The best SEG rates in 2026 come from time-of-use tariffs: Octopus Intelligent Flux pays up to 30p/kWh during the 4–7pm peak (battery required), while the best flat rates are around 12–25p/kWh (Octopus Outgoing, Good Energy). The average across all SEG tariffs is roughly 13p/kWh — switching from a default 4–5p tariff can triple your export income.
SEG Rates Compared (2026)
Here is how the leading SEG and export tariffs compare. Time-of-use rates assume a compatible battery; you do not need to buy your electricity from the same supplier for most flat-rate tariffs, though the best rates are usually reserved for that supplier's import customers.
| Tariff | Type | Export rate | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Intelligent Flux | Time-of-use | Up to ~30p/kWh (4–7pm peak) | Compatible battery + smart meter, Octopus import |
| Octopus Flux | Time-of-use | ~26p/kWh peak | Battery + smart meter, Octopus import |
| Good Energy Solar Savings Exclusive | Flat | ~25p/kWh | Good Energy import customer |
| Octopus Outgoing | Flat | 12–15p/kWh | Smart meter, Octopus import |
| E.ON Next Export Exclusive | Flat | ~16.5p/kWh | E.ON Next import + their install |
| British Gas Export & Earn Plus | Flat | ~15p/kWh | British Gas import customer |
| Typical default SEG tariffs | Flat | 4–5p/kWh | None — but poor value; always switch |
Best SEG Rates in 2026
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires all licensed electricity suppliers with 150,000+ customers to offer a tariff for exported solar electricity. Over 270,000 installations were on SEG tariffs by March 2025 — a 63% annual increase. The best rates come from time-of-use tariffs rather than flat rates.
Octopus Intelligent Flux leads the market, paying up to 30.31p/kWh during peak 4-7pm exports. This requires a compatible battery and smart meter, but the returns are exceptional. For flat-rate simplicity, Octopus Outgoing pays 12-15p/kWh. Good Energy Solar Savings Exclusive offers 25p/kWh. The average rate across all SEG tariffs is approximately 13p/kWh.
Flat Rate vs Time-of-Use: Which Pays More?
Time-of-use tariffs pay more but require a battery and active management. With Octopus Flux, you charge your battery cheaply overnight (around 7p/kWh) and export during the 4-7pm peak at 26-30p/kWh. This arbitrage strategy can earn £300-£600 per year on top of self-consumption savings. Without a battery, a flat rate of 12-15p/kWh is simpler but earns significantly less.
For solar-only installations without battery storage, we recommend Octopus Outgoing or similar flat-rate tariffs. For solar-plus-battery systems, Octopus Flux or Intelligent Octopus Go maximise returns. We help every customer choose the right tariff during installation commissioning.
How Much Can You Earn from SEG?
A 4kW solar system in East Anglia exporting approximately 1,500-2,000 kWh per year earns £60-£300 annually at standard flat rates. With a battery and Octopus Flux, strategic exporting can boost this to £400-£800+. The key is that self-consumption savings (avoiding buying at 24.5p/kWh) are almost always more valuable than export income, so the battery should prioritise self-use and only export surplus during peak pricing windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best SEG rate in 2026?
Octopus Intelligent Flux pays the most — up to around 30p/kWh during the 4–7pm export peak — but requires a compatible home battery and smart meter. The best flat rates are around 15–25p/kWh from suppliers like Good Energy and E.ON Next, usually reserved for their own import customers.
Do I need a smart meter for SEG payments?
Yes. SEG payments are based on actual half-hourly export readings, so a smart meter capable of half-hourly reporting is required by every SEG tariff. If you do not have one, your electricity supplier will usually fit one for free.
Can I be on a different supplier for import and export?
Yes — SEG export and your import supply are separate contracts and can be with different suppliers. However, the best export rates (Octopus Flux, Good Energy Exclusive, E.ON Next Exclusive) are typically reserved for customers who also import with that supplier.
Is it worth switching from my default SEG tariff?
Almost always. Default SEG rates are as low as 4–5p/kWh, while the best flat rates pay 12–25p/kWh — on a typical 1,500–2,000kWh annual export, switching can add £150–£400 a year for a few minutes of paperwork.
Does MCS certification matter for SEG?
Yes — suppliers require MCS certification (or equivalent) for your solar installation before they will pay SEG export rates. Every Green Hat installation is MCS certified and we handle the SEG registration paperwork during commissioning.
Continue Reading
Get Expert Advice
Have questions about any of the topics covered in this article? Our team is happy to provide personalised advice for your specific property and situation.
Book a Free Survey