Best SEG Tariff 2026: Compare Rates
Want to know what system suits this tariff?
Export tariffs pay very differently depending on your system size and whether you have a battery. See what setup would actually earn you the most at your home.
Size a System for This TariffFree. Uses your postcode and usage — no phone number needed.
What is the best SEG tariff in the UK?
The best SEG tariff in 2026 depends on your setup. For fixed rates (no battery): British Gas (~5.6p/kWh) or E.ON Next (~5.5p/kWh) are the best. For variable rates (with battery): Octopus Flux (8–24p/kWh time-dependent) earns the most through peak-time export. On 2,000 kWh of annual exports, the difference between the worst (4.1p) and best (average 12p with Flux) tariff is £158/year — worth 10 minutes of switching.
2026 SEG Rate Comparison
Fixed SEG tariffs (stable, predictable income):
| Supplier | SEG Rate | Annual Income (2,000 kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy (Fixed Export) | 4.1p/kWh | £82 |
| British Gas (Solar Export) | 5.6p/kWh | £112 |
| E.ON Next (Solar Export) | 5.5p/kWh | £110 |
| EDF (Export) | 5.0p/kWh | £100 |
| Scottish Power (Export) | 4.5p/kWh | £90 |
| OVO Energy (Export) | 4.0p/kWh | £80 |
| Shell Energy (Export) | 4.5p/kWh | £90 |
Variable SEG tariffs (higher potential, varies by time):
| Supplier | Rate Structure | Peak Rate | Avg Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Flux (Export) | 3 periods | 24p (16:00–19:00) | ~12p average |
| Octopus Agile Outgoing | Half-hourly | Up to 30p+ (variable) | ~8p average |
Income comparison on 2,000 kWh annual export: - Worst fixed (OVO 4.0p): £80/year - Best fixed (British Gas 5.6p): £112/year - Octopus Flux (average 12p with battery): £240/year
Difference between worst and best: £160/year. Over 25 years: £4,000.
*Rates correct as of March 2026. SEG rates change — check supplier websites for current rates.*
Source: Supplier published SEG rates March 2026.
Which SEG Tariff Is Best for You?
No battery (most homeowners): - Choose the highest fixed rate — British Gas (5.6p) or E.ON (5.5p) - Your export happens throughout the day whenever solar exceeds consumption - Fixed rates give predictable income regardless of when you export - Variable rates (Flux) are less valuable because you cannot control WHEN you export
With battery: - Choose Octopus Flux — you can control when to export - Charge battery from solar during the day - Export from battery during 16:00–19:00 peak at 24p/kWh - Recharge battery from grid overnight at 10p/kWh - This earns 3–5x more than a fixed SEG rate
With battery + automated inverter (GivEnergy): - Flux is automatic — the inverter has built-in Flux mode - Set and forget — the system optimises import/export timing for you - This is the highest-earning combination available to UK solar owners
Source: SEG tariff analysis; battery + tariff optimisation modelling.
Want to know what system suits this tariff?
Export tariffs pay very differently depending on your system size and whether you have a battery. See what setup would actually earn you the most at your home.
Size a System for This TariffHow to Switch SEG Provider
Switching is free and takes about 10 minutes:
- Compare current rates — check the table above or supplier websites for the latest rates
- You do NOT need to switch your electricity supply — SEG can be with any supplier, independent of your import tariff
- Contact your new SEG supplier — register online with your MCS certificate and smart meter MPAN
- Cancel with your old SEG supplier — some switch automatically, others need a cancellation
- New payments start from the registration date — not backdated
- No exit fees — SEG contracts have no lock-in period
- Check rates every 6–12 months — suppliers change SEG rates regularly
Maximising SEG Income
- Choose the best rate — switching from 4p to 5.6p earns £32/year more on 2,000 kWh. Over 25 years: £800 for 10 minutes of work.
- Export during peak if on Flux — use battery to shift export to 16:00–19:00 peak window
- Reduce self-consumption if exporting at high rates — counterintuitive, but exporting at 24p is better than self-consuming at 26.11p only marginally. At Flux peak rates, exporting IS the best use.
- Monitor export data — your smart meter and SEG supplier show exactly how much you export. Verify payments match.
- Stack with self-consumption — SEG income is a bonus on top of self-consumption savings. Maximise self-consumption first, then earn SEG on genuine surplus.
- Consider seasonal patterns — you export more in summer (high generation, lower consumption). Switch to the best summer rate if suppliers offer seasonal deals.
SEG Requirements Reminder
To receive SEG payments you need: 1. MCS-certified solar installation (MCS certificate required) 2. Smart meter (SMETS2 recommended) recording export data 3. System size under 5MW (all residential systems qualify) 4. Registration with a participating SEG supplier
You do NOT need: - To be a customer of the SEG supplier (any licensed supplier will do) - To have a specific inverter or panel brand - To export a minimum amount - To sign a long-term contract
If you have not registered for SEG yet, you are leaving money on the table. Register today.
Source: Ofgem SEG participation requirements.
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Want to know what system suits this tariff?
Export tariffs pay very differently depending on your system size and whether you have a battery. See what setup would actually earn you the most at your home.
Size a System for This TariffFree. Uses your postcode and usage — no phone number needed.