When your solar panels produce more electricity than you are using, the extra power is automatically sent back to the national grid. In most cases, you can be paid for that exported electricity through a government-backed scheme.
If you are in Horley, Reigate, Redhill, Crawley, or elsewhere in Surrey and West Sussex, the process works in the same way as the rest of the UK. The details depend on your system size, your electricity supplier, and your local network rules.
In this guide, we cover what exporting means, how payments work, approvals required, likely export levels, limitations, batteries, installation, and practical considerations.
What does exporting electricity actually mean?
Exporting electricity means sending surplus power from your solar panels to the public electricity network.
Your home uses solar electricity first. Any excess flows through your meter and into the grid automatically via the inverter, which converts panel electricity into usable power for your home and the grid.
How do export payments work in the UK?
Most new systems use the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). SEG requires energy suppliers to pay you for electricity exported to the grid.
You usually need MCS-certified installation, an MCS certificate, a smart meter capable of measuring exports, and an export tariff with a participating supplier. Rates vary by supplier.
How does your system know what to export?
Solar generation is used in your home first. Any surplus automatically flows to the grid. A smart meter records imports and exports.
Do you need approval to export electricity?
Your installer must notify or apply to your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO), which manages the local electricity network.
For many domestic systems, installation can proceed with post-install notification. Larger systems may require prior approval.
How much electricity will you actually export?
This depends on system size, daytime usage, whether you are home during the day, EV charging habits, and whether you have a battery.
A typical 3.5 to 4 kWp system in southern England may generate around 3,000 to 4,000 kWh per year, with exports varying significantly depending on usage patterns.
Is exporting electricity worth it?
Export payments are helpful but usually smaller than the savings from using your own solar electricity. Using energy on site typically delivers greater financial benefit than exporting it.
What can limit or stop exports?
In some areas, the local network may restrict export capacity. The DNO may impose limits or require export limitation devices to control maximum export levels.
How do batteries change exporting?
Batteries store excess daytime generation for use later, reducing exports and increasing on-site use. They add cost and have finite lifespans, so suitability depends on your usage patterns.
What does installation and paperwork involve?
The process includes survey, design, DNO notification, installation, commissioning, MCS certification, and setting up your SEG tariff. Installation typically takes one to three days for a standard home.
Common misunderstandings about exporting
You remain grid-connected even if you export electricity. Most systems shut down during power cuts unless special backup equipment is installed. Export rates may change depending on supplier tariffs.
Practical tips before you commit
Review daytime usage, compare SEG tariffs, understand DNO limits, and obtain a property-specific generation and export estimate before proceeding.
JPEC Green Energy can help
JPEC Green Energy works across Horley, Reigate, Redhill, Crawley, Surrey and West Sussex. They can survey, design, install, and commission compliant systems while clearly explaining expected export levels and trade-offs.
For a tailored survey and quotation, contact JPEC Green Energy at 0800 955 2821 and renewables@jpecgroup.co.uk.
This document provides general information only. Performance and payments vary by property, usage, system design, and tariff. Always confirm recommendations through a proper site survey.
