The Smart Export Guarantee Explained

How the SEG works, what you need to qualify, and why nobody can quote you a fixed export rate.

What it is

The Smart Export Guarantee obliges larger licensed electricity suppliers to offer a tariff paying households for electricity exported to the grid. It replaced the closed Feed-in Tariff.

What Is the Smart Export Guarantee? — Edinburgh

What you need

MCS certification (or an equivalent) for the installation, and a meter capable of recording half-hourly export — in practice, a working smart meter. Without the MCS certificate, most suppliers will not sign you up, which is why that piece of paper matters.

Choosing a tariff

You apply to a supplier of your choice, and it does not have to be the one that supplies your import. Rates and terms vary between suppliers and change over time. Some are flat, some track wholesale prices.

We do not quote a rate here, because any figure would be out of date quickly. Check current tariffs directly with suppliers before you assume a number.

What it is not

It is not arranged by us and it is not guaranteed income. It is a tariff you sign up to, on terms that can change.

Common questions

Do I have to use my current supplier?

No. You can take an export tariff from a different supplier to the one that supplies your electricity.

What if I have a battery?

You can still export. Some tariffs treat battery-discharged export differently, so check the terms.

What does the quote cost?

Nothing, and there is no obligation. The installer provides a free design and written quotation.

Who actually does the work?

A trusted MCS-certified installer covering Edinburgh and the surrounding area. Solar Panels Edinburgh is a quote service, not the installer, so the work, the price, the certification and the warranties are all theirs.