The export tariff
The export tariff is in relation to the amount you’re paid for sending surplus electricity to the National Grid. If you don’t have battery storage installed to collect your surplus energy, the Smart Export Guarantee will come into play. This essentially means for every unit of surplus electricity you export to the grid, you’ll be reimbursed.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The Government introduced the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) to replace the feed in tariff scheme which came to an end in 2019. The aim was to encourage energy suppliers to offer competitive prices to customers for surplus solar generated electricity.
Energy suppliers that have over 150,000 customers must offer an SEG tariff to customers, but the rate you will be reimbursed will vary depending on who you choose your tariff with. Most energy suppliers will require you to install a smart meter before you can receive any export payments. It’s highly recommended that you shop around for the best SEG tariff because you don’t have to apply for a tariff with the same energy supplier you’re currently with.
Do I need any documents to apply for an SEG tariff?
Your energy supplier will require two pieces of documents from you which are:
- Distribution Network Operator (DNO) confirmation letter
- MCS certificate
You should receive your MCS certificate as part of your handover pack upon installation of your solar panels, and your DNO confirmation letter is normally emailed to you also upon completion.
What else do I need to know?
When your new solar system has been installed, the DNO will be notified that it has been connected by Contact Solar (or other solar panel installer). If you choose to apply for an SEG tariff, your energy supplier will need a Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) which they will obtain from the DNO. This export MPAN will help to identify the export supply from your meter and your energy supplier will understand the amount of energy you’ll be exporting.
