Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme
Since January 2020, the Smart Export Guarantee scheme has replaced the previous Feed-in Tariff scheme
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires electricity supply companies (those with over 150,000 electricity customers) to make a payment for exported electricity that goes back to the National Grid.
How does it work?
Generation
The best use of a solar PV system is to use the solar PV electricity produced at the time of generation during daylight hours. This reduces the amount you import from the national grid, which gives you a saving on your bills. Your building will have a base load, which is the minimum it uses on any electrical appliances that are on e.g. fidge, freezer, modem, computer etc. Whatever the building doesn't use at the time of generation will automatically be exported back to the National Grid and this is what you will be paid for, subject to certain criteria.
Export tariff
Electricity suppliers are offering various rates and these can be changed periodically e.g. annually or quarterly. The Solar Trade Association has an ongoing league table of what electricity suppliers are offering and this information can be found here.
SEG Criteria
To access a tariff under the Smart Export Guarantee, you will need to provide proof that your solar PV installation has been carried out by an MCS, or equivalent standard, accredited solar PV installer, such as Chelsfield Solar. In order for the supplier to accurately measure the exported electricity, you will need to have a smart meter installed but the supplier will arrange that directly with you once you have signed up with them.
Smart Export Guarantee with battery storage
Currently, electricity supply companies do include battery storage as part of their payment tariffs but this is up to the individual supplier how they want to deal with this.