Y Solar Services
Feed-in Tariff & SEG Advice
Clear, independent advice on legacy Feed-in Tariff payments and current Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rates.
Why it matters
The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) closed to new applicants in March 2019, but thousands of UK households still receive quarterly payments for generation and export. If you bought a system before the cutoff, those payments run for 20 years from your accreditation date — they are tax-free, index-linked, and unaffected by the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). For everyone installing solar today, SEG is the only export route. Licensed suppliers must offer at least one tariff, but rates vary widely and are not set by government. Understanding which scheme applies to you — and whether you can optimise export earnings — directly affects the financial case for solar and the energy independence it delivers.
How it works
- 1 Identify your scheme — Check your MCS certificate or FiT licence number. If your system was commissioned before 31 March 2019 and registered, you are on FiT. Any new installation enters SEG.
- 2 FiT claimants — You receive a generation tariff for every kWh produced and an export tariff (deemed at 50% for most domestic systems). Payments continue until your 20-year term ends; you cannot switch to SEG.
- 3 New installations — Your installer registers the system with MCS. You then choose an SEG tariff from any licensed supplier — not necessarily your current electricity provider. Rates can be fixed or variable; some reward time-of-day export.
- 4 Metering — SEG requires a smart meter or export meter capable of half-hourly readings. Most modern installations meet this automatically.
- 5 Optimisation — Battery storage lets you shift export to higher-rate periods where tariffs allow, increasing returns without affecting FiT payments on legacy systems.
Is it right for you?
If you already receive FiT payments, the priority is ensuring your meter readings are submitted on time and your supplier honours the contracted rates — no action is needed to "switch" schemes. For homeowners considering solar now, SEG is the only export income available; its value depends on the tariff you select and how much surplus you generate. Properties with high daytime consumption or battery storage tend to export less but use more free solar power, which often outweighs export revenue. A quick review of your electricity usage, roof orientation, and current supplier's SEG offer will clarify the numbers. Get in touch for a personalised, no-obligation assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still apply for the Feed-in Tariff?
No. The Feed-in Tariff closed to new applicants in April 2019. Existing claimants continue receiving payments under their agreement; new installations register for the Smart Export Guarantee instead.
Is the Smart Export Guarantee the same as the Feed-in Tariff?
No. SEG only pays for electricity you export, at a rate set by your chosen licensed supplier, while the legacy FiT also paid a generation tariff regardless of export.
Ready to talk about feed-in tariff & seg advice?
Tell us about your property and we'll connect you with MCS-certified installers who can help — no obligation, no phone calls.