The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed initiative to enable domestic customers to get paid for any electricity they export back to the National Grid.

The SEG is a contract between you (the customer) and your electricity supply company. All the main electricity suppliers are required by OFGEM to offer a SEG tariff. The exact amount that you get paid varies between supplier, and can vary over time.

Since this is a contract between the domestic customer and their electricity supplier, it is up to the customer to apply to their supplier for a SEG contract. In theory you can apply to a separate electricity company to buy your electricity under a SEG contract, but we believe that for the vast majority of customers this extra administration wouldn’t be worth it.

Am I eligible?

All new solar installations are eligible for the SEG. Folk that have an existing Feed in Tariff (FiT) are not eligible, and anyway – the SEG is far less generous that the FiT ever was.

To prove your eligibility to your electricity supplier you must:

• Show a copy of your Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certificate
• Have a suitable Smart Electricity Meter. Some SMETS1 and all SMETS2 meters are suitable. The Smart Electricity Meter will be capable to measuring your exported electricity (there is no requirement to submit manual electricity meter readings to your supplier).

How do I apply?

Each energy supply company will have their own process for applying.

With Octopus Energy, the process is very simple. A quick application form, with supporting evidence uploaded (MCS Certificate) and you are good to go.

How long does it take?

Again, the application process will vary between suppliers. But with Octopus Energy, they aim to complete the process within 2-3 weeks.

How do the payments work?

You will be paid for every Kilo Watt Hour (kWh) of electricity that you export.

With Octopus Energy, they have a flat rate of 4.1 pence per kWh of electricity you export.

Are there any other export tariffs?

Yes!

The Smart Export Guarantee is a baseline initiative, to ensure that all eligible customers can be paid for any electricity they export.

But there is nothing to stop energy supply firms from improving their offer.

Octopus Energy now have a tariff which allows customers to be paid about 20 pence per kWh for any electricity they export at certain times of the day.

Full details of the SEG scheme can be found on the OFGEM website: Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) | Ofgem

Solar panels

Solar panels are excellent value for money, delivering a very competitive return on investment.