The Smart Export Guarantee explained for Scottish homes
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires larger energy suppliers to pay you for solar electricity you send to the grid. Rates are set per kWh by each supplier, so they vary widely. You need an MCS-certified installation and a smart meter that records exports to qualify.
Last updated: 5 November 2026.
Reviewed by the Scottish Energy Efficiency team.
How does the Smart Export Guarantee work?
Under the SEG, licensed suppliers above a set customer size must offer at least one export tariff. Your smart meter measures every unit your home sends to the grid, and the supplier pays you for those units at their published rate, usually monthly or quarterly.
The scheme applies across Great Britain, including Scotland. Smaller suppliers can choose to offer SEG tariffs voluntarily, and some of the more competitive rates come from them.
You only earn on units you export, not on everything you generate. A home that uses most of its solar directly, or stores it in a battery, will export less and earn less from SEG, which is usually the better outcome.
What do you need to qualify?
You need an installation certified under MCS, a meter capable of measuring exported units, and an agreement with a supplier offering an SEG tariff. Suppliers normally ask for your MCS certificate and meter details before payments begin, so keep the paperwork from your installer safe.
- MCS certificate for the solar installation
- A smart meter that records exports
- Proof of ownership or permission for the installation
- An application to your chosen SEG supplier
How should you compare SEG rates?
Compare the pence per kWh, whether the rate is fixed or variable, any requirement to buy your import electricity from the same supplier, and how often you are paid. A high export rate tied to a poor import tariff can leave you worse off overall.
Some of the highest export rates are only available if you also take that supplier for your import electricity. Always compare the combined cost of buying and selling, not the export rate in isolation.
You can switch SEG supplier later if a better tariff appears. Check notice periods and any minimum terms before signing up.
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is the rate fixed or variable? | Variable rates can fall as well as rise |
| Must I buy import power from you? | A poor import tariff can cancel out a good export rate |
| How often am I paid? | Affects cash flow, not the total |
| Is a battery allowed to export? | Some tariffs restrict battery exports |
Why is export the smallest saving?
Export pays less than the electricity you avoid buying. Because day rates are usually well above export rates, each unit used at home is generally worth more than each unit sold. A quotation built mainly on export income is built on the cheapest of the three savings.
Export income is still real money, but it is a fraction of the self-consumption saving for most households. To see how the pieces fit together, read the solar savings calculator guide and the solar battery savings guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Smart Export Guarantee apply in Scotland?
Yes. The SEG applies across Great Britain, so Scottish households with eligible installations can claim from any participating supplier.
Do I have to use my electricity supplier for SEG?
No. You can choose any supplier that offers an SEG tariff, though some of the best rates require you to buy your import electricity from them too.
Can I get SEG payments without MCS certification?
Generally no. Suppliers require evidence that the installation is MCS certified, or meets an equivalent standard, before they will pay for exported units.
More solar savings guides
How do you get a solar savings quote?
Fill in the form and we will model the arithmetic and send a written quotation from our MCS-certified partner.