What is the SEG?
The Smart Export Guarantee requires participating electricity suppliers to offer eligible small-scale generators payment for exported renewable electricity.
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HEY SOLAR GUIDESmart Export Guarantee explained
If your eligible renewable system exports electricity to the grid in Great Britain, the SEG provides a route to be paid for it.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is the Great Britain framework under which participating electricity suppliers offer eligible small-scale generators payment for electricity exported to the grid. Rates and contract terms are set by suppliers, so current offers need to be checked rather than assumed.
Is payment automatic?
No. You need to apply to an eligible export tariff. Rates, terms and eligibility conditions vary by supplier.
What might I need?
Eligibility commonly includes appropriate metering and evidence that the installation meets scheme requirements, such as MCS or an equivalent recognised certification route.
Does HEY Solar set the rate?
No. Export rates are set by suppliers and can change. Check current supplier terms before making a financial decision.
Use this checklist before you compare proposals.
- Installation eligibility
- Export-capable meter
- Certification/evidence requested by supplier
- Current supplier tariff and terms
- Export rate structure
- Whether import and export suppliers must match
- Application and meter-reading process
Is SEG payment automatic?
No. An eligible generator needs an export arrangement with a participating supplier and must meet that supplier’s requirements.
Is there one SEG rate?
No. Suppliers set their own export rates and terms within the scheme framework, so offers can differ and change.
Should I export or store surplus solar?
That depends on the export value, battery cost and losses, consumption pattern and tariff strategy. It is a modelling question rather than a universal rule.
CHECKED AGAINST OFFICIAL GUIDANCE
Time-sensitive scheme, tax and eligibility details can change. HEY Solar separates indicative modelling from current rules and links to primary sources.
Reviewed: September 2026. Always check the linked source for the current position.NEXT STEP
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