How to Contact Your Energy Supplier in the UK to Get Money Off Your Bill with Solar Panels
Installing solar panels is one of the smartest ways to cut household energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint. But many homeowners don’t realise they can go one step further by getting paid for the surplus electricity their panels generate. In the UK, this is possible through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme.
If you already have solar panels on your home, contacting your energy supplier could unlock an extra income and lower your energy bills. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
The Smart Export Guarantee is a government-backed initiative introduced in January 2020. It requires licensed energy suppliers with more than 150,000 customers to offer a tariff that pays households for every unit of electricity they export back to the National Grid.
This means:
- If your solar panels produce more electricity than you use, the surplus is exported.
- Your supplier will pay you or take money off your bill for this exported electricity, helping to reduce your net energy costs.
Why Contact Your Energy Supplier?
Not all suppliers offer the same SEG tariff, and rates can vary significantly. Contacting your supplier ensures:
- You know what export tariffs they offer.
- You can check whether you’re already eligible.
- You can compare their offer with other providers to get the best deal.
Even if your current supplier doesn’t provide a competitive rate, you’re free to switch to another energy company with a better SEG tariff.
Steps to Take Before You Contact Your Supplier
- Check your solar panel system – You’ll need a solar PV system installed by an MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accredited installer.
- Smart meter requirement – To qualify for SEG, you must have a smart meter capable of measuring exports.
- Gather paperwork – Keep your MCS certificate, meter details, and installation information handy when you call.
What to Ask Your Supplier
When you contact your energy supplier about SEG, be prepared to ask:
- What SEG tariffs do you currently offer?
- Is the tariff fixed or variable?
- How often are payments made (monthly, quarterly)?
- What documentation do you require for my application?
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings depend on:
- Your solar system size – Larger arrays generate more surplus.
- Your household usage – The less you consume during daylight hours, the more you export.
- Tariff rate – SEG rates vary between suppliers (some offer as little as 1p per kWh, while others offer 15p+).
For example, a typical UK household with a 4kW solar system might export around 1,500–2,000 kWh per year. At 10p per kWh, this could mean £150–£200 annually.
How Will You Get Paid Under SEG?
Most suppliers don’t physically send you cash. Instead, SEG payments are usually credited directly against your electricity bill, reducing what you owe. This effectively lowers your household energy costs each month or quarter.
Top Energy Suppliers Offering SEG in the UK
While rates change regularly, many of the UK’s biggest suppliers, including Octopus Energy, EDF, and British Gas, offer SEG tariffs. Some smaller, renewable-focused companies may also provide highly competitive rates. Always shop around before committing.
Final Thoughts
If you have solar panels and aren’t yet signed up for the Smart Export Guarantee, you could be missing out on hundreds of pounds each year. Contacting your energy supplier is quick and straightforward, and comparing tariffs ensures you get the best possible return.
By taking advantage of SEG, you’ll not only reduce your bills but also play a part in supporting the UK’s transition to renewable energy.
Do you want to check your eligibility for an ECO4 grant?
Gary is the Operations Manager at Fairway Energy and a specialist in renewable energy and technology, with over 15 years’ experience. He has in-depth expertise in energy-efficient measures for residential properties and UK government-backed grant schemes and funding.