10.5p | Quarterly | |
| Scottish Power | 6.4p | Quarterly | |
| OVO Energy | 12p | Monthly | |
| Shell Energy | 5.5p | Quarterly | |
| Utility Warehouse | 5.57p | Quarterly |
The spread is enormous - from 5.5p to 15p fixed (or potentially more on Octopus Agile). On a typical 4kW system exporting 2,300 kWh per year, that's the difference between £127 and £345 annually.
How to choose
If you want simplicity: Octopus Fixed at 15p/kWh is the clear winner. Predictable income, monthly payments, easy to budget around.
If you want to maximise income: Octopus Agile tracks the wholesale market and pays more during periods of high demand (typically winter evenings). You can also time your exports using a battery to export when prices are highest. Average returns are higher than fixed, but variable.
If you don't want to switch supplier: Check your current supplier's SEG rate. If it's below 10p, consider whether the switching hassle is worth the extra income.
You don't need to buy electricity from your SEG supplier
This is important: your export supplier and your import supplier can be different companies. You can be on the cheapest electricity import tariff while simultaneously earning the best export rate from a different supplier.
Maximising your export income
The best strategy isn't actually to maximise exports - it's to maximise self-consumption first, then export the rest at the best rate. Electricity you use yourself saves you 24p/kWh. Electricity you export earns you 12-15p/kWh. Self-consumption is always more valuable.
To increase self-consumption:
- Run dishwashers, washing machines, and tumble dryers during peak generation (midday)
- Heat your hot water during the day if you have an immersion heater
- Add battery storage to capture surplus for evening use
- If you have an EV, charge during daylight hours when possible
We covered the detailed maths of this in our piece on whether battery storage is worth adding.
Eligibility
To receive SEG payments, you need:
- An MCS-certified installation (this is why choosing the right installer matters)
- A smart meter or SMETS2 meter
- A generation capacity under 5MW (not an issue for domestic)
If your system was installed without MCS certification, you won't be eligible. Another reason to always use MCS-certified installers.
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