The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a Government scheme which allows customers to earn from sending excess solar (wind, hydro etc. are also included) energy back to the grid. You will need a smart-meter or meter that allows the measurement of energy being sent back to the grid. You’ll need to sign-up with a provider to get the SEG tariff and it doesn’t need to be the same one that you get your electricity from. The amount you get paid will vary by provider, so it worth looking around for the best option for you.
Applying for the SEG is fairly straightforward, with most providers using an online application form, typically you will need:
- Your MCS certificate – as Greenman Solar are fully accredited, we’ll provide this.
- You Distribution Network Operator (DNO) approval – for most of the south-east this is UK Power Networks but might be GTC or LastMile – as part of the installation process we’ll notify the DNO
- Proof of Ownership – we’ll provide this, as part of the Information Pack
- Details of your electricity supply, this is your MPAN – this is a 13-digit number, unique to your meter/property – you should find it on your electricity bill as a row of numbers in the following format, example MPAN 20 0001 5001 165
Once you’ve applied for the SEG, you can sit back and then as requested submit some meter readings and get paid for any solar energy you send back to the grid!
The amount you earn will depend on how much solar energy you use and the tariff that you have applied for. For example, if you use 3,000kWh per year and you use half of this in your home, the other half will be exported, one of the best rates at the moment is Scottish Power, who are paying 12p/kWh, so you could earn 1,500kWh x 12p = £180 per year
You may have heard of FIT (Feed-in-Tariff) payments, these are and old scheme, which is no longer available, the SEG has replaced it. If you already receive FIT payments, you cannot apply for SEG payments – you can opt out of the FIT export payments, if you wish – it is worth checking what you are earning from your FIT exports before making a decision.
If you have any questions about Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), drop us a message and we’d be pleased to help – email info@greenmansolar.com