I have a GivEnergy system consisting of two batteries, two inverters and a controlling EMS (Energy Management System) which has not worked since Nov 2025. After six months I discovered Solar Tech Support, reached out to them and Ron phoned me back – how often do you get that service? Could not be more helpful – worked directly with me over the phone, outside what I would call normal working hours. Lucid explanations and we were able to discuss the issues and history using camera and email history. As this was a very rare setup, Ron was able to access an EMS expert in the field to confirm the solution. One sunny day in, I am now only paying for standing charge and a few pence for spikes in grid consumption while battery catches up with house demand.
Check your solar export payments — make sure you're being paid, not the previous owner
- Previous owner may still be receiving your payments
- SEG tariff transferable to new owners
- Takes 10–30 minutes to claim or transfer
I’ve used Ron a couple of times regarding issues with my Givenergy inverter and batteries after Givenergy went bust. My system stopped working properly so it was a stressful time but Ron resolved the issues and got my system working properly again. He’s really helpful and knowledgeable and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him and to use him again if the need arose.
Ron responded very promptly regarding my GivEnergy battery issue, his knowledgeable diagnosis was spot on and resolved the issue on first attempt. Would recommend to any and all.
Ron was extremely helpful and tried his best to repair/reset our GivEnergy inverter remotely. In the event he was unsuccessful but he couldn’t have been more helpful. If you have problems with a GivEnergy system please contact him. Highly recommended
Sts does a extremely great job. Thank you.
Ronald was able to organise a brilliant electrician with extensive experience of GivEnergy systems local to me in the SW. I have now got a fully functioning system and suspect that my electricity bill will be substantially reduced or in credit over a year. Also when said electrician discovered an overvoltage in the my local grid, Ronald prepared a very lucid and comprehensive report of the situation which I have now supplied to my local grid. Cannot recommend Ron and Dan enough.
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). Can be transferred to the new owner via the supplier's change-of-ownership process, so notify the supplier promptly 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 labelled "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 can transfer to the new owner — but you must notify the supplier
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. A solar system health check is the quickest way to explore your 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 a remote diagnostic 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 solar 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.
Annual maintenance
A yearly check on generation, battery health and settings, booked as and when you want it.
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
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.
- Written report within 24 hours
- Confirms metering type and export accuracy
- All major SEG-registered brands supported
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