Will I still get generation payments after FiT?

No — FiT generation payments end after 20 years. You no longer receive payment for every kWh generated. But you still benefit from: free electricity (self-consumption) and SEG export payments.

Should I add a battery when FiT ends?

Strongly recommended — without FiT generation payments, maximising self-consumption becomes more important. A battery shifts surplus to evening use, saving 24.5p/kWh instead of exporting at 4-15p.

Are my panels too old when FiT ends?

Most FiT panels installed 2009-2019 will be 15-25 years old when FiT ends. At 0.4%/yr degradation: they'll still produce 85-94% of original output. Worth keeping for another 5-15 years.

Should I upgrade my panels when FiT ends?

Consider upgrading the inverter (they last 10-15 years) rather than the panels. Modern inverters are more efficient and support battery integration. Panel replacement is usually not needed until year 25-30.

Feed-in Tariff Legacy UK

By Home Solar Guide Team|Updated 18 March 2026|educational

Independently written | Evidence-based | Sources cited

Feed-in Tariff legacy — FiT payments end in 2039. Your panels keep generating for 10-15 more years — switch to SEG.

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What happens when Feed-in Tariff ends?

The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) closed to new applicants in March 2019. Existing recipients: payments are GUARANTEED for 20 years from installation. Last FiT recipients (installed March 2019): payments continue until 2039. After FiT ends: (1) Your panels continue generating electricity — they last 25-30 years total. (2) Self-consumption savings continue as before (24.5p/kWh saved). (3) Switch to Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) for export payments (currently 4-15p/kWh). (4) Consider adding a battery to maximise self-consumption (more valuable than export). FiT was very generous (up to 43p/kWh for early adopters). SEG pays less for export, but electricity prices are much higher now — so self-consumption is extremely valuable.

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 running costs in the UK

Heat pumps use electricity at 300-400% efficiency, making them ideal partners 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