Step 1: Check your current solar export payments

First, log into your electricity supplier’s app or online account and look for terms such as “SEG”, “Smart Export Guarantee”, “export payments” or “solar export”. This will show whether you currently receive payments for electricity your solar panels send to the grid.

If you cannot find any export payments, check your account or contact your supplier to confirm whether you have a SEG tariff. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays eligible owners of solar PV systems for surplus electricity they export to the grid.

If you’re not registered for the SEG

1. Check your MCS certificate and solar installation details — First, make sure you have your MCS certificate and key installation information. An MCS certificate can help demonstrate that your solar PV system meets the requirements for SEG eligibility, so keep these documents ready when you apply.
2. Choose a licensed SEG supplier and apply for its export tariff — You do not need to choose the same company for your electricity supply and solar export payments. Instead, compare available SEG rates and contract terms, then apply to a licensed supplier that suits your needs.
3. Have your solar and meter details ready — Before applying, gather the information your chosen supplier requests. This may include your MCS certificate, solar PV system details, electricity meter information and export meter details. The supplier will confirm exactly which documents you need.
4. Ask whether you can claim for previous exports — Next, ask your chosen SEG supplier whether it can make any payments for electricity you exported before joining its tariff. Backdated SEG payments depend on the supplier and your circumstances, so check the rules before assuming you can claim historic exports.

How to switch to a better SEG rate

Importantly, your SEG supplier does not have to be the same company that supplies your electricity. You can continue buying electricity from your current energy supplier while another licensed provider pays you for the solar electricity you export to the grid.

Therefore, switching your SEG tariff does not mean replacing your solar panels or changing your existing solar PV system. Instead, you can simply compare export rates and move your payments to a different provider when a suitable deal is available. Before switching, check the tariff terms, payment rate, contract length and any eligibility requirements so you understand exactly what you will receive for your surplus solar electricity.