Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Tariff Comparison 2026

The table below compares the current SEG tariffs from the largest UK energy suppliers as of Q1 2026:

Note that rates are subject to change, and some suppliers may offer limited-time promotional rates for new customers. Always check the supplier's official website for the most up-to-date pricing before signing up.

While the export rate is the most important factor for most homeowners, there are several other considerations to keep in mind when choosing a SEG supplier. First, payment frequency: monthly payments provide more regular cash flow, while annual payments may be more convenient if you want to put the money towards annual energy bills or savings. Second, check if there are any minimum export thresholds: some suppliers only pay if you export more than a certain amount per month or year, which can be an issue if you have a small solar system or use most of your electricity yourself. Third, consider whether you want to have your main electricity supply and SEG with the same supplier: this can simplify billing, but it's not required—you can choose a different supplier for your SEG tariff than your main electricity supply. Fourth, check customer service ratings: SEG administration can be complex, and suppliers with good customer service will resolve issues with payments or meter readings faster. Finally, check if the supplier requires a specific type of smart meter: most suppliers work with all SMETS2 smart meters, but some older SMETS1 meters may not be compatible.

While SEG payments provide valuable extra income, you will almost always save more money by using as much of your solar electricity yourself as possible rather than exporting it. This is because you pay around 34p/kWh for grid electricity (as of 2026), but only get paid 6–27p/kWh for exported electricity—so every kWh you use yourself saves you more than you would get paid for exporting it. To maximize self-consumption, consider shifting high-energy use activities like running washing machines, dishwashers, or charging electric vehicles to the middle of the day when your solar panels are generating the most electricity. You can also install a battery storage system to store excess solar electricity for use in the evening or at night, which can increase your self-consumption rate from 30–40% to 70–90% for most households. Use our solar ROI calculator to see how different self-consumption rates affect your total savings and payback period.

You can switch SEG suppliers at any time, with no exit fees from most suppliers. The process is similar to switching your main electricity supplier: 1) Find a new SEG tariff you want to switch to. 2) Contact the new supplier and provide your MCS certificate number, smart meter details, and current SEG supplier information. 3) The new supplier will handle the switch with your old supplier, and there will be no interruption to your export payments. Note that you may need to provide a final meter reading to your old supplier to receive your final payment from them. If you are on a fixed-term SEG tariff (rare in 2026), check if there are any exit fees before switching.

There are several common mistakes homeowners make with SEG that can reduce their earnings. First, failing to provide regular meter readings: most suppliers require monthly meter readings to calculate your export payments, and if you don't provide them, they may estimate your export at a lower rate. Second, choosing a supplier with a low rate just because it's the same as your main electricity supplier: you could be missing out on hundreds of pounds per year by switching to a higher-rate supplier. Third, not checking your SEG payments regularly: mistakes happen, and if you don't review your payments every few months, you could be underpaid without realizing it. Finally, not updating your SEG supplier if you upgrade your solar system or add battery storage: you may need to provide updated MCS certification if you make significant changes to your system.