Check your solar export payments — make sure you're being paid, not the previous owner
When a solar system exports electricity to the grid, you should be paid for it through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). The problem: those payments may still be going to the previous owner's bank account. You need to act quickly to claim them.
After this guide, you'll be able to:
What are solar export payments?
The Smart Export Guarantee is a UK government scheme that pays homeowners for any electricity they export to the grid from a renewable energy system. If your solar panels or battery generate more electricity than your home uses, the surplus is exported to the grid — and the energy supplier pays you for it.
How the Smart Export Guarantee works
1. Your system generates surplus
On a sunny day, your panels may produce 10+ kilowatt-hours, but your home only uses 8 kilowatt-hours. The remaining 2 kilowatt-hours is surplus.
2. Surplus is exported to the grid
Your inverter automatically sends that surplus to the local electricity grid. This helps other homes in your area get their electricity.
3. The supplier pays you
Your energy supplier pays you for the kilowatt-hours exported, typically between 3 pence and 15 pence per kilowatt-hour, depending on the tariff.
4. Payment is deposited to your account
Payments are usually made monthly or quarterly, depending on your supplier. The money goes directly to your registered bank account.
Feed-in Tariff vs. Smart Export Guarantee
Older solar systems (installed before 2019) may be on the Feed-in Tariff scheme instead of SEG. The difference:
Feed-in Tariff (FIT)
Older scheme (closed to new applicants in 2019). Typically offers higher export rates (around 5–20 pence per kilowatt-hour). Transfers to the new owner automatically in some cases, but contact the supplier to confirm.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Current scheme (launched 2020). Typically offers lower rates (3–15 pence per kilowatt-hour). Must be registered to you specifically; does not transfer automatically.
Did the previous owner have an export tariff?
When you buy a property with an existing solar system, any SEG or Feed-in Tariff payments are still registered to the previous owner. You need to act quickly to transfer the tariff to your name, or you'll lose the money.
Why you need to act within 30 days
Problem 1: Payments go to the previous owner
The SEG tariff is tied to a specific person and bank account. As long as the registration remains under the previous owner's name, all payments will continue going to their bank account. You'll see zero in your account.
Problem 2: Contracts expire
Most SEG tariffs have a contract period of 1–20 years. If the previous owner's contract is approaching expiry, it may terminate before you've had a chance to claim it. Once expired, you'll have to apply for a new tariff.
Problem 3: You may not have required metering
Some older solar installations don't have a smart meter or export meter. Without one, you can't claim SEG payments at all. Installation takes 2–4 weeks.
How to find out who their supplier was
Contact the previous owner directly
They'll know which energy supplier registered the Smart Export Guarantee tariff. This is usually their main electricity supplier.
Ask your property solicitor
They may have records from the property survey or handover documents. Check the conveyancing paperwork.
Look for SEG statements
Check any paperwork left in the property or ask if the previous owner left documentation about export payments.
Contact your Distribution Network Operator (DNO)
They sometimes have records of SEG registrations. Provide your address and installation date. If this fails, contact major suppliers directly: Octopus, British Gas, E.ON, OVO, or EDF.
How to register for SEG: step by step
Find out who the previous owner's SEG supplier was
The previous owner registered their solar system with an energy supplier to receive SEG payments. You need to identify which one. Ask the previous owner directly, check with your solicitor, look for SEG payment statements in the paperwork left in the property, or contact your DNO if all else fails.
Check if you have a smart meter or export meter
Most SEG suppliers require proof of export via a smart meter or export meter. Without one, they won't pay you. Look for a smart meter (usually on an outside wall near your fusebox or consumer unit with a digital display), or an export meter (a white box usually mounted directly above or below the consumer unit, often labeled "Export" or "EXP").
If you don't have either: Contact your energy supplier and request a smart meter installation. Most suppliers provide this free for solar homes.
Contact the SEG supplier to notify of the property sale
Call the supplier (whose name you found in Step 1) and explain that the property has been sold and you're now the owner. You'll need to provide proof of purchase: a property purchase receipt or completion document from your solicitor, a council tax bill in your name with the property address, or mortgage documents or completion statement.
Tell them your property address, the installation date of the solar system (approximately), and that you're the new owner and want to transfer or reapply for the SEG tariff.
Apply for a new SEG tariff in your name
You have two choices: transfer the existing tariff to your name and bank account, or switch to a different supplier for a potentially better rate. Transfer is simpler but keeps you at the same rate (takes 1–2 weeks). Switching requires comparing rates first, and you'll lose the historical tariff with the previous supplier but may gain a better rate (takes 2–4 weeks).
Major suppliers offering SEG: Octopus Energy, British Gas, E.ON, OVO Energy, EDF, Eon Next, Good Energy, Scottish Power.
Verify export meter readings and payments
Once the tariff is in your name, confirm that your export meter readings are being submitted to the supplier, you've provided your correct bank account details, and your first payment arrives on schedule (usually monthly or quarterly).
Check your first month's monitoring data (total kilowatt-hours exported) and multiply by your SEG rate. Your payment should be roughly that amount, allowing for meter submission delays.
Which suppliers offer SEG?
Most major UK energy suppliers now offer SEG tariffs, but rates, contract terms, and eligibility vary. Here's what to consider when choosing a supplier and how to compare rates.
Octopus Energy
One of the largest providers of SEG tariffs in the UK. Offers both fixed and tracker rates. Generally competitively priced. Requirements: Smart meter or export meter. Rates: typically 3–10 pence per kilowatt-hour.
British Gas
Major supplier offering SEG for customers with eligible solar systems. Often bundled with gas and electricity packages. Requirements: Smart meter. Rates: typically 4–8 pence per kilowatt-hour.
E.ON
Established SEG provider with a range of tariff options. Part of the E.ON Next suite of renewable products. Requirements: Smart meter. Rates: typically 3–7 pence per kilowatt-hour.
OVO Energy
Growing SEG provider with good rates for smaller systems. Known for customer service. Requirements: Smart meter. Rates: typically 5–12 pence per kilowatt-hour depending on plan.
EDF
Major supplier offering SEG as part of their renewable energy strategy. Competitive rates. Requirements: Smart meter. Rates: typically 4–9 pence per kilowatt-hour.
Good Energy
Independent renewable energy supplier with strong commitment to solar and export payments. Premium rates but higher customer loyalty. Requirements: Smart meter. Rates: typically 6–15 pence per kilowatt-hour depending on time-of-use.
How to compare rates
Check the supplier's website for current SEG rates
Don't rely on old information. Rates change frequently and vary by region and tariff type.
Ask about contract length and rate type
Contract length is usually 1–5 years. Clarify if rates are fixed (locked for the contract period, more predictable) or tracker (changes with wholesale electricity prices, potentially higher earnings but less predictable).
Ask about minimum export threshold and metering
Some suppliers have a minimum export threshold. Confirm what metering they accept (smart meter, export meter, or both).
Get a quote before committing
Always compare rates at the time of switching to ensure you're not losing out. Switching resets your tariff history.
What if you inherited a Feed-in Tariff?
If the solar system was installed before 2019, the previous owner may be on the old Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme instead of the newer Smart Export Guarantee. FIT and SEG have different transfer rules and rates.
Feed-in Tariff transfer rules
FIT automatically transfers to the new owner in most cases
Unlike SEG, Feed-in Tariffs are sometimes tied to the property rather than the individual. Contact the previous owner's supplier to confirm your FIT status and whether it's transferred to your name. You may need to provide proof of property purchase. If payments are not arriving after the transfer, see our guide on FIT payments stopped.
FIT rates are typically higher than SEG
Feed-in Tariffs usually pay 5–20 pence per kilowatt-hour exported, compared to SEG's 3–15 pence. If you inherited a FIT, you're likely in a better position than newer systems.
FIT has a guaranteed term
Feed-in Tariffs come with a guaranteed contract period of 20 or 25 years. Once the term ends, you revert to SEG or have limited export payment options.
You can stay on FIT or switch to SEG
Once the FIT term expires, you must switch to SEG or another export payment scheme. If you switch early, you'll lose the FIT contract and its higher rates. Only consider switching if SEG rates are significantly better, which is rare.
How to confirm you have FIT and not SEG
Contact the previous owner or their supplier
Ask if the system is on Feed-in Tariff (closed to new applicants in 2019) or Smart Export Guarantee (launched 2020). The supplier name and contact details should tell you which scheme.
Check FIT payment statements
Old FIT contracts often show a higher rate (e.g., 8 pence per kilowatt-hour) compared to typical SEG rates. Look for documents showing the Feed-in Tariff scheme name and guaranteed term (usually 20 or 25 years).
Look for a FIT installation report
If the solar installer left paperwork, check for mention of "Feed-in Tariff" or "FIT guarantee." FIT systems are registered with Ofgem and come with official documentation.
Common export payment issues
Even after transferring your tariff, problems can occur. Here are the most common issues and how to solve them.
You don't have a smart meter or export meter
Without metering, the supplier has no way to verify your export and won't pay you. Solution: Contact your energy supplier and request a smart meter installation. Most suppliers provide this free for solar homes. Installation takes 2–4 weeks.
Your tariff wasn't transferred correctly
If the supplier says they can't transfer the previous owner's tariff, you'll need to apply for a new one. This may take 2–4 weeks. Ask if the previous owner's contract has expired or has special conditions that prevent transfer.
You're not receiving payments after the transfer
Payments usually start 4–8 weeks after transfer. If longer, contact the supplier to confirm they have your bank account details, your export meter readings are being submitted, and the tariff is active on your account. Check your first month's monitoring data to estimate expected payment.
The payment is much lower than expected
Low payments can happen if your export meter wasn't installed correctly, your system isn't exporting as much as expected (low generation, high self-consumption), or the supplier is using a lower rate than quoted. Ask your supplier for a breakdown of export readings and check against your monitoring data.
You're missing backpay from before the transfer
Most suppliers won't backdate payments if you transfer mid-contract. This means you'll lose any export payments between the property purchase and the tariff transfer. This is why acting within 30 days is crucial. If you delayed significantly, ask the supplier if they'll make an exception or goodwill payment, but expect a firm no.
When to call a professional
Export payment issues can be complex, especially if the previous owner is uncooperative, the supplier has lost records, or your system has metering problems. If you're stuck after following these steps, professional help can save you time and money.
Your system isn't exporting what it should
If your export payments are very low but monitoring data shows significant export, the issue may be with your system, inverter, or meter. Our remote diagnostic service can identify if the inverter is working correctly and if the export meter is reading accurately.
You can't find the previous owner or supplier
If you've exhausted all options to identify the supplier, we can help you trace records, contact your DNO, or advise on applying for a new tariff from scratch. Book a health check to discuss your situation.
You don't have a smart meter and installation is delayed
Waiting 2–4 weeks for a smart meter costs you money. Our team can liaise with your supplier to expedite installation, or advise on temporary metering solutions while you wait. Book a health check to explore options.
Your export meter is faulty or broken
If your export meter is damaged or not recording correctly, the supplier may refuse payment until it's replaced. We can verify meter status and liaise with your supplier or installer to arrange replacement. Contact us via health check booking.
You want to switch to a better SEG rate
Comparing suppliers and understanding contract terms is time-consuming. Our team can review current rates, estimate your annual earnings, and advise whether switching is worthwhile. Book a health check to compare your options.
Related guides
Export payments are just one part of your solar system's performance. Explore these guides to understand the full picture.
The complete guide to buying a house with solar
Full checklist for new homeowners: system health, warranties, export payments, monitoring, insurance, and maintenance.
How a solar system works
Understand solar panels, inverters, batteries, and how your system generates and uses electricity.
No monitoring access to your system
If you can't see your system's data, how to regain access and track your generation and export.
Check your solar warranty
Verify what's covered under your system's product and workmanship warranties and what you're protected against.
Transfer monitoring access to your name
How to take control of your system's monitoring account so you can track export and self-consumption in real time.
Solar health plan
Annual health checks, maintenance, and performance optimization to ensure your system is working at its best.
Not being paid for solar export
Full diagnostic for missing export payments — covers SEG registration, smart meter issues, MCS certificates, and supplier billing errors.
Available on-site across Yorkshire & beyond
If your export meter needs reading or your generation meter is inaccessible, we can visit on-site to check everything in person across our full coverage area.
See all areas we cover →Frequently asked questions
No, not directly. SEG tariffs are registered to a specific person and bank account. However, you can contact the supplier and ask to transfer the tariff to your name and bank account. Some suppliers make this straightforward as a "Change of Occupant" request; others require you to close the old tariff and apply for a new one. Either way, you'll need to provide proof of property purchase and your banking details.
It depends on your supplier and tariff, but typical export rates are between 3 pence and 15 pence per kilowatt-hour. A 4 kilowatt system on a sunny day might export 5–10 kilowatt-hours, earning £0.15–£1.50 per day. Over a year, realistic earnings are £200–£795 for a typical system, depending on your location, system size, and how much surplus you generate. Rates fluctuate with wholesale electricity prices and by supplier.
A smart meter is a small white or black box typically mounted on an outside wall near your fusebox or consumer unit. It usually has a digital display showing a digital clock, kilowatt-hour readings, and sometimes separate import and export figures. If you see a meter with a spinning dial and no digital display, that's an old meter and not a smart meter. Contact your electricity supplier if you're not sure—they have records of whether a smart meter has been installed at your address.
Your solicitor may have records from the property conveyancing. Alternatively, contact your DNO (Distribution Network Operator) with your address—they sometimes have records of SEG registrations. You can also contact the major suppliers (Octopus, British Gas, E.ON, OVO, EDF) directly and provide your address and install date to see if any of them have a record. Worst case, you can apply for a new SEG tariff with a supplier of your choice, though you may miss some historical payments.
Not sure your SEG payments are correct?
A remote solar health check confirms whether your system is exporting correctly, checks your metering type, and advises on SEG registration or supplier issues. Written report included.