If you have photovoltaic (solar PV) panels, you’ll often generate more electricity than your home can use—especially in the middle of the day. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is the UK scheme that lets eligible small-scale generators get paid for the low-carbon electricity they export to the grid.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK scheme that requires certain electricity suppliers to pay eligible small-scale generators for low-carbon electricity exported to the grid. If your solar PV system exports power you don’t use, you can sign up with a supplier offering a SEG tariff and receive export payments, subject to eligibility and metering requirements.
How SEG works (in plain English)
When your PV system generates electricity:
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First, your home uses what it needs.
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Next, any spare electricity may be exported to the grid (unless stored or diverted).
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Under SEG, you choose a participating supplier’s export tariff. SEG licensees must offer a tariff, and you can shop around.
Important: SEG is generally not automatic—you typically need to apply/sign up with a supplier and meet their requirements.
Who can apply for SEG?
Eligibility details are set out by Ofgem, including application guidance and scheme rules. Ofgem also advises generators to shop around for the best tariff.
In practice, suppliers commonly ask for:
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Evidence your system meets scheme requirements (often including installation certification evidence)
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Appropriate metering capability (varies by supplier and setup)
For the authoritative “what counts and how to apply,” use Ofgem’s SEG Generators pages and the “Guidance for generators.”
What metering do you need?
Export payments depend on measured export (not estimates), which means metering matters. Ofgem’s SEG materials emphasise eligibility requirements and application steps, and many suppliers require export-capable metering arrangements.
Practical tip: When you request PV quotes, ask the installer:
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Whether your setup will support export readings smoothly
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What you’ll need to do (or they’ll do) to make SEG sign-up straightforward
SEG vs “using your own solar”: which matters more?
Your total benefit from solar PV usually comes from two buckets:
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Self-consumption savings (electricity you generate and use instead of buying)
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Export income (SEG payments for exported electricity)
A good design and smart usage habits can increase self-consumption, which often improves overall economics—especially if you can run more daytime loads.
Quick checklist: ready to get SEG payments?
Use this before you apply:
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✅ You know which supplier you’ll apply to (compare rates/terms)
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✅ You can provide the documents they request (installer paperwork/certificates)
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✅ Your metering/export measurement is sorted (or you know the steps to sort it)
FAQs
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
SEG is a UK scheme that requires certain electricity suppliers to pay eligible small-scale generators for low-carbon electricity exported to the grid, provided scheme criteria are met.
Do I automatically get SEG payments if I install solar PV?
Typically, no. You usually need to apply/sign up for an export tariff with a supplier that offers one, following the scheme guidance and supplier steps.
Can I choose any SEG tariff?
Ofgem advises generators to shop around to find the best SEG tariff for them and provides lists/resources on SEG licensees.
Where can I check the official SEG rules?
Ofgem publishes SEG overview pages and guidance resources, including “Guidance for generators.”
If you’re comparing PV quotes, ask for an export-ready design and a clear handover pack so SEG set-up is painless.