Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) explained
What is the Smart Export Guarantee? Learn how SEG works, who is eligible, what paperwork and metering you need, and where to compare current export rates.
Key takeaways
- SEG covers eligible solar PV installations in Great Britain up to 5MW.
- SEG suppliers set their own rates and contract terms, but the export tariff must remain above zero.
- Your SEG supplier does not have to be the company that supplies your imported electricity.
- An application normally needs suitable installation certification, export metering and an export MPAN.
Quick answer
The Smart Export Guarantee, or SEG, is the Great Britain scheme that pays eligible homes and small generators for renewable electricity they export to the grid. Solar PV is one of the eligible technologies.
There is no single official SEG rate. Each SEG licensee sets its own payment rate, contract length and other terms, while Ofgem requires any SEG tariff offered to remain above zero.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
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 is eligible for SEG?
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.
What do you need to apply for SEG?
Ofgem's generator guidance requires suitable certification for an eligible installation, an export meter and an export MPAN. The export meter must support the readings needed to measure the electricity sent to the grid.
For household solar, an MCS certificate is the familiar certification route, although Ofgem recognises qualifying equivalent certification. Your chosen SEG supplier will set out the evidence it accepts and its own application process.
How are SEG rates set?
SEG licensees choose their own payment rate, contract length and other tariff terms. Your export supplier also does not have to be your import electricity supplier, so you can shop around rather than treating SEG as one national rate.
Compare more than the headline p/kWh figure. Check whether access depends on your import supplier or installer, whether the rate is fixed or variable, how often payments are made and how battery export is treated.
- 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.
Compare current SEG rates
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.