Smart Export Guarantee vs PPA Export Tariff
If your PPA generates more than you can use, where does the surplus go and at what price? SEG and PPA export tariffs compared.
Where surplus generation goes
A PPA system generates kWh. You consume some directly. The rest gets exported back to the grid. Where the revenue from that export goes depends on the PPA structure.
Three common arrangements
SEG kept by off-taker
Most UK on-site PPAs leave the SEG export revenue with the off-taker. You register with an Ofgem-licensed supplier for SEG at the contracted rate (3-12 p/kWh in 2026).
SEG kept by PPA provider
Some providers structure to keep SEG income for themselves — usually offset by a slightly lower headline tariff. Read the contract closely.
SEG shared
Some structures split SEG income, e.g., 70:30 in favour of the off-taker.
Tariff comparison
| Source | Year 1 rate | Settlement |
|---|---|---|
| PPA tariff (you pay) | 11-14 p/kWh | Monthly |
| SEG (you receive on export) | 3-12 p/kWh | Quarterly typical |
| Wholesale day-ahead reference | ~5-9 p/kWh | Half-hourly |
What to negotiate
- Clarify SEG revenue assignment in the PPA
- Keep flexibility to switch SEG provider over the 20-year contract
- Ensure export metering is independent of provider control
- Push for export-side optimisation (battery storage) to time-shift surplus
See what tariff your site qualifies for
A 60-second form gives us enough to match your site to providers and return an indicative tariff range within one working day.
Get an indicative PPA tariffCheck what your roof could earn under a PPA
Smart Export Guarantee vs PPA Export Tariff — tell us about your site and we'll return an indicative p/kWh tariff for it. Reply by email within one working day.