Can I switch SEG provider?

Yes — switch anytime to the highest-paying provider. No exit fees on most SEG contracts. Check rates quarterly as they change. Your solar installation and SEG provider are independent.

Is Octopus Flux worth it?

For battery owners: almost always yes. 15p export (vs 4p standard) on a 4kW system with 10kWh battery: £200-£340/yr extra export income. The battery pays for itself faster on Flux.

Do I need MCS for SEG?

Yes — mandatory. Without MCS certification, no SEG supplier will register your installation. This is the single biggest reason to use MCS-certified installers. No MCS = no export payments.

How much can I earn from SEG?

Typical 4kW system: £120-£180/yr at standard rates. With battery + Flux: £350-£520/yr. SEG export income is smaller than self-consumption savings — prioritise using your solar directly.

SEG: Every Tariff Compared

By Home Solar Guide Team|Updated 19 March 2026|money

Independently written | Evidence-based | Sources cited

SEG tariffs compared — Every SEG tariff compared. Octopus Flux leads at 15p/kWh. Updated Q1 2026.

Find out how much you could save

Answer a few questions and receive personalised solar quotes — completely free.

Start My Quote

Free, no obligation. Takes 2 minutes.

Ready to see how much you could save?

Get 3 free quotes from MCS-certified installers in your area.

Get Free Quotes

Which SEG tariff pays the most?

Every UK Smart Export Guarantee tariff compared (Q1 2026): PREMIUM EXPORT: Octopus Flux — 15p/kWh export (requires battery + smart meter). Best for: solar + battery owners who can time their exports. Annual export income (4kW system): £350-£520. STANDARD FIXED: Octopus Outgoing — 4.1p/kWh. EDF Export — 3.5p/kWh. British Gas Export — 3.2p/kWh. Scottish Power Export — 3.0p/kWh. Shell Energy Export — 2.8p/kWh. Annual export income at 4.1p (best standard): £120-£180. VARIABLE/AGILE: Octopus Agile Export — variable half-hourly (average 5-8p, peaks to 30p+). Best for: tech-savvy owners with battery automation. Annual income: £180-£400 (highly variable). REQUIREMENTS: MCS-certified installation. Smart meter (SMETS2 preferred). Registration with your chosen SEG supplier (free). HOW TO CHOOSE: If you have a battery: Octopus Flux (15p export). If no battery: Octopus Outgoing (4.1p, highest fixed rate). You can install with one company and export with another — they don't need to match. Source: Ofgem SEG supplier list (ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/smart-export-guarantee-seg), individual supplier tariff pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related: Home Heating Systems

Solar panels are most powerful when combined with an efficient heating system. Heat pumps use solar-generated electricity to heat your home at 300-400% efficiency — making them the ideal partner for solar.

heat pump installation process

Heat pump installation typically takes 2-3 days and is best planned alongside solar.

From our sister site Home Heat Pump Guide