How the Smart Export Guarantee works
The Smart Export Guarantee, usually called SEG, lets eligible homes in Great Britain get paid for renewable electricity sent to the grid. Suppliers set their own rates.
What will you be paid for?
You are paid for electricity that leaves your home and goes to the grid. This is less than your panels’ total output if you use some yourself or store it in a battery.
What do you need?
- An eligible installation, such as solar panels.
- An MCS certificate or other accepted certification. MCS certifies small renewable energy installations.
- A meter capable of measuring exports every half hour.
- An export MPAN: the reference number for electricity sent from your property to the grid. Ask the supplier how to arrange it.
How to apply
- Choose a supplier from Ofgem’s SEG supplier list.
- Read its tariff requirements and gather the documents it asks for.
- Apply directly to the supplier. Keep its confirmation, start date and opening meter reading.
Can you keep your electricity supplier?
Yes, SEG itself does not require the same supplier for both. Individual higher-paying tariffs may do so.
Already receiving Feed-in Tariff payments?
You cannot receive SEG and Feed-in Tariff export payments for the same electricity. Check the effect on your existing payments before changing.