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

How much can I earn exporting solar electricity? Homeowners can typically earn between £80 and £300 annually from a standard 4kW solar system through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Earnings depend on your system size, export volume, and chosen tariff. While some premium bundled tariffs offer up to 25p per kWh, basic open-to-all rates often range from 3p to 6p per kWh. ## What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)? The Smart Export Guarantee is a government-backed initiative that requires larger energy suppliers to pay you for the surplus electricity your solar panels export to the National Grid. Unlike the legacy Feed-in Tariff, which paid for both generation and export, the SEG focuses exclusively on the energy you send back to the grid. For residents in London and Kent, this means that every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of excess power you generate is a potential revenue stream, provided you have a smart meter installed to record your half-hourly export data. ## How do export rates work in 2026? Export rates are determined by individual energy suppliers rather than a fixed government rate. This creates a competitive market where you can shop around for the best deal. Generally, tariffs fall into two categories: 'bundled' and 'unbundled'. Bundled tariffs often offer the highest rates—sometimes reaching 25p per kWh—but usually require you to switch your electricity import supply to that specific provider. Unbundled or 'supplier-agnostic' tariffs allow you to keep your current energy provider, though these typically offer lower rates, often between 3p and 6p per kWh. It is essential to weigh the potential export income against the cost of your import electricity; sometimes, a slightly lower export rate is better if it allows you to stay on a cheaper overall import tariff. ## Should I prioritise exporting or self-consumption? While earning money through the SEG is a great benefit, it is rarely the most profitable way to use your solar energy. The electricity you generate and use directly in your home saves you the cost of buying that power from the grid, which is typically around 25p per kWh. In contrast, even the best export tariffs rarely exceed this value. For homeowners in London and Kent, the most effective strategy is to use as much of your solar energy as possible during the day—by running appliances like washing machines or dishwashers when the sun is shining—and only export the true surplus. If you have a home battery, you can store excess energy to use during the evening, further reducing your reliance on the grid. ## How can I maximise my SEG earnings? To get the most out of your solar installation, consider these steps: 1. Shop around: Use comparison tools to check current SEG rates, as suppliers update these frequently. 2. Check your meter: Ensure you have a smart meter, as this is a requirement for accurate half-hourly export readings. 3. Consider a battery: While a battery reduces the amount you export, it significantly increases your self-consumption, which is usually more financially beneficial than exporting. 4. Review your import tariff: Ensure that switching to a high-paying export tariff doesn't inadvertently increase your import costs. ## Key takeaways - The SEG pays you for surplus solar electricity exported to the grid. - Earnings typically range from £80 to £300 per year for a standard 4kW system. - Premium rates (up to 25p/kWh) often require switching your import supplier. - Self-consumption is generally more cost-effective than exporting. - Always confirm current rates on a supplier's website before signing up. - A smart meter is mandatory for participating in the SEG scheme.