Funding & Grants · Updated 2025
Smart Export Guarantee
Rates 2025
How much your solar panels earn from exporting to the grid — current rates by supplier, how to register, and realistic income projections for East Midlands homes.
What Is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) replaced the Feed-in Tariff in January 2020. Unlike the old FiT — which paid a fixed rate set by government — the SEG requires eligible licensed electricity suppliers to offer their own export tariffs. This means rates vary by supplier, and savvy solar owners can shop around for the best deal.
Every MCS-certified solar installation qualifies for the SEG. If Energy Concerns installed your system, you are automatically eligible — your MCS certificate is the proof required to register.
2025 SEG Rates by Supplier
| Supplier | Tariff Name | Rate (p/kWh) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy | Outgoing Octopus Fixed | 4.1p | Fixed |
| Octopus Energy | Outgoing Octopus Agile | Variable (avg 5–15p) | Variable |
| E.ON Next | E.ON Next Export | 5.5p | Fixed |
| British Gas | Solar Export | 5.4p | Fixed |
| EDF Energy | EDF Export | 5.5p | Fixed |
| Scottish Power | SP Export | 4.0p | Fixed |
| Ovo Energy | Drive + Export | 4.0p | Fixed |
| Outfox the Market | Smart Export | 7.0p | Fixed |
Rates correct as of early 2025. SEG rates change — always check the supplier's current tariff before registering.
How Much Will You Actually Earn?
A typical 4kW system in the East Midlands generates approximately 3,400–3,600 kWh per year. Most households self-consume around 40–60% of that generation, exporting the remainder. Here is what that looks like at different tariff rates:
3kW system
Estimated annual export: ~1,200 kWh/yr
4kW system
Estimated annual export: ~1,600 kWh/yr
6kW system
Estimated annual export: ~2,400 kWh/yr
Battery storage tip: Adding a battery reduces your export but increases self-consumption — saving you money at the full retail rate (currently ~24p/kWh) rather than earning the export rate. For most households, self-consuming an extra 1,000 kWh is worth £240 versus earning £40–£70 from export. See our battery guide for full analysis.
How to Register for the SEG
Get your MCS certificate
All Energy Concerns installations come with a full MCS certificate. This is your proof of eligible generation and is required by every SEG supplier.
Get a smart meter
Contact your energy supplier to arrange a free SMETS2 smart meter installation. Your export must be measured via smart meter — estimated billing is not permitted for SEG.
Choose a SEG tariff
Compare current rates. Your SEG supplier does not need to match your import supplier. Octopus Agile Export offers variable rates that can exceed 15p at peak times.
Apply to your chosen supplier
Each supplier has an online application form. You will need your MCS certificate number, MPAN (on your electricity bill), and smart meter serial number.
Start earning
Payments typically come monthly or quarterly, added to your electricity account as credit or paid directly.
SEG and Location
The SEG rate is the same regardless of where you live — it is a national scheme. However, your earnings depend on how much you export, which depends on your system size and sunshine hours. Locations in our service area with the highest sunshine hours — Peterborough (1,460 hrs), Stamford (1,440 hrs), and Northampton (1,430 hrs) — generate more electricity and therefore more export income.
In Leicester, Coventry, and Nottingham — all receiving approximately 1,400 sunshine hours per year — a well-sized 4kW system exports 1,400–1,800 kWh annually, earning £56–£126 per year at typical SEG rates.
Ready to Start Earning from Your Solar System?
Energy Concerns installs MCS-certified solar panels across the East Midlands. Every installation qualifies for the Smart Export Guarantee from day one. Get a free, no-obligation survey and financial projection.
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