Can I Get Paid for the Electricity My Solar Panels Generate?

One of the first questions many homeowners ask when considering solar panels is:

"Can I get paid for the electricity my solar panels generate?"

The simple answer is yes.

Although the Government Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme closed to new applicants in 2019, homeowners can still earn money by exporting unused electricity back to the National Grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

In this guide, we'll explain how it works and how much you could earn.

How Do Solar Panels Save You Money?

Before looking at export payments, it's important to understand that the biggest financial benefit of solar panels usually comes from using the electricity you generate yourself.

Every unit (kWh) of electricity your home uses from your solar panels is electricity you don't have to buy from your energy supplier.

Adding battery storage can increase these savings further by storing excess solar energy for use later in the day when your panels are no longer generating.

Can I Get Paid for Excess Electricity?

Yes. If your solar panels generate more electricity than your home is using, the excess can be exported to the grid.

Energy suppliers offer export tariffs under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), paying you for every unit of electricity you export. Depending on the supplier and tariff you choose, export rates can vary considerably, so it is worth shopping around.

Some suppliers also offer specialist tariffs for customers with battery storage, allowing you to maximise the value of your solar energy.

How Much Could I Earn?

The amount you receive depends on several factors, including:

• The size of your solar PV system.

• How much electricity your household uses during the day.

• Whether you have battery storage.

• Your chosen export tariff.

• Your roof orientation and shading.

  
  

While export payments are a welcome bonus, for most households the greatest return comes from reducing the amount of electricity purchased from the grid.

Do I Need Battery Storage to Get Paid?

No. You can receive SEG payments whether or not you have a battery.

However, a battery gives you greater control over your energy. Rather than exporting electricity immediately, you can store it and use it later, helping to reduce your electricity bills even further.

Some homeowners also benefit from time-of-use tariffs, where batteries can charge during cheaper overnight periods and discharge when electricity prices are higher.

Why Choosing an MCS-Certified Installer Matters

One of the most important requirements for receiving Smart Export Guarantee payments is that your solar PV system is installed by an MCS-certified installer.

Without MCS certification, most energy suppliers will not allow you to join their SEG export tariff, meaning you could miss out on being paid for the electricity you export.

MCS certification also provides reassurance that your system has been designed and installed to recognised industry standards, helping to ensure safety, performance and quality.

Ulex Energy Is MCS Certified

At Ulex Energy, we are proud to be an MCS-certified solar PV installer.

This means every eligible installation we complete is supplied with the documentation required for your Smart Export Guarantee application.

As part of our service, we also help customers understand the process after installation, including:

• MCS certification.

• Distribution Network Operator (DNO) notifications and approvals where required.

• Guidance on applying for a Smart Export Guarantee tariff.

• Advice on choosing export tariffs that suit your energy usage.

  
  

Our aim is to ensure you maximise both the savings from using your own solar electricity and any income available from exporting surplus energy.

Is Solar Still Worth It Without the Feed-in Tariff?

Yes. Modern solar panels are more efficient than ever, electricity prices remain significantly higher than they were when many early systems were installed, and battery technology has transformed what homeowners can achieve.

Today's solar systems deliver value through a combination of:

• Lower electricity bills.

• Export payments.

• Greater energy independence.

• Reduced carbon emissions.

• Protection against future energy price rises.

  
  

For most homeowners, these combined benefits make solar an excellent long-term investment.

Thinking About Installing Solar?

If you're considering solar panels, we'll design a bespoke system based on your property's energy usage, helping you maximise both your savings and your export income.

As an MCS-certified installer, Ulex Energy can provide everything needed to ensure your installation is eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee, giving you complete confidence from design through to commissioning.

Contact Ulex Energy today for a free, no-obligation quotation and discover how much your roof could earn.