Exporting electricity

If you have had solar installed please see our page on registering for the feed-in tariff.

When a photovoltaic system is producing more energy than is required, the surplus is exported via the grid and sold back to the utility company. This page explains the metering options, ROCS and includes a link to the Energy Saving Trust, who provide details of all the energy companies operating 'BuyBack' schemes.

NB. ROC's only apply to those with systems installed before the FIT. If your system was installed prior to 15 July 2009 (when government published the FiT consultation) you must be registered under the Renewables Obligation (RO) to receive the lower rate FiT. For more information on registering for the RO, please contact Ofgem on 020 7901 7310 or visit: https://www.renewablesandchp.ofgem.gov.uk

Metering Options

Total Generation Meter
An Ofgem approved kilowatt-hour (kWh) meter is installed with all Solarcentury systems which gives a running total of the energy in kWh that the system has generated. It is possible to enter into a buy back agreement based on the total energy generation of the system and this meter gives that reading.

Export Meter
An export meter can be installed which calculates the amount of electricity being exported rather than total generated. Exported energy is the extra energy produced by the renewable generator which is exported to the electricity network after the site (i.e. home, commercial property) has met its energy demand. The electricity company will pay for each kWh exported. The electricity company will stipulate if the meter is to be read by the owner or their own meter reader and whether the system owner will be paid annually or bi-annually. Export meters can be purchased from and installed by a local area meter operator.

Visit the Energy Saving Trust, who provide details of all the energy companies operating 'BuyBack' schemes.