How to get the best Smart Export Guarantee Rates 2024

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme is designed to enable people with renewable energy sources to make money by selling their unused energy to the National Grid. This scheme is both sustainable and cost-efficient as it promotes the use of low-carbon, renewable energy and also allows homeowners to earn an extra source of income to combat the effects of the existing cost of living crisis.

Examples of the type of renewable energy sources available are:

• Wind turbines
• Micro combined heat and power
• Hydro or Anaerobic digestion (installation must have a maximum capacity of 5 MW)
• Solar panels
• Microgeneration Certificate Scheme (MCS)

As it stands, the average homeowner with a three-bedroom property and a 3.5 kWp solar panel system will earn around £159 per year from the Smart Export Guarantee scheme. However, many energy suppliers are offering different deals, so you could find an even better offer. For example, Octopus Energy currently offers the best Smart Meter Guarantee rate at 24p per kWh.

Signing up to the SEG initiative is simple. All you have to do is meet the qualifying criteria, select a supplier and fill in their application form.

Interested in earning extra money through the Smart Export Guarantee scheme? Continue reading to find out everything you need to know.

Smart Export Guarantee Rates

Currently, there are 13 companies that are licensed to offer Smart Export Guarantee Rates (SEG) – these can be any amount above Zero (0).

There are 11 suppliers which are obligated to offer SEG rates. This is because they have at least 150,000 domestic electricity customers. Two companies – Positive Energy and Rebel Energy – voluntarily offer tariffs. However, Rebel’s tariff is not publicly available.



As aforementioned, the best Smart Export Guarantee rate is approximately 24p per kWh, from Octopus Energy. But here’s a table detailing some of the other tariffs available (starting from the lowest rate to the highest):

correct and accurate as of 13-07-2023

How does the Smart Export Guarantee Work?

The Smart Export Guarantee works if you are a homeowner or a company and you generate renewable energy. The government-backed scheme requires that larger energy suppliers pay homeowners for any unused energy that is sent back to the National Grid. SEG Licensees determine the rate, contract and length and other terms which SEG Generators will receive. The tariff rates must be above zero and are calculated using a export meter reading.

Money can be made from dozens of companies just for producing energy through solar panels, micro combined heat and power, wind turbines or anaerobic digestion. It’s best to compare rates online to find who offers the best deal. This scheme is lucrative to all who are looking to save money or make money.

What are the Best Current Smart Export Guarantee rates?

Currently, the best Smart Export Guarantee rate is offered by Octopus Energy. They will pay around 24p for every kWh of renewable electricity that your household sends to the National Grid. The variable tariff is only available to its own customers, but it can pay other households a rate of 4.1 per kWh.



ScottishPower offers another excellent deal that anyone can access – 12p per kWh with their SmartGen tariff.

Compare SEG rates online today to find out which offers are available to you.

What are the worst Smart Export Guarantee rates?

The worst Smart Export Guarantee rate is paid by the Company E at 1 per kWh. This is the least paid on the market for your renewable energy. It’s believed that they have 3000,000 customers throughout the UK and they are not in competition with any other carrier.

They’re simply fulfilling their legal obligation. It’s also worth noting that EDF and E.On’s low 3p per kWh rates are far less than half the average for suppliers who provide SEG rates, despite making billions over the years.

Can you choose any supplier for the Smart Export Guarantee or does it have to be your own?

You can choose any supplier for the Smart Export Guarantee scheme, although some only have rates that are applicable to their own customers. It’s recommended that you choose from those who offer homeowners a higher tariff for receiving electricity.



Compare SEG rates online to get the best deal.

Can you earn decent money from the Smart Export Guarantee?

As it stands, the average homeowner with a three-bedroom property and a 3.5 kWp solar panel system could earn around £159 per year from the Smart Export Guarantee scheme. However, many energy suppliers are offering different deals, so you could find an even better offer. For example, Octopus Energy currently offers the best Smart Meter Guarantee rate at 24p per kWh.



Providing you purchase the right size solar panels and pay a fair price (£786.00 a panel), you should earn a good saving over the year regardless of the size of your home.

Is Smart Export Guarantee income liable to tax?

Your Smart Export Guarantee income will not be liable for tax providing that your solar array system is on or nearby property and you don’t produce more solar power than you intend to use at home. Even if your installation doesn’t match the requirements, you could still be exempt.



You will need to class your SEG payments as trading and miscellaneous income. If your total income does not exceed £1,000, you won’t have to report it to HMRC. 

What are the qualification criteria for the SEG and how do I sign up?

You can qualify and sign up for SEG providing you can generate energy in the following ways:

• Solar panels
• Wind turbines
• Micro combined heat and power
• Hydro
• Anaerobic digestion

Installation must be at a maximum capacity of 5MW, unless it’s a micro combined heat and power installation which means the upper limit is 50 kW.

You must provide a Microgeneration Certificate Scheme (MSC) certificate or the equivalent. If you don’t have a certificate, be sure that both your installation and installer are certified.

You’ll also need an Export Meter that is capable of measuring your exported electricity.

A smart meter will automatically qualify, but check and make sure that your meter is eligible with your SEG supplier, as this will impact how you receive your payments.

Finally, you’ll need to provide an Export MPAN. This is a 13-number reference that will identify your personal electricity connection point.



Compare SEG rates online today and you’ll be all set to earn an income through your renewable energy in no time!