Solar Export Tariff Rates: A Homeowner Guide to SEG Payments in London & Kent

How much can I earn exporting solar electricity? In 2026, UK solar export tariff rates typically range from 3p to 16p per kWh, with some exclusive installer-linked tariffs reaching up to 25p per kWh. Your actual earnings depend on your specific energy supplier, whether you have a home battery, and how much surplus electricity your system generates for the grid. ## What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)? The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed initiative that requires larger electricity suppliers to pay small-scale renewable generators for the surplus electricity they export to the National Grid. Unlike the legacy Feed-in Tariff, which paid for both generation and export, the SEG focuses solely on the energy you do not use yourself. For homeowners in London and Kent, this means that every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar energy you don't consume in your home can potentially generate income. ## How do export rates work in 2026? As of September 2026, the market for export tariffs is highly competitive. Standard standalone export rates—where you sell power to a supplier you do not buy electricity from—typically sit in the 3p to 6p per kWh range. However, if you are willing to switch your import tariff to the same provider, you can often access premium rates. Some suppliers offer 'exclusive' rates for customers who have had their solar panels or battery storage systems installed through their specific partner networks, with these rates occasionally climbing as high as 20p to 25p per kWh. It is important to note that these higher rates are often restricted to specific hardware setups. ## Why is a smart meter essential for your export payments? To participate in the SEG, a SMETS2 smart meter is effectively mandatory. Because the SEG relies on actual metered export readings rather than 'deemed' estimates, your meter must be capable of providing half-hourly data to your supplier. If you are currently using an older meter, upgrading to a smart meter is the first step toward unlocking your export income. For residents in London and Kent, ensuring your installer has registered your MCS certificate correctly is the foundation for this process. ## How can you maximise your export earnings? The most effective way to increase your returns is to align your energy usage with your generation. While exporting is profitable, the electricity you buy from the grid is significantly more expensive than the rate you receive for exporting. Therefore, the 'golden rule' is to use as much of your solar power as possible during the day. If you have a home battery, you can store excess energy generated during peak sunshine hours and use it during the evening, or export it during periods when grid demand—and therefore export rates—are at their highest. ## Are there regional differences for London and Kent? While the SEG is a national scheme, your experience as a homeowner in London or Kent may differ based on your local distribution network and the specific suppliers active in the South East. Many suppliers offer regional variations or specific incentives for customers in the South East, particularly those with integrated smart home technology. Always check if your current supplier offers a 'bundle' that rewards you for having both solar and a heat pump, as these integrated systems are becoming increasingly common in our region. ## Key takeaways - The SEG pays you for every kWh of surplus solar electricity you export to the grid. - Rates vary significantly, typically between 3p and 16p per kWh, with some premium tiers reaching 25p. - A SMETS2 smart meter is required to track your half-hourly export data. - Prioritise using your own solar energy first, as this saves you more on your import bills than exporting earns you. - Regularly compare export tariffs, as you are not locked into the same supplier for your export payments as you are for your import supply.