← FFCheckElectricity & gas
Electricity & gas · the UK
Checked 2026-09-27

☀️ Solar panels in the UK: what do I get for the power I feed in?

The short answer

If you produce more than you use, the surplus goes into the grid. How you are paid for it depends on the national scheme.

📜 The rules in the UK

Solar panels

Great Britain: some electricity suppliers (SEG Licensees) must pay you for low-carbon electricity you export, e.g. from solar panels up to 5 MW. Suppliers set their own rates (always above zero); shop around.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Official source: ofgem.gov.uk · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

  1. Register your installationGrid operators require new installations to be registered before or right after connection.
  2. Know your schemeSee below how feed-in is paid in the UK.
  3. Compare offersSome suppliers pay more for surplus power than others. Check the conditions.
  4. Use more of your own powerRunning appliances while the sun shines is usually worth more than selling the surplus.

📇 Who to contact

NIE Networks — Northern IrelandRuns the local grid, meters and connectionsPower cut, meter problem, new connection📞 03457 643 643🔗 www.nienetworks.co.uk
Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.ofgem.gov.uk
Utility Regulator (Northern Ireland)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.uregni.gov.uk

❓ Questions

Do I need permission?

Small installations usually only need to be registered. Check with the grid operator.

Can the scheme change?

Yes, feed-in rules change regularly. The date we checked is on this page.

Do I pay tax on it?

That depends on the country and the amounts. Check with the tax office.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

❔Can I install solar panels? · Can I?→🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→🧾Wrong or high bill→💸Can’t pay the bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→

More help in the UK

All other problems: who handles whatWho do I contact?100+ things that go wrong — money, housing, work, safety, health, papers, government — and the one desk in the UK that actually handles each: phone, site, and what to say when they pick up.Before it goes wrongCan I?What is allowed, what is not, which permit you need — with the official source.Recognise it firstIs dit veilig?Check a phone number, website or message against 47,000 scam dossiers.