A quiet energy revolution is underway, and it could mean extra cash for over 850,000 UK homes
You could be earning 30p/kWh for solar power(Image credit: Getty Images)
Solar homeowners still on the government’s Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme could be missing out on significantly higher earnings by switching to the Smart Export Guarantee, according to a recent report.
The analysis highlights that many households can boost their export payments by hundreds of pounds annually without affecting their existing generation income.
With Smart Export Guarantee rates rising steadily since 2020, now could be an ideal time for solar panel owners to reconsider their export tariff options.
Export earnings could double, or more
The FiT scheme, closed to new applicants since 2019, still pays thousands of households both for generating and exporting electricity.
But while generation payments are locked in, export payments under FiT are modest. In April 2025, typical FiT export rates hovered around 5.25p per kWh, while the average Smart Export Guarantee rate reached 13.45p, and some suppliers are offering up to 30p per kWh.
That means the average solar home could earn an extra £168 per year, simply by switching export tariffs.
Who benefits the most from switching?
Switching to the Smart Export Guarantee is not reversible(Image credit: Getty Images)
The biggest winners are homes with smart meters and higher levels of electricity export.
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If you’re exporting more than 20–30% of your generated electricity, and most homes do, an Smart Export Guarantee tariff is likely to bring in more income.
For example: a 4.8kW system exporting 50% of its electricity could earn £276 on SEG, vs £108 on FiT. Over 20 years, that’s a potential gain of £3,360.
Making the most of your solar setup before you switch
Switching to an SEG tariff can be a smart financial move, but it’s important to understand your solar system’s setup and performance to maximise your benefits.
Factors such as how many panels you have, the type of roof you live in and whether you have solar battery storage all influence how much electricity you export.
For instance, pairing solar panels with a battery system can help store excess power for later use, reducing your import needs and boosting export income when the battery is full.
Knowing how solar panels work and maintaining them, including cleaning and positioning, can improve efficiency and returns.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
