If you’ve already got solar panels on your home, you’re likely saving on your electricity bills – but are you getting paid properly for the electricity you export back to the grid?
Whether you installed your system years ago or only recently, you may be missing out on higher payments available through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). In some cases, switching export tariffs could more than triple what you’re paid – but there are important things to consider before making a change.
This blog explains:
- The difference between the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) and the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- How much you could be earning
- How to switch, and when it’s worth it
- Where to get support
Need a refresher on SEG first? Read our earlier blog on how the Smart Export Guarantee works.
What Is the Feed-in Tariff (FIT)?
The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) was a government scheme that ran from April 2010 until March 2019. It aimed to encourage households to install solar panels and other renewable technologies by offering two types of payments:
- Generation tariff – a payment for every unit (kWh) of electricity your solar panels generate, whether you use it yourself or not.
- Export tariff – a payment for the electricity you don’t use and export back to the grid.
Key features of the FIT:
- Guaranteed for 20-25 years depending on when you signed up.
- Generation payments increase annually with inflation (Retail Price Index).
- Many homes without export meters were paid on a “deemed export” basis, assuming 50% of what they generated was exported. You can read more about how this is calculated here: How are my payments calculated?
- Payments are made by a licensed energy supplier (your FIT licensee), but are funded by the government.
The scheme closed to new applicants in March 2019, but existing FIT households continue to receive payments.
Can I Switch From FIT to SEG?
If you’re still receiving export payments through FIT, you can switch this part to a SEG tariff. You’ll keep your generation tariff and continue to receive that income from your existing FIT licensee.
Why would I switch?
Because many SEG export tariffs are now higher than the FIT export rate – even if you installed your panels after 2012.
Here’s a comparison of typical export rates:
| Scheme | Export Rate (approx.) |
| FIT (2010–2012 installs) | ~5.25p per kWh |
| FIT (2012–2019 installs) | ~7.39p per kWh |
| SEG tariffs (2025) | Up to 30p per kWh |
You could more than triple your export income with the right SEG tariff – but SEG rates aren’t fixed long-term, and most only last for 12 months.
Once you move from a FIT deemed export to SEG, you can’t go back to being paid based on estimated 50% export.
What Is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
The SEG replaced the FIT export payments for new solar installs from January 2020 onwards. It pays households for electricity they export to the grid – but there’s no generation tariff.
Key points:
- You must have an MCS-certified system (or equivalent).
- You need a smart meter.
- All energy companies with over 150,000 customers must offer a SEG tariff.
- Tariff rates and payment terms vary by supplier – and they can change over time.
- You must apply directly to the SEG provider, it’s not automatic.
How Much Could You Be Earning?
SEG tariffs currently vary between as little as 1p and as much as 30p per kWh depending on:
- The provider
- Whether you also get your energy supply from them
- Whether your solar installation included a battery
Tariff Types:
- Bundled SEG – only for customers who had their panels/battery installed by the provider and take energy supply from them (often the highest rates).
- Dual SEG – must be an energy supply customer to access the rate.
- Standalone SEG – you can take this export tariff from any provider, regardless of who supplies your energy.
| Provider | Tariff | Rate (approx) |
| Octopus (intelligent Flux) | Bundled SEG | 22p-30p (time-dependent) |
| E.ON Next (Export Exclusive) | Dual SEG | 16.5p |
| British Gas (Export & Earn Plus) | Dual SEG | 15.1p |
| Good Energy (Solar Savings) | Dual SEG | 15p |
| EDF (Export Variable) | Standalone SEG | 3p |
| OVO (SEG Tariff) | Standalone SEG | 4p |
(Correct as of July 2025)
Even if you don’t want to switch your energy supplier, there are standalone export tariffs you can apply for. These are just a few examples – get in touch with Greener Homes to explore available tariff options.
Should You Switch?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Consider:
| Consideration | FIT | SEG |
| Predictable income | Yes – fixed and linked with inflation | No – rates can change yearly |
| Long-term guarantee | Yes (20-25 years) | Usually 12 month terms |
| Higher rates available? | Not usually | Yes – up to 30p per kWh |
If you export a large amount of electricity (more than 18% of what you use), you could be financially better off on a high-paying SEG tariff. Make sure you do your own calculations.
But if stability and predictability are more important to you, staying on FIT (especially with deemed export) may be better.
How to Switch From FIT to SEG
- Ask your FIT provider to opt out of the export portion (you’ll still get generation payments).Your new SEG supplier will handle the process of switching your export payments to their system.
- Choose a SEG tariff and apply directly with the provider.
- Provide:
- Your MCS installation certificate
- Get a new Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) for your export meter – most suppliers will do this for you. If this is not the case, you can apply by contacting your Distribution Network Operator.
- Once your MPAN is created, it’s likely that the energy supplier will ask for an opening export meter reading to start earning from your exported electricity.
Allow 5–12 weeks to complete the switch. You can switch export tariff once per year, but remember – you can’t go back to deemed FIT export once you have a smart meter.
What If My Provider Goes Bust?
- FIT scheme: You’ll need to find a new FIT licensee, but you’ll still be entitled to past and future payments. Ofgem requires new licensees to honour the scheme.
- SEG scheme: You’ll need to find a new SEG provider. You won’t get paid for any exported energy during the gap, so it’s best to act quickly.
Need Help Navigating the Options?
It can be confusing working out whether switching from FIT to SEG is right for you – or whether you’re on the best SEG tariff already.
That’s where Greener Homes in Lancashire comes in.
We offer free, impartial advice to help you make sense of your options and maximise the benefit from your solar panels.
Contact us today on 0800 058 4066 if you’d like help comparing tariffs, understanding the rules, or just want someone to explain it jargon-free.
All information is correct as of July 2025. Always check with your provider before making any changes. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.
