Getting paid, and getting more

Getting paid for what your new build exports

Not a government service. UKSolars is an independent company. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting on behalf of the UK Government, DESNZ, Ofgem, MCS or any local authority. We do not administer any grant scheme, we cannot approve an application, and we never charge for anything a government provides free.

How we are paid. We are paid a fee by installers when we introduce a homeowner who asks for a quote. It does not change your price, and we are not paid more by one installer than another for the same job. In full.

Short answer

Buying a new home with solar does not confirm that an export-payment contract is active in your name. Find the installation certificate, network paperwork, meter details and MPAN in the handover pack, then apply to a Smart Export Guarantee licensee whose eligibility terms the system meets.

Find
Certification and DNO paperwork
Check
Export-capable metering
Apply to
Your chosen SEG licensee
Keep
Acceptance and opening reading
By the UKSolars editorial team Updated 2026-09-09
Sources checked 2026-09-09 Smart Export Guarantee obligation: checked 2026-09-11

Check the handover pack

Look for the installation certificate, panel and inverter models, commissioning record, electrical certificates, network-connection confirmation, warranties and monitoring login. Ask for missing items promptly while the developer and installer can still retrieve them.

Apply in this order

  1. Confirm who owns the system and is entitled to export payments.
  2. Confirm that export can be measured and obtain the relevant MPAN details.
  3. Compare current SEG rates and conditions.
  4. Submit the chosen supplier’s evidence.
  5. Save the acceptance date and opening export reading.

The panels working is not proof of a payment account

Generation, network connection and an accepted SEG contract are separate matters. Check each one rather than assuming the developer completed the commercial application.

Common questions

Is a SEG tariff transferred automatically with a new-build home?
Do not assume it is. SEG is a contract between an eligible generator and a licensee. Ask the developer what has been registered, then obtain acceptance in your own name from the chosen supplier.
What if the builder did not provide the solar documents?
Request the installation certificate, commissioning information, network correspondence, equipment details and warranties from the developer or conveyancer before applying.

Sources

Checked 2026-09-09. Rates, rules and eligibility can change. Confirm current terms before signing a contract or applying for funding.

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