How much can I earn selling energy back to the grid with the Smart Export Guarantee?
How much you can make from exporting your energy will depend on a few things:
How much energy you generate
What percentage of that energy you don’t use, and export to the grid
Which SEG tariff you sign up to, and the rate you’re offered per kWh.
You might be able to store your energy using a home storage battery. In which case, you can export what you don't use back to the national grid.
Different suppliers set their own Smart Export Guarantee rates. So each one will pay you a different amount for the electricity you export per kWh.
What’s the difference between SEG and FIT?
The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) was a scheme the government launched in 2010, to reward people for generating their own electricity at home. Those on FIT get 2 payments: one for the electricity they generate, and another for the electricity they export to the grid. The export payment is either based on meter readings, or a deemed amount set by Ofgem, based on the technology type.
FIT closed to new applicants in 2019 and SEG was launched in 2020 to replace it. There are 3 main differences:
SEG is one payment for export, while FIT is made up of 2 payments – one for export and one for generation
SEG payments are based on the actual amount of energy exported, while the FIT export payment is sometimes based on an estimate
SEG rates are set by energy suppliers, while FIT payments were set by the government
When will my SEG contract with OVO start?
It can take up to 4 weeks to get an export MPAN registered for your installation. Then we'll either ask you for your opening meter readings, or take these automatically from your smart meter. After that, your contract starts.
How often will I get SEG payments? And do I have to send meter readings?
The readings we use for payments will be sent automatically from your smart meter 4 times a year – in March, June, September, and December. But if for some reason they're not sent automatically, we'll ask you to send them to us.
Is there a limit on how much electricity I export?
You can export as much as you want, but if you have solar panels, the installer will have a set maximum output (you’ll see this on your installation contract). If you increase your system’s capacity, please let us know, so we can check if you’re still eligible.
If OVO is my electricity supplier, can you send my SEG payments to my OVO energy account?
Yes, if we also supply your electricity, then we’ll pay your SEG payments into your OVO energy account.
Otherwise, SEG payments are separate to energy bills, and paid straight into your bank account.
Can I get SEG payments from OVO if my electricity is supplied by someone else?
Yes, your SEG payments and your energy supply are separate. But you’ll get paid more for exporting your electricity if we also supply your energy. Here’s how to switch to OVO or find out more about how to switch energy suppliers when you've got solar panels.
I'm already getting paid for my export via FIT, can I switch to SEG?
Yes, but you’ll need to switch to SEG, and stop your FIT export payments (though you'll still get your FIT generator payments). If you want to opt in and out of your FIT, bear in mind you can only do this once a year.
If I'm on FIT with another supplier, can I still join OVO?
Yes, you can. But if you apply for one of our SEG tariffs, then you'll need to stop your FIT export payments. OVO doesn't have to be your energy supplier for you to apply for our SEG tariffs, but you’ll get a better SEG rate if we also supply your electricity.
I've inherited an installation with a Feed-in tariff. What should I do?
If the installation you've inherited is linked to a Feed-in Tariff scheme with OVO, please fill in our FiT inheritance form and return it to us by email or post. We can then start the transfer of the FiT over to you.
What if I don’t have copies of the right documents?
There are specific documents that make you eligible for SEG. If you don’t have them, or can’t send them to us, we’ll need to put your application on hold until we get everything we need. If we don’t hear from you within 30 days, we’ll assume you no longer want to sign up for SEG. Your application will be closed and your personal information will be deleted. If you want to reapply, then you’ll need to start again, making sure you provide all supporting information within the 30 day window.
You can always email us at [email protected], or give us a call on 0330 102 7421 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). We’ll do our best to help you with your application. See the full SEG application guide here.
Can I get SEG and Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments at the same time?
Yes, you can. SEG pays you to export electricity, and RHI pays you to generate and use renewable energy to heat your home.
I've had my solar panels installed by OVO. How do I sign up to SEG?
After we've installed your solar panels (and battery, if you choose to have one), we'll send you an email with the details to sign up to SEG Install Exclusive.
If you sign up for SEG and your energy is supplied by OVO within 3 months of your solar panels being installed, then we'll back pay your SEG payments. This means you'll earn money from the day your panels start generating electricity.
If you’re not with OVO for your energy then you can still sign up for SEG. You won't be eligible for back payment. You must have a smart meter to get SEG.
What if I move home and I'm on SEG?
Your SEG contract ends when you sell your home. Please give 28 days' notice, and send a closing reading. If the new owners want to get SEG payments, they’ll need to sign up for it themselves.
I've just bought a house with solar panels. What now?
First, you need to check if the previous owners have signed up for FIT. If the panels weren't registered for FIT, then you can apply for SEG payments – please choose a tariff above to sign up for SEG. If they were registered, you’ll need to check who the FIT provider is and complete a Change of ownership form. Then you can switch to either FIT or SEG with another provider.
What if I have a home storage battery installed?
We need to make sure the electricity being recorded on your export meter is definitely coming from your system, and not from somewhere else. If you have a battery installed, you’ll need to send us a detailed line diagram from your installer. It should clearly show the direction of energy going from your solar panels to the rest of the installation.
What if I don’t agree with your decision for my SEG?
We’re more than happy to take another look at your application – just email us at [email protected]. But please remember that you must meet all the criteria to get signed up for SEG payments.
I'm moving house. What happens to my SEG contract?
Your SEG contract ends when you sell your home. Please give 28 days' notice, and send a closing reading. If the new owners want to get SEG payments, they’ll need to sign up for it themselves.
My smart meter isn’t working. What should I do?
Let your supplier and us know as soon as possible, as it may affect your SEG payments. If you've had your meter changed, we also need to know, so that your payments are right. Read more about smart meter problems, and how to fix them without calling an engineer.
I'm interested in getting a battery installed, will it affect my SEG contract?
We need to make sure the electricity being recorded on your export meter is definitely coming from your system, and not from somewhere else. If you have a battery installed, you’ll need to send us a detailed line diagram. It should clearly show the direction of energy going from your solar panels to the rest of the installation.
How often will I get SEG payments?
We take your readings automatically from your smart meter once a quarter - in March, June, September and December. If you're on our SEG tariff then you'll be paid around 8 weeks after the end of the read month.
If you’re on our SEG Beyond Exclusive tariff then you'll be paid directly into your energy account, around 8 weeks from the end of the read month. The payment will show as SEG on your statement and in the OVO app.
If you’re on our SEG Install Exclusive tariff then you'll be paid directly into your energy account, around 5 weeks from the end of the read month. The payment will show as SEG on your statement and in the OVO app.
We make SEG payments every 3 months.
How do I send meter readings?
Usually, your payment readings will be sent automatically from your smart meter. But if we ask you to manually send us a meter reading, this guide will help you to take an export meter reading from your smart meter.
When will I get my statements?
If you’re on our SEG tariff then you’ll get a statement every 3 months usually about 4 weeks after the reading window has closed. For our other SEG tariffs, you'll be paid directly into your energy account and you’ll see your payment in your statement and in the OVO app.
How do I change my personal details on my account?
If you need to update your details – like your bank information, or to add someone to the account – please call 0330 102 7421. We’re here Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Can I switch SEG provider?
You can switch your SEG provider at any time. Contact your new provider to set up your contract, and then let us know so we can prepare your final payment. The switch will be done behind the scenes.
