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If you’ve invested in solar panels for your home, congratulations – you’re already saving money on your energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint. But are you getting the most from your solar investment? The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme means you can earn money by selling excess electricity back to the grid, but with dozens of tariffs available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best solar export rates currently available from UK energy suppliers, helping you maximise your solar savings.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The Smart Export Guarantee replaced the Feed-in Tariff scheme in 2020, requiring larger energy suppliers to pay households for surplus renewable energy they export to the grid. Export rates typically range from 4p to 20p per kWh as of 2025, though some premium tariffs offer significantly more during peak periods.
To qualify for SEG payments, you’ll need a smart meter or export meter capable of providing half-hourly readings, and your solar installation must be MCS-certified.
Top Solar Export Tariffs in September 2025
1. Octopus Energy – Intelligent Octopus Flux
Export Rate: Up to 30.31p per kWh during peak hours (4-7 pm); 22.73p per kWh at other times
Intelligent Octopus Flux came to market in July 2023 and changes its rates every three months to reflect Ofgem’s new price cap. This tariff is ideal for households with both solar panels and battery storage, as it allows you to maximise earnings by exporting during the premium peak period.
Requirements: You must be an Octopus Energy customer with a compatible battery system and a smart meter. The tariff works by automatically managing your battery to charge during cheap overnight periods and discharge during high-value peak hours.
Best for: Solar owners with battery storage who want to maximise their returns through time-of-use optimisation.
2. E.ON Next – Export Premium v2
Export Rate: 21p per kWh for electricity exported to the grid on a 24-month fixed-term
This tariff is designed for E.ON Next electricity customers who have had solar panels and/or battery storage systems installed by E.ON Energy Installation Services Ltd. It offers the security of a fixed rate for two years, protecting you from potential rate drops.
Best for: E.ON customers seeking predictable, above-average returns with rate security.
3. ScottishPower – SmartGen+ (Updated July 2025)
Export Rate: 15p per kWh, available to households who bought either solar panels or a battery from ScottishPower
In July 2025, ScottishPower adjusted its export tariffs for the first time in over two years. While not the highest rate available, this tariff offers a solid return without requiring you to switch your electricity supply to ScottishPower.
Best for: Solar owners who want a competitive rate without being tied to a specific electricity supplier.
Making the Most of Your Solar Export Tariff
Pair Solar with Battery Storage
The highest export rates, particularly time-of-use tariffs like Intelligent Octopus Flux, require battery storage to be truly effective. A battery allows you to store excess solar generation during the day and export it during peak periods when rates are highest, rather than exporting immediately at lower daytime rates.
Monitor Your Energy Usage
Understanding your household’s energy consumption patterns is crucial. If you use most of your electricity during the day when your panels are generating, you’ll export less. Evening-heavy users will naturally export more surplus energy and benefit more from export tariffs.
Consider the Full Package
When comparing export tariffs, don’t forget to factor in the import rates if you need to switch suppliers. Energy companies offer the best export rates to their own customers, so the overall value depends on both what you’re paid for exports and what you pay for imports.
What Returns Can You Expect?
A typical UK household can earn £343 per year from exporting its excess solar electricity, based on a home using 3,400kWh of electricity per year with a 4.6kWp solar PV system and a 5.2kWh battery. Your actual earnings will vary depending on:
- Your solar system size
- Your location and solar irradiance
- Your household’s energy consumption patterns
- Whether you have battery storage
- The export tariff you choose
In the North East, while we receive slightly less sunshine than southern England, modern solar panels are highly efficient even in lower light conditions, and the financial returns remain attractive when paired with the right export tariff.
How to Switch Your Export Tariff
Switching to a better export tariff is straightforward:
- Check your current tariff and rate
- Compare available SEG tariffs based on your setup (solar only or solar plus battery)
- Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements
- Apply online with your chosen supplier
- Provide your MCS certificate and meter details
Many households remain on their installer’s default export tariff, which may not be the most competitive option. It’s worth reviewing your tariff annually to ensure you’re getting the best rate available.
The Bottom Line
Solar export tariffs have become increasingly competitive, with premium rates now reaching over 30p per kWh during peak periods for households with the correct setup. Whether you have solar panels alone or paired with battery storage, there’s significant value in reviewing your current arrangement and switching to a tariff that maximises your returns.
he combination of reduced energy bills from self-consumption and income from exported electricity makes solar an increasingly attractive investment for homeowners in the North East. By selecting the optimal export tariff for your specific circumstances, you can ensure that your solar system continues to deliver maximum financial benefits for years to come.
Ready to start earning more from your solar panels? At North East Solar, we can help you understand which export tariff is right for your home and ensure your system is optimised for maximum returns. Contact us today to discuss your options.