SEG & Feed-in Tariff Calculator
Calculate how much you can earn by exporting surplus solar power back to the grid — UK Smart Export Guarantee or Australian feed-in tariff.
Rates last verified: 2026-05-01 · Methodology
How we calculated this
Generation = System size (kWp) × Peak sun hours × 365 × 0.8 system efficiency
UK SEG Rate Comparison
Rates as of May 2026. Always check the provider's current tariff before signing up.
| Provider | Rate | Type | Est. Annual* |
|---|
* Based on 4kWp system, local average sun hours, 40% export. Your results will vary.
💡 Maximise your export earnings
- • Time-of-use export: Octopus Agile SEG pays up to 20p/kWh during peak demand (4–7pm). A battery lets you shift midday solar to this window.
- • Self-consume first: Every kWh you use instead of importing saves ~25–30p (UK). Export rates pay less — so run dishwashers, washing machines, and EV chargers during the day.
- • Check your smart meter: SEG requires a SMETS2 smart meter. Your supplier must install one free of charge.
- • UK grants: Check if you qualify for ECO4, the Warm Homes Plan, or the Boiler Upgrade Scheme — free or subsidised solar is available to many households. Check eligibility →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government scheme that requires licensed energy suppliers with 150,000+ customers to offer export tariffs to small-scale renewable generators. If you have a solar panel system of up to 5MW (virtually all homes) and a smart meter, you're entitled to be paid for every unit of electricity you export. Rates vary by supplier and are set commercially — the only requirement is that they must be above zero.
How much can I earn from SEG in the UK?
A typical 4kWp UK system exporting around 40% of its ~3,800 kWh annual output earns roughly £250–£600/year depending on your SEG tariff. Octopus Agile SEG can pay up to 20p/kWh during high-demand periods, while British Gas and EDF pay closer to 7–8p. The best strategy is to self-consume as much as possible first (saving import costs), then export the rest.
Do I need a smart meter for SEG?
Yes. You need a smart meter (SMETS2) to register for SEG, as it records your half-hourly export readings. If you don't have one yet, your energy supplier is obliged to offer you one for free. Installation usually takes 1–2 hours and a supplier can deny a SEG application until the smart meter is in place.
What are Australian feed-in tariff rates?
Australian feed-in tariff (FiT) rates are set by state regulators and vary significantly. As of 2025–26, the minimum single-rate FiTs range from about 2.5c (WA DEBS) to 9.9c (SA minimum retailer rate). Many retailers offer higher voluntary rates, especially time-varying tariffs that pay more for peak exports. NSW, VIC and SA have the most competitive markets with rates up to 10–15c depending on the retailer.
Should I get a battery storage system instead?
For most households, self-consuming more solar (either directly or via battery) is more valuable than exporting, because the import rate you avoid (25–35p/kWh UK, 25–40c AU) is higher than any export rate. A battery becomes financially attractive when you can store midday surplus to use in evenings, especially where export rates are low. Our Solar Payback Calculator can model battery scenarios.
Can I switch SEG providers without switching energy supplier?
Yes. Your SEG provider (who buys your export) does not have to be the same company as your import supplier. You can shop around for the best export rate independently. Some providers like Octopus offer dedicated export-only accounts. Compare current rates on Ofgem's SEG register before signing up.