The Smart Export Guarantee: get paid for the electricity you export
smart export guarantee (SEG) & solar energy
Everything you need to know about SEG, in plain English — plus how we make it simple.
Get paid
If your solar system generates more electricity than you use, you can export the extra back to the grid. With the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), your energy supplier can pay you for those exports.
We install SEG-ready systems and guide you through the steps so you don’t get stuck on paperwork.
What is the SEG?
The Smart Export Guarantee is a UK scheme that lets solar owners earn money for exporting surplus electricity. Your supplier sets the export rate, so payments can vary between suppliers and tariffs. The key thing is simple: export power → get paid for what your meter records.
How SEG works?
Your panels power your building first
Any extra energy flows to the grid
Your export meter records the exported kWh
Your electricity supplier pays you based on your SEG tariff
Payments usually come as bill credit or bank transfer
(depends on supplier)
What you need to qualify
Most SEG applications need a few basics in place:
The advantages of SEG with Simple Solar
SEG payments add extra return on top of bill savings.
- More value from your solar
- We install SEG-ready systems and give you the right documents for registration.
- Less hassle
- Clear advice, tidy commissioning, and the paperwork you need to get started.
- Confidence it’s done properly
- You get an MCS certificate and the right handover details, so everything’s done by the book.
or Call Us on 01752916013
How to benefit from the SEG (simple steps)
01 — Get a free quote
Tell us about your site and your goals. We’ll recommend the right system.
02 — SEG-ready
We design a SEG-ready system. We size panels and inverter correctly and plan for export from day one.
03 — Install
Next is the install + commissioning. Our team installs, tests, and commissions everything to spec.
04 — MCS certificate
We provide your MCS certificate and handover pack. You’ll have the documents most suppliers ask for.
05 — SEG tariff
Pick a SEG tariff and apply (depends on supplier). You apply with your supplier and then you start earning on exports.
FAQs
Questions we frequently get asked
Do I automatically get SEG when I install solar?
Not automatically. SEG is something you sign up for with an electricity supplier after your system is installed and certified.
How do I get paid?
It depends on your supplier. Some pay by bank transfer, others credit your bill. Either way, it’s based on the exported energy your meter records.
How much money will I make from SEG?
It varies. It depends on your tariff rate, how much you export, and when you export. Most people see SEG as a bonus on top of the bigger savings from using solar directly.
Do I need a battery to get SEG?
No. A battery can help you use more of your solar on-site, but SEG is specifically for what you export back to the grid.
Do I need a smart meter?
You need an export meter that can measure what you send to the grid. In many cases that’s a smart meter, but your supplier can confirm what they require.
Can I switch SEG suppliers later?
Usually yes. If you find a better export tariff, you can often change supplier or switch tariffs (subject to their terms).
What if my building uses most of the solar power?
That’s great — using your own solar is normally the biggest saving. SEG only applies to the surplus you don’t use.
Will you help with the SEG paperwork?
Yes. We give you the MCS certificate and the handover details suppliers typically ask for, and we’ll tell you exactly what to submit.
Does SEG affect my normal electricity supply?
No. You still buy electricity as usual when you need it. SEG is just payment for what you export.
Get paid for going green
Want a SEG-ready solar quote with clear numbers and no pressure? Call 01752 916 013 or use the button below and we’ll send a same-day initial quote.