ThePowerPayback

Best SEG tariffs in 2026

The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for the solar power you send to the grid, but rates range from about 6p to 25p/kWh, and the best ones make you switch your import supplier too. Here's how the main tariffs compare. The market average is around 13p/kWh.

Highest flat rate

Good Energy, 25p

Solar Savings Exclusive. Requires taking their import tariff too.

Best without switching import

Ecotricity, 16p

Export. Open to anyone with a smart meter.

SupplierTariffExport rateTypeSwitch import?Notes
Good EnergySolar Savings Exclusive25pFlatRequiredAmong the highest flat rates; you must take Good Energy's import tariff.
OVO EnergyOVO Export20pFlatRequiredHigh flat rate for OVO import customers.
EDFExport + off-peak import15pFlatRequiredPairs a solid export rate with cheap daytime/overnight import windows.
British GasExport & Earn Plus15.1pFlatRequiredCompetitive for British Gas import customers.
E.ON NextExport Exclusive16.5pFlatRequiredOne of the higher bundled flat rates.
EcotricityExport16pFlatNot requiredThe strongest flat rate open to anyone without switching your import supplier.
Octopus EnergyOutgoing Fixed12pFlatNot requiredLong the default pick; cut from 15p to 12p on 1 March 2026.
Octopus EnergyOutgoing Agile / Fluxup to ~28pVariable / agileRequiredHalf-hourly rates that spike to ~25-30p at peak, best if a battery lets you export at the right time.
Scottish PowerSmartGen6pFlatNot requiredOpen to all, but a low flat rate, worth comparing against Ecotricity and Octopus.

Rates are 2026 benchmarks and change frequently, always confirm the current rate on the supplier's site before switching. Figures last reviewed July 2026.

How to actually choose

  • Weigh the whole deal, not just the export rate. A 25p export rate paired with an expensive import tariff can cost you more than a 16p rate with cheap import. Compare import + export together.
  • No battery, don't want to switch? A strong open tariff like Ecotricity is the simplest win.
  • Have a battery? An agile/half-hourly tariff lets you export at peak (25-30p) and import cheaply overnight, often the highest-value setup.
  • Use more of your own power before optimising export. Every unit self-consumed saves your full import rate, which beats even the best SEG rate.