Best Solar Export Tariffs in the UK (2026 Guide)
Whilst having solar panels installed is amazing, it’s only actually only half the story…
Because once your system starts generating more electricity than your home is using, you have three options: use it, store it in a battery, or export it back to the grid.
For many homeowners, exporting surplus electricity can become an important part of their overall return on investment. But with so many Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs now available, choosing the right one isn’t always straightforward.
Some suppliers offer the highest export rates but only if they installed your solar system. Others reward battery owners who can export electricity at specific times of the day. Some are wonderfully simple, while others require you to actively manage your energy to get the best returns.
In this guide, we’ll compare some of the leading solar export tariffs available in the UK, explain how they work, and help you understand which type of tariff is likely to suit your home best.
What Is A Solar Export Tariff?
A solar export tariff is exactly what it sounds like.
Instead of letting any excess electricity go back to the grid for free, your energy supplier pays you for every unit (kWh) that you export.
Since the closure of the Feed-in Tariff scheme, these payments are now made through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
To qualify for most SEG tariffs you’ll normally need:
- Solar panels (or another eligible renewable energy source)
- A compatible smart meter capable of measuring exported electricity
- MCS-certified equipment and installation
- Half-hourly export readings in many cases
The amount you’re paid varies considerably depending on the supplier and tariff you choose.
What Makes A Good Solar Export Tariff?
When homeowners compare tariffs, it’s easy to focus on one number — the export rate.
While that’s certainly important, it isn’t the only thing worth considering.
The best tariff depends on how your household generates, stores and uses electricity.
Here are some of the biggest factors to think about.
Export Rate
This is the amount you’re paid for every kilowatt-hour of electricity you export.
Current export rates range from around 3p per kWh to as much as 25p per kWh, depending on the supplier and eligibility requirements.
Higher isn’t always better if there are restrictions attached.
Fixed vs Variable Rates
Some tariffs guarantee a fixed export payment for 12 months.
Others can increase or decrease throughout the year.
Fixed tariffs provide certainty.
Variable tariffs may become more attractive if market conditions improve but also carry more uncertainty.
Eligibility Requirements
This is where many homeowners get caught out.
Some of the best-paying tariffs are only available if:
- The supplier installed your solar panels
- You buy your electricity from the same supplier
- You own a battery
- Your installation meets specific criteria
It’s always worth checking the small print before comparing export rates alone.
Battery Compatibility
If you have battery storage, your options become much more interesting.
Rather than exporting electricity as soon as it’s generated, your battery allows you to store it and export it later when export payments may be higher.
Some tariffs are designed specifically to reward this behaviour. Most well known batteries like Tesla Powerwall, SigEnergy or Solax are compatible with most tariffs, but it’s worth checking with your provider beforehand.
Your Import Tariff
Export tariffs shouldn’t be viewed in isolation.
The best overall savings often come from choosing an import tariff and export tariff that work well together.
For example, charging your battery overnight on a cheap tariff and exporting solar electricity later in the day can significantly improve overall returns.
If you’d like guidance about which export tariff you may be best suited for, we’re always happy to help. Get in touch with our local, expert team here.
Octopus Energy Export Tariffs
Octopus Energy has become one of the best-known names in smart energy tariffs, largely because it offers several different export options depending on how involved homeowners want to be.
Outgoing Octopus
Outgoing Octopus is probably the simplest option.
It pays a flat 12p per kWh for every unit of electricity exported.
There are no complicated pricing windows or half-hourly price fluctuations to worry about.
That makes it ideal for homeowners who simply want predictable export payments without constantly monitoring electricity prices.
Best suited to:
- Homes with solar panels
- Homeowners without battery storage
- Anyone who prefers simplicity over optimisation
Agile Outgoing Octopus
Agile Outgoing takes a completely different approach.
Instead of paying one fixed export rate, payments change every half hour based on wholesale electricity prices.
On some days this can produce exceptionally high export rates.
On others, rates can be considerably lower.
Homeowners with battery storage can take advantage of this by storing electricity until export prices are at their highest.
However, doing so requires a more hands-on approach or an automated battery management system.
Best suited to:
- Battery owners
- EV owners
- Homeowners comfortable with dynamic pricing
- People wanting to maximise export income
Prime Outgoing Octopus
Prime Outgoing sits somewhere between the two.
Rather than changing every half hour, it rewards electricity exported during the evening peak.
Currently this means:
- 16p per kWh between 4pm and 7pm
- 9p per kWh outside these hours
For households with battery storage, this can work extremely well.
The battery stores surplus daytime generation before exporting it during the higher-paying evening window.
You receive a premium payment without needing to constantly monitor half-hourly pricing.
Best suited to:
- Homes with battery storage
- Solar and EV owners
- Homeowners wanting better returns without the complexity of Agile
Our View On Octopus
Octopus offers one of the broadest export tariff ranges available.
While Agile often attracts attention because of its potentially high export rates, many homeowners actually achieve more consistent results with simpler tariffs like Outgoing or Prime.
The best choice depends less on the tariff itself and more on how your home uses electricity.
E.ON Export Tariffs
E.ON also offers several export tariffs, each aimed at different types of customers.
The biggest difference between them is eligibility.
Next Export Premium
Next Export Premium currently offers one of the strongest fixed export rates available.
Eligible customers receive 17.5p per kWh for exported electricity.
However, this tariff is only available to homeowners whose solar or battery system was installed by E.ON Installation Services.
If you qualify, it’s an excellent rate.
If not, you’ll need to consider one of their other options.
Best suited to:
- Existing E.ON solar customers
- New E.ON solar installations
- Homeowners wanting a high fixed export payment
Next Export Exclusive
Next Export Exclusive pays 13p per kWh.
Rather than requiring an E.ON-installed solar system, it requires homeowners to import their electricity from E.ON (excluding certain time-of-use tariffs).
This makes it much more accessible for many households.
Best suited to:
- Existing E.ON electricity customers
- Homeowners wanting a competitive fixed tariff
Next Flex Export
Next Flex Export is E.ON’s more flexible option.
It currently pays 6p per kWh, although this is a variable tariff and rates can change.
While the payment is significantly lower than Premium or Exclusive, it’s available to a much wider range of renewable energy installations.
Best suited to:
- Existing renewable energy owners
- Homeowners who don’t qualify for E.ON’s premium tariffs
Our View On E.ON
E.ON’s Premium tariff is undoubtedly attractive.
However, it’s a good example of why headline export rates don’t tell the whole story.
If you’re not eligible, that impressive figure becomes largely irrelevant.
Always compare the eligibility criteria before comparing the payment itself.
British Gas Export Tariffs
British Gas offers two export tariffs aimed at different types of households.
Export & Earn Flex
Export & Earn Flex pays 3.02p per kWh.
Compared to many competitors, this isn’t especially competitive.
Its strength lies in accessibility.
Almost any household generating renewable electricity can sign up regardless of who installed the system.
Best suited to:
- Existing British Gas customers
- Homeowners wanting a straightforward entry-level SEG tariff
Export & Earn Plus
Export & Earn Plus is a much stronger offering.
It pays 15.1p per kWh and is available to households importing electricity from British Gas.
Interestingly, it also allows battery-only customers to qualify, something that remains relatively unusual within the market.
This makes it an attractive option for homeowners investing in battery storage before installing solar panels.
Best suited to:
- Battery owners
- British Gas customers
- Homes planning future solar installations
Our View On British Gas
Export & Earn Plus offers excellent value.
Export & Earn Flex, on the other hand, is unlikely to be the first choice unless flexibility or supplier preference is more important than maximising export income.
Good Energy Export Tariffs
Good Energy has long focused on renewable electricity, and its export tariffs reflect that.
Solar Savings Tariff
Good Energy’s standard Solar Savings tariff currently pays 12p per kWh.
Customers need to use Good Energy as their electricity supplier and have a compatible smart meter capable of sending half-hourly readings.
For many homeowners, it’s a straightforward and competitive option.
Solar Savings Exclusive
At 25p per kWh, Solar Savings Exclusive currently offers one of the highest fixed export rates available in the UK.
Naturally, there are conditions.
It’s only available to customers who had both their solar panels and battery installed by Good Energy Solar and who also import electricity from Good Energy.
For eligible customers it’s an excellent tariff.
For everyone else, it’s simply not available.
Our View On Good Energy
The 25p headline rate understandably grabs attention.
However, the strict eligibility requirements mean relatively few homeowners will actually qualify.
It’s a useful reminder that the “best” export tariff isn’t always the one with the biggest number.
Solar Export Tariff Comparison
| Supplier | Typical Export Rate | Fixed or Variable | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Outgoing | 12p/kWh | Variable | Simple flat-rate exporting |
| Octopus Agile Outgoing | Half-hourly variable | Dynamic | Battery owners maximising exports |
| Octopus Prime Outgoing | 16p peak / 9p off-peak | Fixed formula | Solar + battery households |
| E.ON Next Export Premium | 17.5p/kWh | Fixed | E.ON-installed systems |
| E.ON Next Export Exclusive | 13p/kWh | Fixed | E.ON import customers |
| British Gas Export & Earn Plus | 15.1p/kWh | Fixed | Battery owners |
| Good Energy Solar Savings | 12p/kWh | Variable | Good Energy customers |
| Good Energy Solar Savings Exclusive | 25p/kWh | Fixed | Good Energy-installed systems |
Which Export Tariff Is Best For Different Homes?
Rather than asking “Which tariff pays the most?”, it’s usually better to ask:
“Which tariff suits my home?”
If You Want Simplicity
Flat-rate tariffs like Outgoing Octopus are difficult to beat.
You know exactly what you’ll earn every time you export electricity, making budgeting much easier.
If You Have Battery Storage
Battery owners have more opportunities.
Tariffs such as Prime Outgoing or Agile Outgoing allow batteries to export electricity when payments are highest.
This is often where battery storage really starts to demonstrate its value.
If You Want The Highest Possible Fixed Rate
On paper, Good Energy Solar Savings Exclusive offers the highest export payment.
However, only homeowners who meet its installation and supplier requirements can access it.
If You’re An E.ON Customer
E.ON’s Premium and Exclusive tariffs provide excellent fixed export rates, provided you meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
If You Already Use British Gas
Export & Earn Plus offers an attractive export rate and is particularly interesting for households with battery storage.
Should You Choose A Fixed Or Variable Export Tariff?
There’s no universal right answer.
A fixed tariff offers certainty.
You’ll always know what you’re being paid.
That’s attractive for homeowners who value predictability.
Variable tariffs introduce more uncertainty.
Rates can rise or fall over time.
Dynamic tariffs go one step further, changing every half hour.
While they can produce the highest returns, they generally work best when paired with battery storage and smart energy management.
For most homeowners, simplicity often wins.
For those who enjoy optimising their energy usage, dynamic tariffs can unlock additional savings.
What We Recommend At JD Allen Solar
One thing we’ve learned over the years is that the best export tariff isn’t necessarily the one with the biggest headline rate.
It’s the one that works alongside your solar system, battery, electricity usage and import tariff.
For example, a household with solar panels but no battery may benefit from a completely different tariff to a family with battery storage, an electric vehicle and a smart overnight tariff.
That’s why we look at the whole system rather than focusing on one number.
When designing solar installations, we always consider how the system will work in everyday life, not just how much electricity it can generate.
A well-matched battery and tariff can often improve your long-term savings just as much as adding extra solar panels.
Final Verdict
There are now some excellent solar export tariffs available in the UK.
Which one is right for you depends less on the supplier and more on how your household uses energy.
Choose a simple flat-rate tariff if:
- You don’t have battery storage.
- You prefer predictable payments.
- You don’t want to actively manage your exports.
Battery-focused tariff if:
- You already have battery storage.
- You want to maximise export income.
- You’re comfortable using smart tariffs.
Premium fixed tariffs if:
- You already qualify through your installer or energy supplier.
- You want some of the highest guaranteed export payments available.
Ultimately, the best export tariff isn’t always the one with the highest advertised rate.
It’s the one that fits your home, your solar system and the way you use electricity every day.
Not sure which export tariff would work best with your solar or battery system?
At JD Allen Solar, we don’t just design solar systems—we help homeowners understand how panels, batteries and energy tariffs all work together. If you’re planning a solar installation or thinking about adding battery storage, get in touch with our team for straightforward advice tailored to your home.
JD Allen Solar
Deren Tumkaya founded JD Allen Solar in 2019. Frustrated by the impersonal, sales-driven tactics of large firms, he set out to build a company with a strong ethical foundation that puts personal service and local expertise first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best solar export tariff in the UK?
There isn’t a single best tariff for everyone. The right option depends on whether you have battery storage, your energy supplier, and whether you meet the tariff’s eligibility requirements.
Do I need a battery to get a good export tariff?
No. Many competitive export tariffs are available to homes with solar panels alone. However, a battery can open up additional tariff options and allow you to export electricity when rates are highest.
Can I switch export tariffs without changing my solar panels?
Usually, yes. As long as your system meets the supplier’s requirements and you have a compatible smart meter, you can often change export tariffs without replacing your solar installation.
Is a fixed or variable export tariff better?
Fixed tariffs provide certainty, while variable or dynamic tariffs can offer higher returns for homeowners willing to optimise when they export electricity.
Do I need a smart meter for a solar export tariff?
Yes. Most Smart Export Guarantee tariffs require a compatible smart meter capable of recording exported electricity, often with half-hourly readings.
