Best Solar Export Tariff UK: A Complete Guide for Solar Panel Owners

A solar export tariff can turn unused rooftop solar power into an extra payment, but the highest pence-per-kWh rate is not always the best deal. A household that exports a lot may benefit from a premium SEG tariff, while a home with a battery, EV or heat pump may save more by focusing on import rates and self-consumption. This guide explains how UK solar export tariffs work, how to compare suppliers, and how to choose a tariff that matches your real electricity use.

What Is a Solar Export Tariff in the UK?

A solar export tariff is the rate a household receives for sending unused solar electricity back to the grid. In the UK, this usually sits under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which requires participating electricity suppliers to pay eligible small-scale generators for exported renewable electricity.

For a solar panel owner, this means daytime surplus power that is not used by appliances, stored in a battery or diverted elsewhere can become a small income stream instead of being wasted. The actual payment is measured in pence per kilowatt-hour, but there is no single “best” rate for every home.

Export tariffs vary by supplier, contract type, whether you also buy electricity from the same company, smart meter compatibility, system certification and tariff conditions. Some households may prefer a high fixed export rate, while others may get better whole-bill value from combining solar, storage and a flexible import tariff.

Why Solar Export Tariffs Exist in the UK Energy System?

Solar export tariffs exist because the UK energy system needs a practical way to reward small-scale renewable generation. The older Feed-in Tariff scheme closed to new applications from 1 April 2019, while the Smart Export Guarantee came into effect from 1 January 2020 as the newer export payment framework.

Unlike the old model, SEG focuses on the electricity actually exported to the grid rather than simply rewarding generation. This helps homes, small businesses and community sites contribute renewable power when their panels produce more than they need. It also encourages better energy habits: using solar power directly, exporting genuine surplus, and considering storage where evening demand is higher.

Best Solar Export Tariff in the UK: What People Are Really Searching for?

When people search for the best solar export tariff UK, they are usually not only looking for the highest number in pence per kWh. A strong export tariff also needs to fit the way a household actually uses electricity.

• A home with a large solar array, low daytime demand and no battery may export a lot, so a higher export rate can make a noticeable difference.
• A family that uses most solar power during the day, charges an EV, runs a heat pump or stores energy in a home battery may export less, so the best choice may depend more on import prices, time-of-use rates and overall bill reduction.

This is why the best export tariff UK for solar panels should be judged by reliability, eligibility, smart meter requirements, payment terms and the balance between self-consumption and export income.

Best Export Tariff UK for Solar Panels: Real Comparison Overview

A fixed SEG tariff is often easier to understand because the export price stays relatively predictable for the contract period. Premium export tariffs may offer a better headline rate, but they can come with stricter conditions, such as taking import electricity from the same supplier, having specific solar or battery equipment, or meeting installation standards.

Flexible SEG tariffs can suit users who are happy to monitor rates and shift consumption, but they may not be ideal for households that want simple, stable payments. Availability also changes regularly, depending on supplier rules, tariff withdrawals, regional eligibility and whether the customer has a compatible export meter.

Best Solar Export Tariff UK Martin Lewis Perspective

From a consumer finance perspective, the most useful approach is to compare tariffs carefully rather than chase one headline rate. The export payment is only one part of the solar return. A household should also consider how much electricity it avoids buying from the grid, whether the import tariff is competitive, and how much surplus it realistically exports each year. In many cases, the “best” tariff is the one that improves the total annual energy cost, not simply the one with the highest advertised export rate.

Best Solar Export Tariff in the UK by Different Suppliers  

The best solar export tariff in the UK depends on more than the export rate. Some suppliers offer high rates only if they also supply your electricity. Others reserve their best rates for customers who bought solar panels or batteries through them.

Standalone SEG tariffs are easier to access, but they usually pay less.

The figures below use a simple example: a 4 kWp solar system producing 3,400 kWh a year, with 55% used at home and 45% exported. Avoided import cost is estimated using 26.11p/kWh, so self-consumption saves about £488 a year before export income.

Good Energy

Good Energy is currently one of the strongest names for high flat-rate export. Its top Solar Savings Exclusive tariff is aimed at customers whose solar and battery system is installed through Good Energy and who also take supply from the company. Sign-up usually starts through the supplier’s solar/export application route.

EDF

EDF offers a mix of exclusive and wider SEG options. Export Exclusive 12m V3 pays more, but it is linked to buying solar, a battery or both through EDF. EDF also has lower variable SEG options for customers who want a more accessible route. Sign-up requires an SEG application, proof of installation, export meter details and bank information.

Ecotricity

Ecotricity is simple for households that already want Ecotricity supply. Its Smart Export Tariff pays a competitive 16p/kWh but is tied to being an electricity customer. It can suit solar owners who prefer a supplier-linked package rather than a standalone low-rate SEG tariff.

E.ON Next

E.ON Next is worth checking because it has several export tiers. The better rates usually depend on being an E.ON Next customer or meeting installation conditions. It is useful for households that want a recognised large supplier and are happy to keep import and export with the same company.

Octopus Energy

Octopus Energy remains popular with solar households because of its export and smart import ecosystem. Its standard Octopus Outgoing rate is not always the highest flat rate, but households with batteries, EVs or flexible usage may find value in pairing export with time-of-use import tariffs. This is where storage can matter: a system such as the Jackery SolarVault 3 Series can help shift solar energy into evening use, reducing imports before export income is even counted.

Why Export Tariffs Vary so Much Between Suppliers?

Export tariffs vary because suppliers do not all value exported electricity in the same way. Wholesale energy pricing is the first factor: the value of electricity changes by time of day, season and market conditions.

• Supplier strategy also matters. Some companies use higher export rates to attract solar households, while others keep basic SEG rates low and focus on standard supply customers. Bundled tariffs create another difference.
• A supplier may offer a stronger export rate only when the customer also takes import electricity, solar installation, battery storage or extra services from the same brand.
• Customer segmentation is also important. A household with high export volume, smart metering and flexible demand is more valuable to some suppliers than a household that exports very little.

That is why the best export tariff is not always the highest number on a comparison table, but the tariff that gives the best result across import cost, export income, self-consumption and contract conditions.

Best Solar Export Tariff UK for Solar Panels by Household Type  

The best solar export tariff UK households should choose depends heavily on how electricity is used during the day. Two homes with the same solar panel system can see very different results. A retired couple who use appliances during daylight hours may export very little, while a commuter household with an empty home from 9am to 5pm may send much more solar electricity back to the grid. This is why the best export tariff UK for solar panels should be matched to usage pattern, not only the advertised export rate.

For homes with high daytime usage, a simple fixed SEG tariff can be enough. The main saving comes from using solar electricity directly and avoiding grid imports, rather than earning large export payments. Homes with low daytime usage should compare higher-rate SEG tariffs more carefully, because a larger share of their generation may be exported.

Households without a battery often benefit more from an export-focused tariff, especially in spring and summer when midday solar output is high. By contrast, battery storage users may not need to chase the highest export rate. A home battery can store surplus solar power for evening use, reducing dependence on expensive grid electricity.

In this case, a balanced strategy may work better: a fair export rate, a competitive import tariff and good self-consumption. For homes using products such as the Jackery SolarVault 3 Series, the value often comes from using more solar energy at home before deciding how much surplus to export.

The Best Export Tariffs for Households with Solar Panels and Batteries 

For households with both solar panels and battery storage, the best export tariff is not always the highest flat SEG rate. A battery changes the calculation because surplus solar electricity can be stored, used in the evening, or exported at a more valuable time if the tariff supports time-of-use pricing. This makes flexible export tariffs especially relevant for battery owners, although fixed high-rate tariffs can still work well for households that prefer simplicity.

Intelligent Octopus Flux

Intelligent Octopus Flux is one of the most battery-focused options because it uses smart controls to optimise when the battery charges and exports. Instead of simply paying one flat rate all day, it can reward export during periods when grid demand is higher. It suits homes with compatible battery systems and users who want the tariff to manage much of the timing automatically.

Octopus Flux

Octopus Flux is also designed for solar and battery homes, but it gives users more reason to manage their battery schedule carefully. The idea is simple: charge when import rates are lower, use stored energy when grid electricity is expensive, and export at better-priced periods where possible. It can work well for households that actively monitor energy flows.

Good Energy Solar Savings Exclusive

Good Energy’s higher export option is attractive for households that want a strong fixed rate rather than time-of-use complexity. It is most relevant when the solar and battery system is installed through the supplier’s approved route. The trade-off is that eligibility is narrower than a basic SEG tariff.

British Gas Export and Earn Plus

British Gas Export and Earn Plus can suit customers who already buy electricity from British Gas and want a more familiar supplier arrangement. It is less flexible than battery-optimised time-of-use tariffs, but the structure is easier to understand.

Ecotricity Smart Export Tariff

Ecotricity’s export tariff is useful for households that prefer a straightforward green-energy supplier package. For battery users, it may not maximise every peak export opportunity, but it can still provide a clear route for earning from genuine surplus electricity.

The Best Export Tariffs for Households with an EV 

For households with an EV, the best solar export tariff is usually the one that works well alongside a cheap overnight import tariff. EV charging can use a lot more electricity than ordinary household appliances, so the biggest saving may come from charging the car at a low off-peak rate, while using solar during the day and exporting only genuine surplus.

This is especially important for homes with solar panels, a battery and an EV, because the household is balancing three flows: solar generation, car charging and grid export.

Octopus Intelligent Go + Outgoing Octopus

This combination is often attractive for EV owners because Intelligent Octopus Go is built around smart overnight charging. The car can charge when electricity is cheaper, while Outgoing Octopus gives solar households a route to export unused generation.

Octopus lists Outgoing Octopus as the smart export tariff that works with most of its import tariffs, while Intelligent Octopus Go is designed to schedule EV charging automatically through the app.

E.ON Next Drive + export tariff

E.ON Next Drive can suit EV households that want a fixed tariff with a clear overnight charging window. E.ON currently presents Next Drive with lower-priced electricity at 9p/kWh between 12am and 6am, which can be useful for regular home charging. Solar owners should still check the export tariff that can be paired with it, because the best result depends on both import and export rates.

British Gas EV tariff + Export and Earn

British Gas may suit households that prefer a familiar large supplier and want to keep EV charging and solar export under one account. This approach is less about advanced optimisation and more about simplicity. It can work well where the off-peak EV rate is competitive and the Export and Earn tariff gives a fair payment for surplus solar power.

The Best Export Tariffs for Households with a Heat Pump

For households with a heat pump, the best solar export tariff should be judged alongside winter import costs. Heat pumps usually use the most electricity in colder months, when solar generation is lower, so a high summer export rate does not automatically mean the lowest annual bill.

The strongest approach is often a tariff pairing: a fair export rate for surplus solar, plus an import tariff that reduces the cost of running the heat pump during cheaper periods.

Cosy Octopus + Outgoing Octopus

Cosy Octopus is designed for homes with heat pumps or electric boilers. It uses three daily price periods, giving cheaper electricity during selected windows and a higher rate at peak times.

For solar households, the key question is whether the chosen import tariff can be paired with Outgoing Octopus, as Octopus states that Outgoing can only be used with certain import tariffs. This pairing can suit homes that can pre-heat water or living spaces during cheaper windows while exporting surplus solar when available.

E.ON Next heat pump / solar export pairing

E.ON Next is relevant for households considering a wider low-carbon package, including solar, batteries and heat pumps. Its export tariff information includes a 17.5p/kWh Premium v3 rate for eligible customers with qualifying installations, while its wider energy-saving guidance uses solar and battery examples based on the July 2026 Ofgem price cap unit rate of 26.11p/kWh. This type of bundled setup can work well where eligibility is clear and the import tariff remains competitive.

Standard SEG + competitive heat pump import tariff

Some heat pump households may be better off choosing a simpler SEG export tariff and focusing harder on the import side. This is especially true if most solar power is used directly by the home or stored in a battery.

For example, the Jackery SolarVault 3 Series can help shift solar energy into evening use, reducing peak-time imports before export income is counted. In this case, the best tariff is the one that lowers the full annual energy bill, not just the one with the highest export payment.

How Solar Export Payments Actually Work in the UK 

Solar export payments are based on the amount of electricity a household sends back to the grid. Under the Smart Export Guarantee, suppliers pay eligible generators for exported electricity, and the payment is calculated using export meter readings rather than estimated solar generation.

This usually means the home needs a meter capable of recording half-hourly export readings, typically a smart meter. The supplier then applies the agreed export tariff, measured in pence per kilowatt-hour, to the number of exported units. Payments may be made monthly, quarterly or annually depending on the provider and tariff terms.

For example, if a household exports 1,500 kWh of solar electricity in a year and its export tariff pays 15p/kWh, the annual export income would be:

1,500 kWh × £0.15 = £225

This does not mean the solar panels only saved £225. The household may also save money by using solar electricity directly instead of buying it from the grid. Export income is only the payment for the surplus electricity that leaves the property.

How Are Export Tariffs Calculated?

The calculation is usually straightforward once the meter is set up. A smart export meter records how many kilowatt-hours flow from the home to the grid. The supplier reads this data, or asks for export meter readings depending on its process, and then pays the customer at the agreed rate.

Ofgem explains that SEG payments are calculated using export meter readings, and suppliers pay for electricity exported back to the National Grid. The UK government also states that SEG applicants need a meter capable of half-hourly export readings, typically a smart meter.

British Gas, for example, sends SEG payments by bank transfer every three months after receiving the latest export meter reading. The key point is that payments depend on actual exported volume, not the total electricity generated by the panels. A home that uses or stores most of its solar power will export less, even if the solar system produces plenty of energy.

Why the Highest Export Rate Is Not Always the Best Choice?

The highest solar export rate does not always produce the highest annual return. Export income depends on two things: the rate paid per kilowatt-hour and the amount of electricity actually exported. A household that receives 20p/kWh but exports only 500 kWh a year would earn £100. Another household on a lower 12p/kWh tariff but exporting 1,500 kWh would earn £180. The headline rate matters, but export volume matters just as much.

This is why solar households should look at their own energy pattern before choosing a tariff. If someone works from home, uses appliances during the day or charges a battery from solar panels, much of the generation may be consumed on site. In that case, the main benefit is reducing grid electricity purchases, not earning large export payments. A lower but more flexible tariff may also be better if it can be paired with a cheaper import rate.

Eligibility is another issue. Some of the highest export tariffs require the household to buy electricity from the same supplier, use an approved installer or meet specific smart meter conditions. A tariff that looks generous on paper may be less useful if it increases import costs or does not fit the home’s system.

Export Tariff vs Self-Consumption: Which Matters More?

For most UK solar households, self-consumption usually has the stronger financial impact than export income. This is because every unit of solar electricity used at home reduces the amount bought from the grid, and the retail electricity price is often higher than the export rate paid for surplus power.

Export tariffs still matter, especially for homes that generate more electricity than they can use during the day, but they should be seen as one part of the overall solar return rather than the whole strategy.

The difference is easiest to see with a simple example. If a home exports 1 kWh at 12p, it earns 12p. If that same 1 kWh is used inside the home instead of buying electricity at a higher import price, the saving may be greater. This does not mean exporting is bad. It means households should first understand how much solar electricity they can realistically use, store or shift before choosing a tariff.

Jackery SolarVault 3 Series and Export Strategy

This is where battery storage changes the decision. Systems such as the Jackery SolarVault 3 Series can store excess solar energy instead of exporting it immediately. That stored power can then be used later in the evening, when solar generation drops and household demand often rises.

For homes with regular evening use, storage can shift value away from export payments and towards self-consumption savings. The best approach is not always “export as much as possible”, but “use solar where it gives the highest value, then export the remaining surplus on a suitable tariff.”

The Jackery SolarVault 3 Series is Jackery’s next-generation home solar storage solution, designed to help households generate, store, and use solar energy more efficiently. The series includes the SolarVault 3 Pro, SolarVault 3 Pro Max, and SolarVault 3 Pro Max AC, offering flexible options for balcony solar systems, existing PV installations, and larger home energy setups.

With an integrated inverter, LiFePO4 battery technology, smart energy management, and expandable storage from 2.52 kWh to 15.12 kWh, the SolarVault 3 Series brings solar storage into a compact, modular, all-in-one system.

How to Choose the Best Export Tariff for Your Household?

Choosing the best solar export tariff starts with your own home, not the supplier table. A high rate is useful only if it fits your system, usage pattern and contract options.

Check your solar system size and consumption

A larger system may export more, especially in summer. If your daytime electricity use is already high, your export volume may be modest, so self-consumption could matter more than the export rate.

Confirm whether you can change energy supplier

Some of the best export tariffs require you to buy electricity from the same supplier. Before switching, compare both the export rate and the import tariff, including standing charges.

Look at installer conditions

Certain premium tariffs are only available if your solar panels or battery were installed by the supplier or an approved partner. This can make the advertised rate less accessible.

Consider whether you have a battery

A battery reduces the need to export immediately by storing surplus solar for later use. This may make a balanced tariff more useful than a purely export-focused one.

Decide whether you want your battery managed for you

Smart tariffs can optimise charging and exporting automatically, but they may require compatible equipment and data access.

Factor in an EV

EV households should compare export rates with overnight charging costs. A cheap EV import tariff may be worth more than a slightly higher export payment.

Factor in a heat pump

Heat pump homes often use more electricity in winter, when solar output is lower. The best tariff should reduce whole-year import costs, not just maximise summer export income.

Check how long sign-up and payment take

SEG applications can require MCS documents, smart meter details and export MPAN setup. Payment schedules also vary, from monthly to quarterly or annual payments.

FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the best solar export tariff in the UK:

1. Who pays the best export tariff for solar panels?

The highest-paying export tariffs usually come from suppliers that link export payments to wider conditions, such as taking their import tariff, using their solar installer or having a compatible battery. MoneySavingExpert’s June 2026 guide lists top rates of up to 25p/kWh for some fixed supplier-linked tariffs, while time-of-use battery tariffs can pay more at peak export times but come with stricter eligibility rules. The best choice should be checked against current supplier terms before switching.

2. Who has the best solar tariffs?

There is no single best supplier for every solar household. Good Energy, Octopus Energy, EDF, British Gas, E.ON Next and Ecotricity often appear in UK solar export comparisons, but the right option depends on whether you want a high fixed export rate, a battery-focused tariff, an EV tariff pairing or a simple standard SEG tariff.

3. What is the best energy tariff in the UK?

The best energy tariff in the UK depends on your usage. A standard household may want a low unit rate and standing charge. An EV household may prefer cheap overnight electricity. A solar and battery household may benefit from time-of-use import and export pricing. Always compare the whole annual bill, not only the export rate.

4. What is the best SEG tariff?

The best SEG tariff is usually the one that gives the strongest combination of export rate, eligibility, payment reliability and import tariff compatibility. A high-rate SEG tariff is useful if you export a lot. If you use most solar power at home, a lower export rate with a cheaper import tariff may work better.

5. How much does the Smart Export Guarantee pay?

SEG payments vary by supplier. Ofgem requires SEG tariffs to be above zero, but it does not set one fixed national rate. In 2026, basic tariffs can be only a few pence per kWh, while stronger supplier-linked tariffs may pay around 15p–25p/kWh. Time-of-use export tariffs can vary by period.

6. What is the average SEG payment?

There is no useful single “average” SEG payment because income depends on export volume and tariff rate. For example, exporting 1,500 kWh a year at 12p/kWh would earn £180, while the same export volume at 20p/kWh would earn £300. Homes with batteries or high daytime usage may export less.

7. What’s the best import tariff to use with an export tariff?

The best import tariff depends on your lifestyle. EV owners often look for cheap overnight charging tariffs. Heat pump households may prefer tariffs with lower heating-time costs. Solar and battery users may benefit from smart or time-of-use tariffs that allow them to charge, store and export more strategically.

8. The Smart Export Guarantee: is it any good?

Yes, SEG is useful because it pays households for electricity that would otherwise leave the home without direct compensation. However, it is not a complete solar payback plan by itself. The biggest benefit often comes from using solar electricity at home and reducing grid imports, with SEG income added on top.

9. Can I switch from FiT payments to SEG payments?

You cannot switch the generation part of the Feed-in Tariff to SEG, and in most cases you would not want to lose it. However, households on FiT may be able to opt out of the FiT export payment and move only the export element to a SEG tariff. MoneySavingExpert stresses that the generation payment can continue even if the export element is changed, but you should check your FiT provider’s process before making a decision.

Final Thoughts

The best solar export tariff UK households can choose is the one that improves the whole energy bill, not just the one with the highest headline rate. Export payments matter, but so do import prices, daytime usage, battery storage, EV charging and heat pump demand. For many solar homes, the smartest approach is to use more solar electricity directly, store surplus where useful, and export the remaining power through a tariff with fair rates and clear conditions.