What is the best SEG rate in 2026?

Best fixed rate: British Gas at 5.6p/kWh. Best variable rate: Octopus Flux at 8–24p/kWh (time-dependent). Without a battery, choose the best fixed rate. With a battery, Octopus Flux earns 3–5x more through peak export.

Can I switch SEG providers?

Yes — free, no exit fees, takes about 10 minutes. You do not need to switch your electricity supply — SEG can be with any participating supplier. Check rates every 6–12 months and switch if a better deal appears.

How much does the SEG pay per year?

On 2,000 kWh of annual exports: £80–£112 at fixed rates, or £200–£240 with Octopus Flux and a battery. Your exact exports depend on system size, self-consumption, and whether you have a battery.

Does SEG income affect my tax?

No — SEG income from domestic solar (under 50kW) is tax-free. You do not need to declare it on your self-assessment. This has been confirmed by HMRC.

Best SEG Tariff 2026: Compare Rates

Last updated: 18 March 2026

Independently written

Solar electricity being exported to the grid — earning SEG payments — SEG rates range from 4p to 24p per kWh — choosing the right tariff earns hundreds more per year.

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.

SEG income adds significantly to overall solar savings — The right SEG tariff adds £80-£240/year — a significant portion of your total solar income.

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.

Smart tariff management optimising SEG export timing — With a battery + Flux: export at 24p during peak, recharge at 10p overnight. Maximum value.

How 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 24.5p 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 income appearing as credit on electricity bill — SEG payments appear as credits on your bill — or as direct payments depending on your supplier.

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.

MCS certificate — required for SEG registration — Your MCS certificate is your ticket to SEG income — register as soon as you receive it.

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