Back to the Help Centre
Solar help

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Frequently asked questions

What are OVO’s best SEG payment rates?

You can choose from 3 SEG tariffs: 

  • SEG - 4p per kWh. Choose this SEG tariff if you can generate your own renewable energy at home, your installed capacity doesn't exceed 5MW or 50kW for Micro-CHP, and your electricity supply is with another provider.

  • SEG Beyond Exclusive - 12p per kWh. Choose this SEG tariff if your electricity supply is with OVO, you can generate your own renewable energy at home, and your installed capacity doesn't exceed 30kW. Plus, you can earn rewards when you link your account to Beyond.

  • SEG Install Exclusive - up to 20p per kWh. You can get this SEG tariff if we install your solar panels and home storage battery, you can generate your own renewable energy at home, your installed capacity doesn't exceed 30kW, and your electricity supply is with OVO. We’ll pay you 15p per kWh if we install solar panels only and all other criteria are met.

You can find out more about our SEG tariffs and how to apply on our SEG page.

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 FiT export tariff 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 tariff rates were set by the government

When will my SEG contract with OVO start?

Once you’ve applied for SEG, it can take up to 4 weeks to get an export MPAN registered for your installation and set up your account. After that, your contract starts. 

You can apply for a SEG tariff with OVO here. 

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 supply your electricity and you’re on our SEG Beyond Exclusive or SEG Install Exclusive tariffs, 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. That’s because we have exclusive SEG tariffs for OVO energy customers. 

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). You can do this by signing up to a SEG tariff and contacting your existing FiT provider. 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 can 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, which you’ll need to upload with your application form. If you don’t upload the right ones, 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.

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) and you’ve made your final payment, we'll send you an email with the details to sign up to our solar export tariff, 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. But you won’t be eligible for back payment or our SEG Install Exclusive tariff. 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 SEG tariff and sign up using the application form. 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. We also need to know if it’s a bi-directional battery that can be charged from the grid.

What if I don’t agree with your decision for my SEG application?

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.

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. Your SEG payments will be sent to your bank account if we hold your bank details. Otherwise, you’ll get a cheque.

If you’re on our SEG Beyond Exclusive or SEG Install Exclusive tariffs then you'll be paid directly into your energy account, around 8 weeks from the end of the read month. The SEG 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.

How can I apply for a SEG tariff with OVO?

Head to our SEG page to compare our SEG tariffs. Then choose the tariff that’s right for you and simply fill in the application form.