Guides › Energy and Water Bills › Solar Panel Export Payments: Smart Export Guarantee
Solar Panel Export Payments: Smart Export Guarantee
Under the Smart Export Guarantee, some electricity suppliers must pay small-scale generators, such as homes with solar panels, for electricity they export to the grid. Each supplier sets its own rate and terms, but the rate must always be above zero. Payments are based on export meter readings.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Smart Export Guarantee
How It Works
The SEG requires some electricity suppliers (SEG Licensees) to pay small-scale generators for low-carbon electricity they export. It covers solar PV, wind, hydro and anaerobic digestion up to 5MW, and micro-CHP up to 50kW, in Great Britain. Payments use export meter readings. Licensees set the rate, contract length and terms, but SEG rates must always be above zero. It launched on 1 January 2020. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Above zeroSEG export rateSet by each supplier
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check your installation type and size are covered.
Step 2 of 5
Make sure you have a meter that records exports.
Step 3 of 5
Compare SEG tariffs from different suppliers.
Step 4 of 5
Apply to your chosen SEG supplier.
Step 5 of 5
If payments are wrong, complain, then go to the Energy Ombudsman.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Energy Supplier's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing.
Energy Ombudsman
After 8 weeks with no resolution, or when you get a deadlock letter.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Compare tariffs: rates and terms vary between suppliers.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/smart-export-guarantee-seg Checked 13 October 2026
- energyombudsman.org/advice-for-consumers/what-is-back-billing Checked 12 October 2026