SEG Best Rates 2026: Compare Smart Export Guarantee Tariffs
The best SEG rates in 2026 range from 3.3p/kWh (basic fixed) to 24p/kWh (Octopus Flux peak export). Find the best tariff for your solar system—whether you have battery storage or not.
5.2p
Best Fixed Rate
35p
Peak Variable Rate
24p
Flux Peak Export
£100-400
Typical Annual
Fixed Rate Tariffs
Predictable payment regardless of time of export.
| Supplier | Rate | Customer Required? | Payment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shell Energy Top Pick | 5.2p/kWh | No | Quarterly | Best fixed rate |
EDF | 4.5p/kWh | Yes (electricity) | Quarterly | EDF customers |
So Energy | 4.5p/kWh | No | Quarterly | Good fixed rate |
Octopus Energy | 4.1p/kWh | No | Monthly | Simplicity |
E.ON Next | 4.0p/kWh | Yes (electricity) | Quarterly | E.ON customers |
OVO Energy | 4.0p/kWh | Yes (electricity) | Quarterly | OVO customers |
Scottish Power | 3.5p/kWh | No | Quarterly | Basic option |
British Gas | 3.3p/kWh | No | Quarterly | Basic option |
Variable Rate Tariffs
Rates change based on wholesale electricity prices.
| Supplier | Average Rate | Peak Rate | Low Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Agile Outgoing | 8-12p/kWh | Up to 35p/kWh | 0-4p/kWh | No battery, high export |
| Social Energy Club | 10-14p/kWh | Variable | Variable | Community-minded |
Premium Battery Tariffs
Designed for battery storage with time-of-use pricing.
| Supplier | Export Rate | Peak Hours | Import Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Octopus Flux Best Value | 24p/kWh | 16:00-19:00 | 10p/kWh (02:00-05:00) | Battery arbitrage |
Octopus Cosy | 12p/kWh | Various | 10p/kWh (04:00-07:00) | Heat pump + battery |
Octopus Intelligent Go | Variable | Evening | 7p/kWh (23:30-05:30) | EV + battery |
Which SEG Tariff Is Best for You?
| Your Situation | Best Tariff | Expected Annual Earnings (4kW) |
|---|---|---|
| No battery, simple preference | Shell Fixed (5.2p) | £100-£130 |
| No battery, maximise earnings | Agile Outgoing | £160-£260 |
| Battery storage | Octopus Flux | £200-£350 |
| Battery + EV | Intelligent Go + Flux | £250-£400 |
| Want predictability | Any fixed rate | £80-£130 |
No Battery Storage
Without a battery, you export whenever generation exceeds usage—mostly midday hours when rates are lower.
Recommended: Octopus Agile Outgoing
- • Higher average rate than fixed tariffs
- • No requirement to time your export
- • Tracks wholesale prices (often 8-12p/kWh midday)
Alternative: Shell Energy Fixed (5.2p/kWh)
- • Predictable income
- • No wholesale price risk
- • Simple to understand
With Battery Storage
Battery owners can store daytime solar and export during evening peak hours when rates are highest.
Recommended: Octopus Flux
- • 24p/kWh export rate 16:00-19:00
- • 10p/kWh import rate 02:00-05:00
- • Designed for solar + battery households
Strategy:
- 1. Charge battery from solar during day
- 2. Export stored energy 16:00-19:00 at 24p
- 3. Import overnight at 10p to top up
- 4. Net profit from price difference
Octopus Flux: Detailed Breakdown
Octopus Flux is the most lucrative SEG option for battery owners.
How Flux Works
| Time Period | Import Rate | Export Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 02:00-05:00 | 10p/kWh | 4.5p/kWh |
| 05:00-16:00 | 24p/kWh | 12p/kWh |
| 16:00-19:00 | 34p/kWh | 24p/kWh |
| 19:00-02:00 | 24p/kWh | 12p/kWh |
Flux Arbitrage Strategy
| Action | Time | Daily Example |
|---|---|---|
| Import to battery | 02:00-05:00 | 5kWh × 10p = 50p cost |
| Export from battery | 16:00-19:00 | 5kWh × 24p = £1.20 income |
| Net daily profit | 70p | |
Over a year, this arbitrage alone generates £150-£250 profit—before accounting for solar generation savings.
Flux Requirements:
- • Octopus electricity customer
- • Smart meter (SMETS2)
- • Compatible battery system (GivEnergy, Tesla, etc.)
- • Solar panels (recommended but not required)
Octopus Agile Outgoing: Detailed Breakdown
Agile Outgoing tracks wholesale electricity prices, offering variable rates that change every 30 minutes.
Typical Agile Export Rates
| Time of Day | Typical Rate | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Night (00:00-06:00) | 4-8p/kWh | 0-15p |
| Morning (06:00-09:00) | 8-14p/kWh | 4-25p |
| Midday (09:00-16:00) | 6-12p/kWh | 2-20p |
| Evening peak (16:00-20:00) | 12-20p/kWh | 8-35p |
| Evening (20:00-00:00) | 8-12p/kWh | 4-18p |
Agile vs Fixed Comparison
| Scenario | Fixed (5p) | Agile Average |
|---|---|---|
| Summer month (high export) | £15 | £22-£28 |
| Winter month (low export) | £5 | £6-£10 |
| Annual (4kW, no battery) | £100-£130 | £160-£260 |
Agile typically earns 60-100% more than fixed rates but with more variability.
How to Switch SEG Supplier
Switching SEG supplier is straightforward and free.
Choose New Supplier
Compare rates using this guide and select based on your situation.
Notify Current Supplier
Contact your current SEG provider (email or phone) to give notice. Most require 28 days.
Register with New Supplier
Apply online with MCS certificate, MPAN (meter point number), smart meter serial number, and bank details.
Confirmation
New supplier confirms registration and sets start date (usually aligns with your notice period ending).
Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Give notice | Day 1 |
| Notice period | 28 days |
| New registration | 1-2 weeks overlap |
| Switch effective | ~6 weeks total |
You continue receiving payments during the transition—no gap in earnings.
SEG Earnings Calculator
Estimate your annual SEG income based on system size and tariff.
Without Battery
| System | Export | Fixed 5p | Agile 10p | Flux 15p |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW | 1,500 kWh | £75 | £150 | £225 |
| 4kW | 2,200 kWh | £110 | £220 | £330 |
| 6kW | 3,200 kWh | £160 | £320 | £480 |
| 10kW | 5,000 kWh | £250 | £500 | £750 |
With Battery
| System | Export | Fixed 5p | Agile 10p | Flux 15p |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4kW + 5kWh | 900 kWh | £45 | £90 | £135 |
| 6kW + 5kWh | 1,400 kWh | £70 | £140 | £210 |
| 10kW + 10kWh | 2,500 kWh | £125 | £250 | £375 |
Note: Battery systems export less (higher self-consumption) but can target peak rates for higher per-kWh value.
Supplier Pros and Cons
Octopus Energy
Pros:
- Multiple tariff options (Fixed, Agile, Flux)
- Excellent app and customer service
- No requirement to be electricity customer (fixed SEG)
- Monthly payments
Cons:
- Flux requires being electricity customer
- Agile rates can be low during oversupply
Shell Energy
Pros:
- Highest simple fixed rate (5.2p)
- No need to be customer
- Predictable earnings
Cons:
- No premium battery tariffs
- Lower than variable tariff averages
EDF
Pros:
- Competitive fixed rate (4.5p)
- Established supplier
- Good customer service
Cons:
- Must be EDF electricity customer
- No variable options
British Gas
Pros:
- Largest supplier (easy to find)
- No customer requirement
Cons:
- Lowest rate (3.3p)
- No premium options
When to Review Your SEG Tariff
Annual Review
SEG rates change. Review your tariff each year to ensure you're on the best rate.
Trigger Events
Switch tariffs when:
- Installing battery: Switch to Flux or Agile
- Rates change significantly: Compare current options
- Supplier increases rates: You may already be competitive
- Moving home: Register at new property
Tip: Sign up for energy comparison site alerts to track SEG rate changes across suppliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start Earning from Solar?
Get MCS-certified solar panels installed and start earning SEG payments. We'll help you choose the best export tariff for your situation.
