What Are the Best SEG Rates

Karl Wallis

19 Jun 202514 min read

A comprehensive UK guide to squeezing the most value from every surplus kilowatt hour your home solar array produces.

Contents - Navigate Your Way Around

1. SEG Explained for Busy Home‑Owners

2. Fixed vs Dynamic Export Tariffs

3. 2025 League Table - Best SEG Rates at a Glance

4. Why the Import Tariff Matters Just as Much

5. Deep‑Dive Reviews of the Top Seven Export Tariffs

6. Tariff Pairings for EV Drivers, Heat‑Pump Homes, and Battery‑Free Systems

7. Battery Sizing & Smart‑Meter Tips to Maximise Export Profits

8. Real‑World Case Studies (Three Very Different UK Households)

9. Step-by-Step Switching Checklist

10. Frequently Asked Questions

11. Glossary of Solar & Tariff Jargon

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1  |  SEG Explained for Busy Home‑Owners

Imagine pouring a litre of milk into your tea but only drinking half a cup. For years, UK solar owners did the energy equivalent: panels pumped excess power onto the grid for free once their kettles, laptops and washing machines had what they needed.

That changed in January 2020 when the government launched the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Now licensed suppliers must pay you for each spare kilowatt‑hour (kWh) your panels push out. The scheme is intentionally light‑touch, letting energy companies compete on price and structure. The result?

• 31 export tariffs on the market by April 2025 (up from just 15 two years ago).

• Rates ranging from a token 1 p/kWh to 40 p/kWh (albeit temporarily and with strings).

• A growing menu of dynamic products that change price every half hour, mirroring wholesale markets and enabling battery-savvy homes to earn a mini side‑income.

Quick SEG Facts

• Eligibility: MCS-certified solar (≤ 5 MWp), a smart meter that measures export, and proof that you own the array.

• Administration: You arrange a contract directly with the supplier; Ofgem simply mandates the rules.

• Payout: Monthly, quarterly or annually, straight to your bank. No complicated vouchers.

• Tax: Export income is generally exempt for an owner-occupied domestic property.

• Contracts: Most are variable; a few offer 12‑ or 24-month fixed rates.

If it sounds bureaucratic, don't the paperwork boil down to one online form and a photograph of your meter showing an export reading? But choosing the right tariff? That's where the legwork hides.

1.1  Why "Good Enough" Isn't Good Enough Anymore

In 2021, you could grab any SEG rate above 5 p/kWh and feel smug. Wholesale gas was cheap, competition was sparse, and electricity prices were calm. Fast‑forward to 2025 and:

• Wholesale price spikes (post-crisis volatility, global LNG demand, and weather-driven renewables swings) mean your surplus power can be worth 30 - 40 p/kWh for three hours a day.

• Smart batteries (now < £4,000 for 5 kWh) let ordinary households play the buy‑low / sell‑high game.

• Suppliers hungry for flexible capacity are dangling juicy export carrots, especially during the 4-7 pm peak when National Grid pays them to help.

Settling for a middling rate now equates to leaving £100 - £300 a year on the table-enough to pay a month of Council Tax or, more excitingly, fund a long weekend in Cornwall.

2  |  Fixed vs Dynamic Export Tariffs

There are three broad flavours on the menu. Understanding them is key to picking your perfect match.

Category : How It Works , Pros Cons , Typical Home

Fixed‑Rate SEG One flat price for every kWh you export, 24/7. Example: E.ON Next Export Exclusive @ 16.5 p/kWh. Simple budgeting, no tech fuss, often decent rate. Misses peak‑price surges; may require you to take their import tariff. Smaller arrays, no battery, simplicity lovers.

Dynamic / Time‑of‑Use SEG Multiple prices in a day, tied to wholesale or system stress. Example: Intelligent Octopus Flux @ 30.69 p peak / 23.02 p shoulder / 4.99 p overnight. Earn big during evening peaks; automates battery arbitrage. Requires a compatible battery & smart meter comms; prices vary month‑to‑month. Homes with 4 kWh+ battery, tech-friendly owners.

Bundled Premium / Intro Offers: Very high headline rate for 6-12 months if you buy panels & import power from them. Example: Good Energy Solar Savings Exclusive @ 40 p/kWh for year 1. Eye-catching income in year 1 can soften the cost of a new array. Must install via that supplier; the rate usually plummets after the intro. New adopters are happy to "lock in" and renegotiate later.

Rule of thumb:

• Battery < 3 kWh? Choose a fixed rate and focus on self-consumption.

• Battery 4 - 10 kWh? Dynamic often wins, provided you automate.

• Buying panels today? Crunch numbers on a premium intro-but factor what you'll earn in years 2 & 3, not just the honeymoon period.

3  |  2025 League Table - Best SEG Rates at a Glance

Below is a distilled snapshot of the market as of 25 April 2025 (we monitor rates weekly; bookmark this guide or join our tariff‑alert email to stay updated). "Customers only?" means you must take that supplier's import tariff to qualify.

Rank Supplier & Tariff Export Rate* Contract Length Customers Only? Install‑Tie‑In?

1 E.ON Next Export Exclusive 16.5 p/kWh flat 24 m fixed Yes† No

2 British Gas Export & Earn Plus 15.1 p/kWh flat Variable Yes No

3 Intelligent Octopus Flux 30.69 p (16:00-19:00)23.02 p (all other times)4.99 p (02:00-05:00) Variable (rolling) Yes No

4 Scottish Power SmartGen 12 p/kWh flat Variable No No

5 Octopus Outgoing Fixed 15 p/kWh flat Variable Yes No

6 EDF Export 12m 15 p/kWh flat 12 m fixed Yes No

7 Good Energy Solar Savings 15 p/kWh flat 24 m fixed Yes No

*Rates rounded to nearest 0.01 p.

†Or install panels through E.ON's Solar & Storage division.

Tariffs below 10 p/kWh aren't listed-unless you're unable to switch, we don't consider them competitive in 2025.

4  |  Why the Import Tariff Matters Just as Much

It's tempting to obsess over export pennies while ignoring the pounds flowing out for imported power. You'll still buy electricity at night, in winter, and anytime your battery runs flat, so the golden rule is:

Optimise the combined equation: (import cost) - (export earnings)

Four Import Tariff Archetypes

1. Flat Variable (cap‑linked)

• Follows Ofgem's price cap (e.g., 24.50 p/kWh in Q2 2025).

• Zero exit fees; decent for risk-averse homes.

2. Dual‑Rate Economy 7‑style

• Cheaper 7-hour night slot (e.g., 16 p) and higher day rate (e.g., 29 p).

• Works if you can push the dishwasher, EV or immersion heater into the cheap slot.

3. EV‑Optimised Smart Tariffs

• Super‑cheap 5-hour window (e.g., 7 p.m.) for car & battery charging.

• Requires a compatible charger or proving EV ownership (though some suppliers waive this check).

4. Three‑Slot Heat‑Pump Tariffs

• Two or three discounted windows to preheat water/space, plus a pricey peak.

• Ideal for ASHP owners with thermal stores.

Important: Some suppliers require both import and export contracts to be held with them for dynamic offerings. Ensure the bundle still wins versus mixing and matching.

5.1  E.ON Next Export Exclusive (16.5 p fixed)

• Why we like it: Market-leading fixed price without insisting that E.ON install your gear. Locks income for 24 months- rare stability.

• Requirements: Either (a) buy electricity from E.ON or (b) purchase your panels/battery via E.ON Solar & Storage. Smart meter mandatory (SMETS2 preferred).

• Pairing tip: Bundle with E.ON Next Drive (6.7 p/kWh 00:00-07:00) to slash import costs; no EV required.

• Hidden detail: Pays annually by default. Tick quarterly on the application to smooth cash flow.

5.2  British Gas Export & Earn Plus (15.1 p)

• Why we like it: No installer tie-in; quarterly payouts; bundleable with the superb Electric Driver import (7.9 p/kWh 00:00-05:00).

• Watch out: A slightly heavy application wants a photo of your meter and a copy of your G98/G99 form.

• Good for: Households who prefer the brand heft of Britain's oldest supplier but still demand a fair export rate.

5.3  Intelligent Octopus Flux (Dynamic)

• Why we like it: It's a time-of-use tariff and battery‑control service in one. Octopus automatically fills your battery overnight and empties it at the lucrative 4-7 pm slot.

• Earn potential: Case studies show £300 - £400 annual export income plus import savings.

• Tech caveats: Only works with Enphase or GivEnergy batteries today (negotiations ongoing with Pylontech & Tesla). Requires the Octopus app and stable Wi‑Fi.

5.4  Scottish Power SmartGen (12 p)

• Stand‑out factor: You can keep your existing import supplier. Use SP purely as a buyer of your excess hand if you're mid-contract elsewhere.

• Downside: At noon, it's noticeably below the pack leaders. We treat it as the "bridge" option until your import deal unlocks and you can switch fully.

5.5  Octopus Outgoing Fixed (15 p)

• Classic choice: Straightforward, no dynamic complexity, monthly billing.

• Pairs with: Any of Octopus's smart import tariffs- Intelligent Go, Cosy, Tracker- but you must pick one of theirs.

• Good fit: Solar homes without a battery; you'll mostly self-consume, so export volume is lower, and simplicity wins.

5.6  EDF Export 12m (15 p)

• Perk: Guaranteed payment for a full year at 15 p-nice hedge if you worry rates may fall.

• Strings: Paper application (scan & email or post). Quarterly payouts only.

• Import synergy: EDF's Simply Fixed Direct sits around the cap price, not top tier, but stable.

5.7  Good Energy Solar Savings (15 p)

• Green brand appeal: 100 % renewable import supply, certified carbon offsetting.

• USP: Positions itself for ethical consumers; offers consultation to tweak your battery settings for greener grid moments.

• Negatives: Import rates are higher than Octopus/E.ON; eco premium of ~2 p/kWh on daytime usage.

Ready to Power Your Future with Solar?

Join hundreds of UK homeowners and businesses already saving with GRW Solar.

Enjoy cleaner energy, lower bills, and expert support every step of the way.

Call us free on 0800 059 0606

Email:

enquires@grwsolar.co.uk

Visit grwsolar.co.uk to get your free quote today

6  |  Tariff Pairings for Specific Lifestyles

6.1  Electric‑Vehicle Drivers

Option Export Tariff Import Tariff Overnight Price Why It Wins

Combo A Octopus Outgoing Fixed (15 p) Intelligent Octopus Go 7 p (23:30-05:30) Octopus auto‑boosts battery & EV; flat export.

Combo B E.ON Next Export Exclusive (16.5 p) E.ON Next Drive 6.7 p (00:00-07:00) Slightly cheaper nights; export pays more.

Combo C British Gas Export & Earn Plus (15.1 p) Electric Driver + Hive Solar Saver 7.9 p nights & 25 % day‑rate discount. Brand loyalty to BG; peak discount sweetens day imports.

6.2  Heat‑Pump Households

Heat pumps push annual demand to ~6,000 - 7,000 kWh. Your export volume drops, so focus on cheap import windows.

• Best pairing: Outgoing Fixed + Cosy Octopus - three off-peak slots totalling eight hours of sub-15p electricity, perfect for pre-heating buffer tanks.

• Runner‑up: Next Export Exclusive + Next Drive - long seven-hour cheap window lets you charge both battery and heat‑pump buffer at 6.7 p.

6.3  Battery‑Free Systems

If you skipped storage to keep costs down, the self-consumption rate rarely tops 50 %. You'll export a lot, so chase the highest fixed rate. Currently, that's E.ON 16.5 p.

(We'd still advise pricing a 5 kWh battery-payback is often < 6 years at 2025 rates.)

7  |  Battery Sizing & Smart‑Meter Tips to Maximise Export Profits

7.1  How Much Battery Is "Enough"?

Array Size Household Demand Recommended Storage Rationale

3 kWp < 3 MWh/yr 3 kWh Cheap buffer to reach 70 % self-use.

4-5 kWp 3-4 MWh/yr 5 kWh Balances cost vs marginal return.

6 - 8 kWp 4-6 MWh/yr 8-10 kWh Enables full overnight charging + daytime export games.

10 kWp+ > 6 MWh/yr or heat pump 12-15 kWh. Let you ride the dynamic import/export fully.

Tip: Batteries bigger than 15 kWh push domestic wiring, DNO allowances, and cost per kWh up sharply. Multiple smaller units often beat one giant pack.

7.2  Meter & Comms Checklist

1. SMETS2 beats SMETS1 for reliability and easier supplier switching.

2. Half-hourly settled: Ask your current provider to opt you into HH settlement-essential for dynamic SEG.

3. Strong 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi near the battery gateway avoids missed discharge commands (especially on Octopus Flux).

4. Keep firmware updated- manufacturers push export‑logic tweaks regularly.

8  |  Real‑World Case Studies

Case Study A - The Tech‑Savvy Commuter Couple (Manchester)

• Array/Battery: 4.8 kWp + 5.2 kWh GivEnergy

• Usage: 3,200 kWh, Tesla Model 3 10,000 miles/yr

• Tariffs: Intelligent Octopus Flux + Intelligent Octopus Go

• Outcome (2024‑- 25):

• Exported 1,030 kWh at avg 26 p → £268 revenue

• Imported 2,950 kWh at blended 16 p → £472 cost

• Net electricity bill £204 (down from £980 pre‑solar)

Case Study B - Retired Bungalow Owners (Norfolk)

• Array/Battery: 3.6 kWp, no battery

• Usage: 2,700 kWh

• Tariffs: E.ON Next Export Exclusive + E.ON Next Standard

• Outcome:

• Exported 1,250 kWh @ 16.5 p → £206 revenue

• Imported 1,900 kWh @ 25 p → £475 cost

• Net £269, satisfaction high; considering adding a 3 kWh battery to trim imports further.

Case Study C - Family of Five + Heat Pump (Cardiff)

• Array/Battery: 6 kWp + 9.5 kWh Enphase

• Usage: 6,400 kWh

• Tariffs: Outgoing Fixed + Cosy Octopus

• Outcome:

• Exported 1,550 kWh @ 15 p → £233 revenue

• Imported 4,850 kWh at blended 18 p → £873 cost

• Net £640 (versus £1,600 grid‑only) - 60 % saving; CO₂ cut by 2.1 t yr⁻¹.

9  |  Step‑by‑Step Switching Checklist

1. Review exit fees on your current import contract. If > £60 and you're under six months from the end, wait.

2. Gather documents:

• MCS or Flexi‑Orb certificate

• G98 or G99/DNO approval

• Photo of meter export screen (ID + reading)

3. Choose pairing: Use sections 4-6 to shortlist export + import combo.

4. Apply online supplier hosts a dedicated SEG form. Accuracy trumps speed; mismatched addresses delay MPAN creation.

5. Supplier requests MPAN from DNO (1-4 weeks). Keep an eye on your email for any clarifications.

6. Submit the opening meter reading on the day they confirm activation. Screenshot everything.

7. Optimise settings:

• Schedule battery charge/discharge in the inverter app.

• For Flux or Go, link your account tokens.

• Create a weekly reminder to check the first month's data.

8. Track income & usage: Free tools like HomeAssistant or Octopus' Dashboard make export earnings visible-motivation matters!

Total admin time: roughly 90 minutes spread over three weeks. Average annual payoff: £800 - £1,100 versus pre-switch baseline.

10  |  Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I split import and export between two suppliers?

A. Yes, provided your export-only supplier offers a "non-bundled" contract (Scottish Power SmartGen is most popular). Dynamic tariffs typically require a single‑supplier export + import.

Q2. Do SEG payments affect my Feed-in Tariff (FIT) from before 2019?

A. No. FIT generation and deemed export continue separately. You cannot sign up for SEG if you still receive deemed export under FIT. Some households do a once‑and‑for switch from deemed (at 5.4 p) to metered SEG (15 p+), but you must forgo the FIT export element permanently.

Q3. Will adding a battery void my panel warranty?

A. Not with reputable brands. The inverter simply diverts DC or AC; panel warranties (typically 25 years) stay intact. Ensure your installer updates the DNO if the battery pushes the total inverter capacity over 3.68 kW.

Q4. Is the income taxable?

A. HMRC's Property Income Manual confirms micro‑generation export from an owner-occupied dwelling is usually exempt. If you run an Airbnb or limited company, seek advice.

Q5. What happens during a power cut?

A. Standard grid-tied solar shuts down- safety first. Add a hybrid inverter with EPS (emergency power supply) to keep a single socket or circuit alive off the battery.

11  |  Glossary of Solar & Tariff Jargon

• kWh (kilowatt‑hour) - Unit of energy; what you pay for.

• kWp (kilowatt‑peak) - Panel output under standard test conditions.

• MCS - Microgeneration Certification Scheme; quality mark.

• DNO - Distribution Network Operator; owns local wires.

• SMETS2 - Second-generation smart meter, switch-friendly.

• G98/G99 - Application forms to connect micro‑generation to the grid (< 16 A per phase vs > 16 A).

• Export MPAN - Unique number for your outflow meter reading.

• Round‑trip efficiency - % of energy retained after charging + discharging a battery.

• Time‑of‑Use (TOU) Tariff - Energy price changes through the day.

• Arbitrage - Buying electricity cheap, selling dear (legally!).

12  |  About Us - Independent Installers You Can Trust

We're a British, family-run solar engineering firm with 15,000+ domestic installs since 2011. Our mission is to turn every roof into a power station that earns for its owner and lightens the grid's carbon load.

Why Work with Us?

• Whole‑market tariff advice: We install hardware, but also guide you through SEG sign-up. Zero commission from suppliers.

• Tier‑1 equipment: Long‑warranty panels (25 yrs), inverters (12 yrs), and batteries we'd happily fit in our own homes.

• In-house electricians: No subcontracting roulette.

• After‑care portal: Live performance dashboards, remote firmware updates, and annual health checks.

Ready to Power Your Future with Solar?

Join hundreds of UK homeowners and businesses already saving with GRW Solar.

Enjoy cleaner energy, lower bills, and expert support every step of the way.

Call us free on 0800 059 0606

Email:

enquires@grwsolar.co.uk

Visit grwsolar.co.uk to get your free quote today

Final Thought

Choosing the best SEG rate is no longer a five-minute box‑tick; it's a powerful lever that can chop your net electricity spend in half, sometimes more. Armed with the guidance above, a clear-eyed view of your household's energy rhythm, and the right hardware on your roof and wall, you'll turn every sunny day (and a few cloudy ones) into genuine pounds back in your pocket. Don't let that spare electricity vanish into the grid for peanuts- claim its true value and watch your energy bills shrink.

Karl Wallis

Managing Director of GRW Group

GRW Group is a Wakefield-based electrical contracting firm that covers all of the United Kingdom. Our skilled commercial electrical team is available 24/7, ensuring you’re never left in the dark. Solar panels, EV chargers, data cabling, fire and security alarms, or CCTV installations? We’re on it—whether it’s repairs, servicing, or new installations. At GRW Group, we believe in exceptional service with a personal touch. Ready for commercial electrical excellence? Contact us today! ⚡️🔌