Export Tariffs and Battery Tariffs Available to Solar Customers in the UK in 2025

Understanding Export Tariffs and Battery Tariffs for UK Solar Customers

As the UK solar market matures, export tariffs and battery tariffs have become crucial for homeowners and businesses seeking to maximise returns from their solar PV and battery storage systems. These tariffs determine how much you are paid for exporting surplus solar power to the grid and, increasingly, how you are rewarded for using battery storage to support the grid or optimise your own energy use. With energy prices and policies evolving rapidly, understanding your options is key to unlocking the full financial and environmental benefits of your investment in solar and battery technology.

Atlantic Renewables’ team of experts can help you navigate the latest tariff schemes and ensure your system is set up to take advantage of the best deals available.

What Are Export Tariffs and How Do They Work in the UK?

Export tariffs are payments made to solar PV owners for the electricity they export to the national grid. Since the closure of the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme to new applicants in 2019, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) has become the main export tariff available to new solar customers in the UK.

Under the SEG, licensed electricity suppliers with more than 150,000 customers are required to offer at least one export tariff to eligible small-scale generators, including homeowners with solar PV systems up to 5MW. These tariffs pay you for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity your system exports to the grid, with rates set by each supplier and typically ranging from 4p to 20p per kWh as of 2025.

To qualify, you must have a smart meter or an export meter that can provide half-hourly readings. Payments are usually made monthly or quarterly, directly into your bank account.

The Rise of Battery Tariffs and How They Benefit Solar Owners

As battery storage becomes more common in UK homes, battery tariffs—also known as “smart” or “flexibility” tariffs—are emerging as a new way for solar customers to earn revenue and save money. These tariffs reward you not just for exporting solar energy, but for using your battery to shift your energy use or support the grid during peak times.

Some battery tariffs pay you for discharging stored electricity back to the grid when demand is high, while others offer time-of-use pricing, allowing you to charge your battery when electricity is cheap and use or export it when prices are higher. This can significantly increase the value of your solar and battery system, especially if you are able to participate in grid services such as demand response or frequency regulation.

Leading energy suppliers and new market entrants are now offering innovative battery tariffs that integrate with smart home technology and energy management systems. Atlantic Renewables can advise on the best battery tariff for your system and help you set up the necessary controls.

Which Energy Suppliers Offer the Best Export Tariffs in 2025

Export tariff rates and terms vary widely between suppliers. Some of the most competitive SEG tariffs in 2025 include:

• Octopus Energy’s Outgoing Fixed: Pays a fixed rate per kWh exported, with rates often among the highest in the market.
• OVO Energy’s SEG Tariff: Offers a straightforward fixed rate and easy sign-up for existing OVO customers.
• E.ON Next Export: Competitive rates for both existing and new customers, with simple online account management.

Some suppliers also offer dynamic export tariffs, which pay you more for exporting during periods of high demand or grid stress. These can be particularly lucrative if you have a battery system and can control when you export.

Atlantic Renewables can help you compare current export tariffs and switch to the best provider for your needs.

How Battery Tariffs Work with Time-of-Use and Agile Pricing

Time-of-use tariffs and agile pricing are becoming increasingly popular with battery owners. These tariffs offer different electricity prices at different times of day, reflecting the real-time cost of electricity on the wholesale market.

With a battery storage system, you can charge your battery when prices are low (often overnight or during periods of high renewable generation) and use or export the stored energy when prices are high. Some tariffs, such as Octopus Agile, even offer negative prices at times, meaning you are paid to use electricity.

By combining a smart battery with a time-of-use tariff, savvy solar customers can dramatically reduce their energy bills and even generate additional income by exporting at peak times.

Key Statistics on Export and Battery Tariffs for UK Solar Customers

• More than 1.3 million UK homes now have solar panels, and over 150,000 have added battery storage.
• The average SEG export tariff rate in 2025 is around 10p per kWh, but dynamic tariffs can pay up to 30p per kWh during peak periods.
• Households with solar and battery systems can save up to 70% on their electricity bills by optimising self-consumption and export.

Frequently Asked Questions About Export and Battery Tariffs

• Can I get an export tariff if I have a battery?

  Yes, but you must declare if your battery is “recharged” from the grid, as some SEG tariffs only pay for “true” solar exports.

• Do I need a smart meter for SEG tariffs?

  Yes, a smart or export meter capable of half-hourly readings is required.

• Can I switch export tariffs?

  Yes, you can switch suppliers or tariffs at any time, just as with your import electricity tariff.

• Are there tariffs that work with virtual power plants or peer-to-peer trading?

  Yes, some new market entrants are piloting schemes that allow solar and battery owners to sell power directly to other users or participate in virtual power plants.

How to Choose the Best Tariff for Your Solar and Battery System

Choosing the right tariff depends on your system size, battery capacity, energy usage patterns, and your willingness to engage with smart controls or dynamic pricing. Atlantic Renewables’ engineers can help you assess your options and set up your system for maximum returns.

If you’re planning to install solar panels and battery storage, or want to optimise your existing setup, get in touch with Atlantic Renewables for a tailored consultation.

Get in touch

Looking to maximise your solar export earnings or find the best battery tariff for your home? Atlantic Renewables’ team of experts can guide you through the latest options and ensure your system is set up for success. Call us on 0161 207 4044 and start making the most of your solar investment today!