Make money from your excess energy
As more homeowners invest in solar to shield themselves from rising energy prices and gain energy independence, there’s another benefit many aren’t aware of – you can actually earn money by sending unused electricity generated by your solar panels back to the grid.
Through the government-backed Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you get paid for every extra unused unit (kWh) of electricity your panels generate – helping your investment pay for itself even faster.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee?
Launched in 2020, the SEG is a government scheme that requires energy suppliers to pay small-scale generators – including businesses and homeowners with solar panels – for the renewable electricity they export back to the grid.
The goal is simple: To encourage more people to install clean energy systems – and to reward those who generate more than they consume. This means not only saving on energy bills but also creating a new, passive revenue stream from extra power.
How does it work?
Here’s what happens once your solar system is up and running:
- You generate power on-site for your own use.
- Any surplus power is automatically exported to the National Grid.
- An export meter or your smart meter tracks exactly how much you send back.
- Your SEG supplier pays you per kWh you export – rates vary between suppliers.
You don’t need to switch energy provider to access SEG – though some of the best rates are only available to existing customers.
Is your home eligible?
To apply for the SEG, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:
- Solar PV system up to 5MW in capacity (the average domestic system is between 3-5 kW)
- Installed by an MCS-certified installer
- Smart or export meter that supports half-hourly readings
- A valid export MPAN number (your supplier can help with this)
Applying is simple – once your system is in place, your chosen SEG supplier will guide you through their online application process.
How much could you earn?
Put simply, what you earn depends on how much you export and the tariff you’re on, which varies by supplier.
In 2025, top SEG rates can reach 40p per kWh, but are often tied to:
- Being an existing customer
- Installing solar and battery storage through that supplier
More accessible rates typically range from 5p to 21p per kWh, with fewer strings attached – ideal for those that already have panels installed or prefer flexibility.
How to choose a SEG tariff
To make the most of SEG, it’s worth comparing suppliers regularly and considering battery storage to optimise when you export. Here’s what to consider:
- Rate per kWh – This is what you’ll earn for every unit of electricity you export. Rates can vary depending on your supplier and your set-up.
- Eligibility requirements – Some of the higher-paying tariffs require you to be an existing customer or to have installed your solar system and battery through that supplier.
- Contract type – Fixed rates offer certainty, while variable rates may increase or decrease based on wholesale energy prices.
- Payment frequency – Check how often you’ll get paid – monthly, quarterly, or annually – and whether you’ll need to invoice or if it’s automatic.
Need help getting started?
Exploring solar and the Smart Export Guarantee can feel like a lot to navigate. Our team of experts are here on hand to guide you through every step, from designing the right solar setup for your site to helping you understand how SEG could boost your returns.
Call us on 0116 216 2550or email solar@glenfieldelectrical.com to book your free consultation and get tailored advice on making solar work for you.