How to think about solar export payments
We separate income from exported electricity from savings on electricity you use at home.
What the scheme covers
The Smart Export Guarantee provides payments for eligible low-carbon electricity exported to the grid in Great Britain. Suppliers set their own rates and contract terms. Check the current eligibility and metering requirements before applying.
Use your actual export estimate
Illustrative arithmetic: 1,000 kWh exported at an assumed 10p per kWh earns £100. The 10p rate is an example, not a supplier offer. A different export volume or rate changes the result.
Compare the whole arrangement
Read the supplier’s terms, not just the rate on the advert. Check any linked import tariff, equipment or metering requirements. We recommend keeping a copy of the assumptions used in your system estimate.
Avoid counting the same unit twice
Electricity used in the home and electricity exported are different parts of the calculation. Ask us to show them separately when discussing a proposal.
Further reading
Ofgem: Smart Export GuaranteeExamples explain the calculation; they are not a tariff offer or an installation quote. Check current scheme and supplier terms before deciding.