What is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The Smart Export Guarantee is a government-backed scheme designed to pay small-scale renewable energy generators for surplus electricity exported to the national grid. It applies to homes and businesses that have solar panels installed.
Who qualifies for the SEG?
To qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), your solar panel system needs to meet a few key requirements.
First, your installation must be MCS or Flexi-Orb certified and located in Great Britain. This certification confirms that both the system and the installer meet recognised quality and safety standards.
You’ll also need a smart meter or export meter that can record the electricity you send back to the grid. Most energy suppliers require half-hourly export readings, although some will accept regular export data.
The SEG is available for renewable energy systems with a total installed capacity of up to 5MW (or up to 50kW for micro-CHP systems). Installations larger than this are not covered by the scheme.
To be classed as an eligible installation, you must:
- Use a suitably certified installer and system such as MCS or Flexi-Orb
- Have an export meter installed
- Have an export Meter Point Administration Number MPAN
Once these requirements are met, you can apply to a SEG-licensed energy supplier and start getting paid for the excess electricity your system exports to the grid.
How does the SEG work?
The Smart Export Guarantee is a support mechanism that ensures people who generate their own electricity are paid for electricity they export to the grid. This doesn’t happen automatically, so you need to sign up to get the SEG tariff. You will also need to shop around to find the best tariff and rates for you.
How much, when and how you get paid varies with each supplier. Typically payments are made via bank transfer or credit, paid every three months although this can vary between suppliers. You must always check before going ahead with a supplier
Why certification matters
Certification matters for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) in the UK because it is the primary, and often mandatory, proof required by energy suppliers to prove that your solar panels (or other renewable technology) and their installation meet strict, high-quality standards.
Without an MCS certificate (or an approved alternative such as Flexi-Orb), energy suppliers will not allow you to join their SEG tariffs. This means you cannot get paid for the excess electricity you export to the grid.
How to apply for the SEG
You can apply for a SEG tariff with any SEG licensee – your SEG licensee does not need to be the same company as your current energy supplier. You can choose to use separate companies for your SEG payments, electricity supply, and your gas supply if you wish. Here is a list of recognised suppliers.
Benefits of the Smart Export Guarantee
There are numerous benefits to the SEG. Firstly, you’ll be generating extra income from the surplus electricity produced. There are some really competitive market rates as suppliers are free to set their own tariffs, this is why it’s so important to shop around for the best rates to really maximize your earnings. You’ll also be supporting Great Britain’s move towards a greener future and reaching the UK’s net zero carbon emissions, with the use of green energy which reduces the use of fossil fuels.
The Smart Export Guarantee is a simple way to earn money from the electricity your solar panels generate but do not use. With the right setup in place, exporting surplus energy can help improve the long-term value of your solar installation and make it work even harder for you.
If you’re thinking about a solar panel installation, choosing a certified installer is essential. MCS or Flexi-Orb certification ensures your installation meets the standards required to access SEG payments and gives you added protection and peace of mind.