Smart Export Guarantee — Scotland

Best SEG Export Tariffs Scotland 2026 — Up to 30p/kWh

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for electricity your solar panels export to the grid. Rates vary significantly — from the mandatory 5p/kWh minimum to nearly 30p/kWh with Octopus Intelligent Flux during peak periods. This guide ranks every major option available to Scottish solar owners in 2026.

Up to 30p
Peak export rate
Octopus Flux peak
~15p
Typical flat rate
Major providers
5p min
Mandatory minimum
All licensed suppliers

SEG Tariff Comparison — May 2026

Ranked by maximum potential earnings

RankProvider / TariffRateTypeNotes
#1
Octopus Intelligent Flux
Best option
Up to ~30p/kWhSmart / time-of-usePeak export premium. Requires smart meter + smart device. Best overall.
#2
E.ON Next Export Plus
~16p/kWhFixed flat rateSimple and reliable. No smart device required.
#3
Octopus Outgoing Fixed
~15p/kWhFixed flat rateNo smart device needed. Reliable alternative.
#4
British Gas Solar Export
~15p/kWhFixed flat rateWidely available. Standard flat rate.
#5
EDF Export
~12p/kWhFixed flat rateAvailable to EDF customers.
#6
Minimum (any licensed supplier)
5p/kWhMandatory minimumAll licensed suppliers must offer at least this rate.
Rates as of May 2026. Export tariffs change — always verify current rates directly with your supplier. Compare via Citizens Advice Scotland.

Why Octopus Intelligent Flux Leads

Octopus Intelligent Flux is a time-of-use smart tariff that pays peak rates for electricity exported during high-demand periods (typically 4pm–7pm). For Scottish solar owners who can time their export — especially combined with battery storage — this delivers the highest SEG earnings of any available tariff.

Peak export: ~30p/kWh: During 4pm-7pm (approx) high-demand windows
Off-peak import: lower rate: Benefit both ways — buy cheap, sell high
Smart meter required: Free installation with Octopus registration
Compatible devices: Smart EV charger or battery system needed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government scheme that requires licensed electricity suppliers with over 150,000 customers to offer export tariffs to small-scale solar (and other renewable) generators. It replaced the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) export element in January 2020. Any UK homeowner with an MCS-certified solar installation can register for SEG and earn money for the electricity they export to the grid.

What is the best SEG export tariff in Scotland in 2026?

As of May 2026, the best SEG tariffs are: Octopus Intelligent Flux — up to ~30p/kWh during peak export periods (requires smart meter and smart tariff enrollment); Octopus Outgoing Fixed — ~15p/kWh flat rate, simple and reliable; E.ON Next Export Plus — ~16p/kWh; British Gas Solar Export — ~15p/kWh. Minimum mandatory rate is 5p/kWh with any licensed supplier. Octopus Intelligent Flux is the clear leader for maximising earnings if you can export during peak times.

How much can I earn from SEG in Scotland?

Typical SEG earnings for a Scottish 4kWp solar installation are £200-£400 per year using a standard flat-rate tariff. With Octopus Intelligent Flux (time-of-use export), annual earnings can be higher for households that export during peak periods. Scottish properties typically export 40-50% of generated power when there is no battery, reducing to 20-30% with battery storage.

Can I get SEG if I have a battery storage system?

Yes, you can register for SEG with a battery storage system. You earn export payments only for electricity actually exported to the grid. With battery storage, you self-consume more and export less, meaning lower SEG earnings but higher self-consumption value. The net effect is often more financially beneficial than maximising SEG alone.

What is Octopus Intelligent Flux?

Octopus Intelligent Flux is a smart electricity tariff from Octopus Energy that provides time-of-use rates for both import and export. During peak export periods (typically 4pm-7pm), export rates can reach ~30p/kWh — significantly higher than flat-rate SEG tariffs. It requires a compatible smart meter and smart EV charger or battery system. It is available across Scotland and is the highest-paying SEG option in 2026.

Maximise Your Solar Export Earnings

We help Scottish solar owners register for SEG and identify the best tariff for their usage pattern. Free guidance.

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