How Solar Electricity Export Works

By Home Solar Guide Team||educational
Independently written | Plain-English guide
Solar electricity export to UK grid
Surplus solar flows automatically to the grid — your smart meter records every kWh.

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 Tariff

Free. Uses your postcode and usage — no phone number needed.

Export
Grid
Flow
Income

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 Tariff

How does solar electricity export work?

Solar electricity export happens automatically. When your panels generate more than your home uses, surplus flows through your meter to the national grid. Your smart meter records the export. Your SEG supplier pays you for every kWh exported (4-15p/kWh). The process requires: MCS-certified installation and a smart meter. Your inverter, meter, and grid handle everything — no manual intervention needed.

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

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 Tariff

Free. Uses your postcode and usage — no phone number needed.