So Energy SEG Export Tariffs: Flex vs Bright Export Rates

Under Great Britain's Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) statutory framework, licensed electricity suppliers provide commercial routes for microgenerators to monetize excess power sent to the electricity grid. So Energy operates as a licensed energy supplier and active participant in the SEG market, offering a dual-track export structure that separates standalone microgenerators from homeowners investing in complete residential renewable systems.

Understanding the operational differences between So Energy's flexible open-access tariff and its installation-exclusive premium rate enables solar generators to evaluate whether joining So Energy matches their system architecture and energy supply preferences.

So Energy SEG Export Tariffs: Flex vs Bright Export

So Energy structures its export remuneration into two distinct products:

1. So Export Flex (4.5p / kWh)

The baseline open-market tariff, So Export Flex is 4.5p/kwh (incl. VAT). This tariff is fully variable, adjusting over time in response to power market movements and supplier operational reviews.

Crucially, this tariff maintains open market access: You don't need to buy electricity from So Energy to benefit from SEG—anyone generating renewable energy is welcome to take up one of their plans. Homeowners who buy electricity from another provider (such as EDF, OVO, or E.ON Next) can register their export capacity with So Energy and receive 4.5p per kWh for all metered export units.

2. So Bright Export (20p / kWh Fixed for 12 Months)

Representing one of the highest domestic export rates in the UK market, So Bright Export is 20p/kwh (incl. VAT) for 12 months. This premium tariff is exclusively reserved for homeowners who purchase and install their solar panels and battery energy storage system directly through So Energy's solar installation division.

By fixing the rate at 20p per kWh for a complete 12-month period, So Energy insulates homeowners from short-term wholesale power volatility, providing more than four times the unit export value compared to the 4.5p Flex tariff.

Technology Scope and Generation Capacity Limits

So Energy accepts applications from clean energy systems across multiple recognized technologies:

• Solar (also known as Solar Photovoltaic or Solar PV): Standard residential and commercial solar arrays.
• Onshore wind turbines.
• Hydroelectric systems.
• Anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities.
• Micro combined heat and power (Micro-CHP).

System Capacity Rules

Generators face clear capacity parameters established under the governing legislation: with the exception of micro-chp your generator can have a capacity of up to 5 megawatts (5mw. The 5MW threshold represents substantial scale, capable of delivering the same amount of electricity it takes to power a typical household for 1.7 years from just a brief operating window. For domestic Micro-CHP installations, standard statutory limits apply.

Required Onboarding Documentation Pack

To register for either the Flex or Bright export tariff, microgenerators must compile and submit a comprehensive technical compliance pack:

1. MCS Certificate: A valid MCS certificate or equivalent verifying that both the installed equipment (solar modules, inverters) and the installation company meet rigorous microgeneration standards.
2. DNO Grid Connection Approval: Installers must provide their G59/G83/G98/G99 form and response from the local Distribution Network Operator. For standard residential arrays, a standard G98 notification suffices; larger systems require prior formal G99 connection consent.
3. Proof of Ownership: Documented proof that the applicant holds legal title to the generation asset (such as purchase invoices or property deeds).
4. Feed-in Tariff (FIT) Verification: Energy suppliers must verify subsidy non-duplication: So Energy will check if your generator is receiving both FIT export and SEG payments. Microgenerators currently claiming deemed FIT export must formally surrender their deemed export contract before enrolling onto So Energy SEG.

Export MPAN Creation and Registration Timeline

Once a generator submits their compliance pack, So Energy processes the grid registration:

Distribution Network Operator (DNO) Liaison

A dedicated Export Meter Point Administration Number (Export MPAN) is essential for half-hourly settlement. If the generating property does not already have an export identifier established from a previous installation: If your generator doesn't have an existing Export MPAN, we will request to register one with your local DNO. This process may take up to 5 working days.

So Energy's 5 working day turnaround for initiating DNO export MPAN registration represents an efficient administrative cycle, reducing wait times between initial solar commissioning and revenue generation.

Registration Completion and SEG Plan Confirmation

Following successful network operator coordination and meter verification, So Energy finalizes the account setup: the generator will receive a confirmation email containing details of your 'SEG Plan'. From this date, all exported kilowatt-hours recorded by the smart meter are credited under the selected Flex or Bright tariff contract terms.