The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
What the Smart Export Guarantee is, who can get it, and what you need before you apply.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government scheme that makes larger energy suppliers pay you for the electricity your solar panels send to the grid. Whenever your panels make more than your home is using and your battery is full, the extra goes to the grid. With an export tariff, you get paid for it.
Who can get it
You can get the SEG if:
- Your system was installed by an MCS-certified installer and you have an MCS certificate. All our installations come with one.
- Your network operator has been told about your system (a G98 notification) or has approved it (G99).
- You have a smart meter that can record what you export every half hour.
- You're not already being paid export payments under the old Feed-in Tariff (FiT) for the same system.
Getting a grant towards your system doesn't stop you getting the SEG.
What you'll need
Everything is in your handover pack (see Where are my certificates?):
- Your MCS certificate.
- Your DNO notification or approval (G98 or G99), and the network operator's reply if you have one.
- Your electricity meter details. Your import MPAN (a 13-digit number) is on your electricity bill. Some suppliers also want a photo of the meter showing its serial number and reading: see Taking an export meter reading.
- Your bank details, if the supplier pays by bank transfer.
- If you have a battery, some suppliers ask for its details or a diagram of the system. Your schematic diagram is in your handover pack.
Choosing a supplier
You don't have to get your export tariff from the company that supplies your electricity. But many suppliers pay noticeably more if you buy your electricity from them too, and some tariffs are only for their own customers. Compare a few before you choose. Rates change often, so check each supplier's current rate rather than relying on old comparisons.
Things to compare:
- The rate per kWh, and whether it's fixed or variable.
- Whether you have to switch your electricity supply to them.
- How often they pay, and whether it's paid as money or account credit.
- Whether they pay for battery energy you export, and whether you can charge your battery from the grid.
Batteries and exporting
The SEG only has to pay for electricity your panels generated.
How long it takes
Usually between 2 and 8 weeks. The slowest part is often your network operator creating an export MPAN: a second meter number just for the electricity you export. You ask the energy supplier you're applying to for an export MPAN, and they arrange it with your network operator.
How to apply
For a step-by-step guide, with links to each supplier's application page, see How to apply for the SEG, supplier by supplier.