Are solar export tariffs worth it?
With more households investing in solar panels than ever before, one of the biggest questions we hear is: “Are solar export tariffs really worth it?”. In this blog, we’ll break down what export tariffs mean for your energy bills, the common shortfalls to watch out for, and how to apply for the best solar export tariff in the UK.
Do I need to join an export tariff?
If you’re generating your own renewable electricity, you’ll be making more than you need at certain times throughout the day. Everything you don’t use at home will automatically go back into the grid. To make sure that you’re maximising the return on your solar panel investment, you have three options:
- Do nothing – Your excess solar power will automatically flow into the electricity grid, making your neighbours’ power cleaner and greener. but until you set up an export tariff, you won’t get paid for it.
- Join an export tariff to get paid for what you share – Earn up to 25p / kWh by joining an export tariff, helping you to pay for your power during the winter months when solar generation is less.
- Store it for later in a solar battery – A battery lets you keep unused electricity for use in the evenings, but battery storage systems have limited capacity and typically discharge within a few hours of use.
So, even if you’re trying to store and use as much of your own solar energy as possible, you’ll often generate more than you can feasibly use or store, and that extra energy needs to go somewhere: the grid. And you should be rewarded for that, right?
Smart Export Guarantee rates
The UK’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme was established so that solar panel owners are compensated for the electricity they contribute to the grid, and the rates vary (a lot) depending on your energy supplier, both in terms of price and structure. Some offer fixed rates, while others offer variable rates that change with market conditions.
Who qualifies for a solar export tariff?
To qualify for a Solar Export Tariff under the UK’s Smart Export Guarantee scheme, you must:
- Generate solar electricity at home – using an MSC-certified solar PV system (or equivalent scheme).
- Live in Great Britain – the SEG scheme covers England, Scotland, and Wales.
- Have a smart meter (or export meter) – that provides half-hourly export readings.
How do you sign up to a solar export tariff?
Signing up to an export tariff can be complicated. Most suppliers require proof of ownership, annual generation proof (generally found on MCS certificate), and proof of address. But further details from your installer to your distributor may be required from other suppliers.
At Good Energy, we’ve streamlined our sign-up journey to be as clear, straightforward and hassle-free as possible. Once you are on supply with us for your Import simply register your Online Account here. You can then select your preferred Export Tariff and submit our application form.
Can I join an export tariff if I receive Feed in Tariff payments?
If you’re currently receiving FIT export payments (typically between 5 and 7p per kWh), you can switch to our Solar Savings tariff to earn 15p per kWh for your exports while still benefitting from your FIT generation payments.
How to get the best solar export tariff
In general, you’re likely to receive a higher export rate if you also buy your electricity from the same provider. However, this isn’t always the best deal overall, especially if the supplier’s import rates are higher or the tariff comes with restrictive conditions.
That’s why it’s worth shopping around and comparing Smart Export Guarantee rates or choosing a provider like Good Energy, who are known for fair and transparent export payments, as well as 100% genuinely renewable energy supply.
What is Solar Savings?
Solar Savings is available to all of Good Energy’s electricity supply customers, regardless of who installed your panels, offering 15p/kWh.
“We hardly earned anything before we switched. With Good Energy, our savings have increased dramatically – now around £50 every month. It’s incredible really! It was very simple to join the tariff, and we enjoy keeping track of our earnings in the app.”
– FIT and Solar Savings Customer
The best solar export tariff on the market: Solar Savings Exclusive
Backed by 100% genuinely renewable electricity, our simple, metered export tariff lets you earn up to 25p/kWh. That’s one of the highest solar tariff export rates in the UK in 2025! This premium offer is reserved for those who have had their solar panels and battery system installed with Good Energy.
For both Solar Savings and Solar Savings Exclusive, your payments will be added to your Good Energy account, helping you save on your green energy bills.
By signing up to a solar export tariff, you’re making the most of your solar investment with earnings that grow the more you export. It’s a simple, hands-off setup that turns every extra unit of solar energy into passive income. So as far as we’re concerned, solar export tariffs are worth it.
