Solar · Advice
How does the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) work?
Short answer
SEG requires larger electricity suppliers in Great Britain to offer a tariff for electricity you export from solar systems up to 5 MW. The rate is set by each supplier but must always be above zero. You need an MCS or equivalent certificate and a smart meter that records half-hourly export with an export MPAN. You apply directly.
Last checked 24 September 2026 · 2 sources
In more detail
- Launched 1 January 2020, replacing FiT export for new installations (FiT closed to new applicants 31 March 2019).
- Mandatory SEG licensees: suppliers with at least 150,000 domestic electricity customers (at 31 Dec of the previous year); smaller suppliers may offer SEG voluntarily.
- Eligibility for PV up to 50 kW: MCS certificate or equivalent (EN 45011 / ISO/IEC 17065 accredited scheme).
- Metering: meter capable of half-hourly export measurement with an export MPAN, registered under the Balancing and Settlement Code.
- You cannot receive FIT export payments and SEG at the same time; FIT generation-only households can take SEG.
- Your SEG supplier can differ from your import supplier, though many best rates require being an import customer.
- Not available in Northern Ireland; NI households must ask suppliers about export tariffs (EST).
- Current rates.
The facts, dated
- 01SEG tariff must be greater than zero pence per kWh at all times — 0 p/kWh
regulation · GB · checked 24 September 2026 · Ofgem
- 02SEG covers solar PV up to 5 MW total installed capacity — 5 MW
regulation · GB · checked 24 September 2026 · Ofgem
- 03SEG launched 1 January 2020 — 2020-01-01
scheme · GB · checked 24 September 2026 · Ofgem
What we saw in the field
Homeowner and customers used Octopus Flux, a commercial import/export tariff that sits above the SEG floor.
Sources
- Ofgem — www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/2020/02/seg_generator_guidance_-_final…
- Ofgem — www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/smart-export-guarantee-seg
Last checked: 24 September 2026