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Export Tariffs for Solar Panel Businesses

You’ve installed panels (or you’re planning to) and want an honest view of what export income might add. This guide sets practical expectations for SEG-style arrangements alongside your normal business supply.

Next step: If you use under about 50,000 kWh a year, you can get a quote in under 90 secs online — fast, no obligation. Bigger supply, half-hourly metering, or prefer chat? Use the contact page.

What is SEG (Smart Export Guarantee)?

If your business generates solar, the Smart Export Guarantee means suppliers offer tariffs for electricity you send to the grid (replacing the old Feed-in Tariff for new systems). Export is only part of the picture—you still need a sensible import contract; see renewable tariffs, metering and bill layout for the import side.

Requirements:

• MCS-certified solar installation
• Smart meter (measures export)
• System under 5MW capacity

SEG tariff rates — examples only

Fixed-rate style products: indicative figures that appeared in market commentary—SEG offers change frequently; confirm live rates in writing before you budget.

• Economy 7: 1-4p/kWh (avoid - worst rates)
• Octopus Outgoing Fixed: 4.1p/kWh
• EDF Export: 5.5p/kWh
• British Gas Solar Export: 10p/kWh

Variable/Agile tariffs:

• Octopus Outgoing Agile: Wholesale rate (typically 8-15p/kWh daytime, can spike to 30p+)
• Risk: Can drop to 0p during low demand
• Best for: Businesses with battery storage who can export at peak times

Real Example: 20kW Solar System

Generation: 18,000 kWh/year (typical UK)

Self-consumption: 12,000 kWh (business uses during day)

Export: 6,000 kWh (excess sent to grid)

Export income comparison:

• Low tariff (4p): 6,000 × £0.04 = £240/year
• Good tariff (6p): 6,000 × £0.06 = £360/year
• Agile (avg 12p): 6,000 × £0.12 = £720/year

Savings from self-consumption: 12,000 kWh × 26p avoided import = £3,120/year

Total benefit: £3,120 saving + £360-720 export = £3,480-3,840/year

Maximize Export Income

1. Get the best SEG tariff: Export rates vary 1-15p/kWh between suppliers. We compare all available SEG tariffs and handle the switching (your import and export suppliers can be different).

2. Battery storage: Store excess solar, export at peak times (4-7pm) when agile rates highest. Adds 20-40% export income on agile tariffs.

3. Maximize self-consumption: Shift high-usage activities (dishwashers, EV charging, equipment) to daytime when solar generating. Every kWh self-consumed worth 22p vs 4-15p exported.

For Larger Systems (50kW+)

Consider Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) directly with energy companies:

• Guaranteed rates: 8-12p/kWh
• Long-term contracts: 10-25 years
• More income than standard SEG
• Worth exploring if exporting 30,000+ kWh/year

Related Guides

Your next step: When you are ready to compare business tariffs, get a business energy quote online (typically under a minute, no obligation). Larger supply, half-hourly metering, or you prefer messaging? See the contact page.