Smart Export Guarantee
What is the Smart Export Guarantee
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government-backed initiative introduced in January 2020 to encourage the adoption of low-carbon energy solutions. Under this scheme, licensed energy suppliers are obligated to pay homeowners, landlords, and small businesses for excess electricity they generate and export back to the National Grid.
This initiative supports the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, while helping property owners offset installation costs and generate income from their renewable energy systems.
Eligible Technologies for SEG Payments
- Solar photovoltaic panels (Solar PV)
- Small wind turbines
- Micro combined heat and power (Micro-CHP)
- Hydropower systems
- Anaerobic digestion (AD) systems
To qualify, systems must be located in Great Britain and have a capacity of up to 5MW (or 50kW for micro-CHP).
Key benefits of the SEG include:
- Earn up to 27p per kWh for exported energy (depending on your supplier)
- Average income of £160 per year, helping reduce energy bills
- Replaces the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) and gives consumers freedom to find the best rate
- Contributes to the UK’s clean energy transition
- Especially useful for homes without a solar battery, as unused power is automatically sent to the grid
Whether you’re planning to install solar panels or already producing your own electricity, the Smart Export Guarantee makes it easier to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and start earning money from exporting your surplus renewable energy to the National Grid, you must meet a specific set of eligibility requirements. These rules ensure your setup complies with UK government guidelines for clean energy generation and reporting.
Who Is Eligible for the SEG?
To be eligible for SEG payments, you must:
Own the generation unit
You must be the legal owner of the system generating the electricity (e.g. solar panels, wind turbines, etc.).
Stay within capacity limits
Your system must not exceed 5 megawatts (MW) capacity. For micro combined heat and power (Micro-CHP) units, the limit is 50 kilowatts (kW).
Have an appropriate mete
You need a meter that can take half-hourly readings of the electricity you export. This could be a smart meter, Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) device, or any half-hourly capable export meter.
Hold a certified installation
Your system must be installed by an accredited installer and certified under one of the following schemes: MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) Flexi-Orb You’ll need to provide proof of certification.
Have a DNO export connection (preferred but not mandatory)
This is a letter or email confirmation from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) confirming your system is connected to the export grid.
Not be under a FIT export agreement
If you’re currently receiving export payments under the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme, you must opt-out to become eligible for SEG.
How Long Does the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Application Take?
If you’re ready to start earning from the excess electricity your solar panels or renewable system generates, you might be wondering how long the SEG application takes. Here’s a clear breakdown of the process and what to expect at each stage.
📋 Total Application Time: Up to 14 Days
The Smart Export Guarantee application process is designed to be straightforward, but there are a few necessary steps to ensure everything is validated and compliant. Here’s how it works:
Application Submission & Validation (Up to 2 Days)
- As soon as you submit your application, we begin validating your information.
- We’ll confirm that your system meets SEG eligibility criteria, including:
- Proper certification (MCS or equivalent)
- Ownership of a smart meter capable of half-hourly readings
- Proper certification (MCS or equivalent)
Once verified, your application moves to the next step.
DNO Creates Your Export MPAN (1–2 Weeks)
- Your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) will issue a Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) to register your export meter.
- This is usually the longest part of the process and can take 7–14 days depending on the DNO’s workload.
Think of it like applying for a passport — necessary but out of your supplier’s control.
Register Payment Details (1–2 Weeks)
- After receiving your MPAN, we’ll contact you to register your bank/payment details.
- If you’re:
- A new applicant, payments will begin from your application date.
- A new applicant, payments will begin from your application date.
Switching from another supplier, payments will begin from the agreed switch-over date.
Start Earning from Solar Export
- Once setup is complete, you’ll begin receiving payments for every unit of excess energy you export to the grid.
- No energy is lost during the application process.
Even if you’re switching from another supplier, we’ll request any additional meter readings needed to ensure accurate payments from your export start date.
Here are 5 SEO-optimized, EEAT-compliant, and AI Search-friendly FAQs related to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), tailored to UK-based users searching for information on exporting renewable energy to the grid:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and how does it work in the UK?
Answer:
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government-backed initiative introduced in January 2020. It requires licensed electricity suppliers to pay homeowners and small-scale generators for excess renewable electricity they export to the National Grid. Eligible technologies include solar PV, wind, hydro, anaerobic digestion (AD), and micro-combined heat and power (CHP). Payments are made per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy exported, with rates varying by supplier.
Who is eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee in the UK?
Answer:
To qualify for the SEG in the UK, you must:
- Own a renewable energy system (e.g., solar panels, wind turbine) with a capacity of up to 5MW (or 50kW for micro-CHP).
- Have an MCS-certified or equivalent installation (e.g., Flexi-Orb).
- Use a smart meter or AMR that can record half-hourly export readings.
- Have an export connection approved by your Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
- Not be receiving payments under the older Feed-in Tariff (FiT) export agreement.
How much can I earn from SEG payments for exporting solar energy?
Answer:
The amount you earn under the Smart Export Guarantee depends on:
- The amount of electricity you export to the grid.
- The tariff rate offered by your SEG licensee (e.g., E.ON offers up to 16.5p/kWh, while Scottish Power offers 12p/kWh).
On average, a UK household could earn £160–£219 annually from SEG payments based on current export rates and energy usage.
How long does the SEG application process take in the UK?
Answer:
The SEG application process in the UK typically takes up to 14 working days and involves:
- Eligibility validation (1–2 days)
- DNO export MPAN creation (up to 2 weeks)
Payment detail registration (1–2 weeks)
During this time, any exported energy is still recorded, and you will receive payments from the start date of your application or switch-over date if moving from another supplier.
Can I still apply for the SEG if I was part of the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme?
Answer:
You can only apply for the Smart Export Guarantee if you opt out of the export component of your existing Feed-in Tariff agreement. However, many UK households on FiT may already be receiving export payments and do not qualify for SEG unless they switch entirely.
