How much will I be paid for exporting solar?
Not sure? Without a battery, a typical home exports about half of what its panels make. The solar panel calculator shows your figure.
–
a year at the best rate
Rates as listed by MoneySavingExpert on 9 November 2026. They change often, so check the latest before you switch. Blue bars need you to buy your electricity from the same company; orange bars don’t.
Export guide: the Smart Export Guarantee
What it is
Under the Smart Export Guarantee, larger energy companies must pay you for solar electricity you send to the grid. You need a smart meter that records exports, and an MCS certificate for your panels.
Same company or separate?
The best rates, around 12 to 13p per kWh, usually need you to buy your electricity from the same company. Standalone export deals pay much less, around 3 to 6p, but let you keep your current supplier.
Even better rates
Some companies pay 15 to 25p per kWh if they installed your panels or battery. Ask installers about this when you get quotes.
Using it yourself is still better
Electricity you use yourself saves you about 26p per kWh, roughly double the best export rates. That’s why using your solar in the daytime, for washing, dishwashers or charging a car, pays more than exporting it.