If you’ve been looking into solar panels for your home, you may have come across the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Introduced in January 2020, the SEG is a government-backed scheme that allows households and businesses in the UK to earn money for exporting surplus renewable electricity back to the National Grid.
The government introduced the SEG to replace the old Feed-in Tariff (FiT), with a similar purpose of paying homeowners for any renewable electricity they don’t use. When you generate solar energy but don’t use all of it, your supplier can pay you for every extra kilowatt hour (kWh) you send to the grid
How Does the Smart Export Guarantee Work?
The SEG requires licensed electricity suppliers with more than 150,000 customers to offer at least one SEG tariff. These tariffs pay eligible solar PV system owners for the electricity they export to the grid.
To take part, you’ll need:
• A renewable electricity generating system (like solar PV)
• MCS certification for your installation
• A smart meter or equivalent that records half-hourly export data
You remain free to choose your supplier and tariffs can be fixed or variable. Some energy companies pay more than others, so it’s worth shopping around. You’re not locked into choosing the same provider that supplies your electricity.
Who Is Eligible for SEG?
Most domestic solar panel systems in the UK can qualify for SEG, as long as a few key conditions are met:
• Your system must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
• You must have a smart meter or other export-capable meter
• Your energy source must be renewable (solar, wind, hydro, micro-CHP or anaerobic digestion)
At West Coast Electrical, we’re an MCS certified installer, which means our solar panel installations meet the eligibility criteria for SEG.
How Much Can You Earn?
SEG rates vary depending on the supplier. Some tariffs offer just a few pence per kilowatt hour, while others pay more – in some cases, over 15p/kWh. That means the amount you earn depends on:
• How much excess energy your solar system produces
• The rate offered by your chosen SEG provider
It’s a great way to make your solar investment go further. You won’t earn money for all the energy your panels produce just the amount you send back to the grid. But exporting energy still helps lower your bills.
Can You Combine SEG with Battery Storage?
Yes and it’s one of the best ways to get more value from your solar panels. With a battery system installed, you can store excess electricity during the day and use it later, such as in the evening when your usage tends to increase.
Some systems also allow you to choose when to export electricity, depending on your tariff and demand. With this flexibility, homeowners can prioritise using the energy generated by their solar panels within the home first. Only the surplus – what hasn’t been used is then exported to the grid, which gives you greater control over how your energy is used.
At West Coast Electrical, we install solar battery storage systems from trusted brands like AlphaESS and Tesla, designed to integrate seamlessly with your solar PV set up.
How Do You Set Up SEG After Installation?
West Coast Electrical will install your solar system and provide you with an MCS certificate upon completion. You’ll then apply to an energy supplier that offers SEG tariffs. You’re free to choose any qualifying supplier even if it’s not your electricity provider.
We’ll provide all the documentation you need and can guide you through the next steps. Having a smart meter in place is essential, as it tracks the electricity you export.
Why Choose West Coast Electrical?
We’re proud to be MCS and RECC accredited, as well as TrustMark registered and NICEIC approved. Our team has completed hundreds successful solar installations across the North West and we’re passionate about helping homeowners make the most of renewable energy.
Our team handles the full process, from designing your solar, battery, or EV charging system to final handover. We also make sure your home is left clean and tidy once the work is complete.
Thinking about solar panels or battery storage? We’re here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about solar installation in Lancashire and whether SEG is right for you.
