Smart Export Guarantee
Free, no-obligation quote
Export income is only part of the picture.
A quote can help separate self-use, export payments, battery choices and system size so the numbers are easier to compare.
- No pressure from Here4Solar
- Personalised home quote
- Check if solar could work
Takes about a minute to start. OVO handles quote details and suitability checks.
The Smart Export Guarantee, or SEG, lets eligible small-scale generators receive payments for electricity exported to the grid. It helps the solar calculation, but it is only one part of it.
Who sets the rate?
SEG suppliers set their own rates, contract lengths and terms. Ofgem requires some suppliers to offer a tariff.
What is exported?
Export is the electricity your home does not use at the time it is generated or stored.
Why it matters
A higher export rate can improve payback, but self-use often matters more for household savings.
What to check before relying on export income
Ask whether the quote assumes a named export tariff or a generic rate. Then check whether you would actually be eligible for that tariff.
- MCS or equivalent paperwork
- Smart meter/export metering requirements
- Whether you need to be an import customer
- Fixed or variable export rate
- Whether battery export is treated differently
Do not let SEG hide the basics
The biggest question remains how much generated electricity you use at home. Export payments can help, but they should not make an unsuitable system look suitable.
Useful sources: Ofgem SEG.