Understanding Solar Power Generation
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are like tiny power plants on your roof. They convert sunlight into electricity that you can use to run your home or business. But on bright, sunny days, your panels might generate more electricity than you need at that moment. This surplus energy doesn’t have to go to waste; it can be managed in a few ways, depending on your system setup and local regulations.
Feeding Your Extra Energy Back to the Grid
In the UK, a common way to handle excess solar power is by feeding it back into the national grid. When your system produces more electricity than you consume, the surplus automatically flows back to the grid. This not only benefits the country’s energy supply but also earns you money for the clean energy you generate.
The Smart Export Guarantee
Introduced in January 2020, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) ensures that licensed electricity suppliers with over 150,000 domestic customers must pay you for the renewable electricity you export back to the grid. This scheme replaced the older Feed-in Tariff and offers a modern way to turn your solar production into a financial advantage.
How Does the SEG Work?
Think of the SEG as a program that incentivises homeowners and businesses with solar panels to generate clean energy. Under this scheme, participating suppliers must offer you a tariff, essentially paying you a certain rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the electricity you export. While the exact rate can vary depending on the supplier and market conditions, it typically sits around 5p per kWh.
Choosing the Right SEG Tariff: Maximise Your Earnings
Just like choosing your phone plan, picking the right SEG tariff matters. Do your research and compare rates and contract terms offered by different suppliers. Some might offer higher per-kWh rates, while others might have more favourable terms for specific times of day, allowing you to capitalise on peak solar generation periods.
Metering Your Solar Exports
To receive payments under the SEG, you need a smart meter or another form of metering that accurately measures the electricity you export to the grid. This meter acts as your financial recordkeeper, ensuring your energy supplier sees exactly how much power you’re sending back and compensates you accordingly.
Benefits of Exporting Solar Power
While the financial rewards are certainly attractive, exporting your surplus solar power offers additional benefits:
- Reduced Energy Waste: By sending unused electricity back to the grid, you’re ensuring that the clean energy your system produces doesn’t go to waste, contributing to a more efficient use of resources.
- Supporting the Grid: Your exported solar power helps increase the proportion of renewable energy in the national grid, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
- Boosting Your Energy Independence: Exporting your surplus not only helps the environment but also reduces your overall dependence on traditional energy sources, moving you closer to self-sufficiency.
Maximising Your Solar Exports
To make the most of your solar exports, consider adjusting your energy usage patterns to align with peak sunlight hours. Running appliances like dishwashers and washing machines during the day can maximise your solar use and increase the amount of surplus electricity you export, potentially boosting your income.
A Brighter Financial Future
We believe in empowering our customers to not only generate clean energy but also reap the financial rewards that come with it. Understanding and utilising schemes like the SEG can significantly enhance the return on your solar investment while contributing to a future powered by renewable energy. Your unused solar power doesn’t just disappear; it can become a valuable asset, generating income and contributing to a more sustainable world. We at MEB are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you maximise the potential of your solar panels and embrace a brighter, more financially rewarding future.