Solar & Renewables

SEG (Smart Export Guarantee)

The Smart Export Guarantee requires licensed electricity suppliers to offer payment for exported renewable electricity from small-scale generators like solar PV.

What is SEG?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government scheme that requires licensed electricity suppliers to offer a tariff for electricity exported to the grid from small-scale renewable generators.

SEG Eligibility

To receive SEG payments, installations must:

  • Be 5MW or less capacity
  • Use eligible technology (solar PV, wind, hydro, anaerobic digestion, micro-CHP)
  • Be MCS certified (or equivalent)
  • Have a smart meter or export meter
  • Not receive FIT payments

How SEG Rates Work

Unlike the Feed-in Tariff, SEG rates are:

  • Set by suppliers (not government)
  • Variable between suppliers
  • Subject to change over time
  • Typically 3-15p per kWh (as of 2024)

SEG vs FIT

SEGFIT (closed)
Generation paymentNoYes
Export paymentYesYes
Rate guaranteeNo20-25 years
Smart meter requiredYesNo
Still availableYesNo (closed 2019)

Applying for SEG

  1. Complete installation with MCS certification
  2. Register on MCS database
  3. Install smart meter if not present
  4. Choose SEG supplier (compare rates)
  5. Submit application with MCS certificate
  6. Receive payments for exports

SEG Suppliers

Major suppliers offering SEG include:

  • Octopus Energy
  • British Gas
  • EDF Energy
  • E.ON
  • Scottish Power
  • Bulb

Compare rates regularly as they change frequently.