Has the Smart Export Guarantee Failed Solar Panel Owners?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) took the place of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme in January 2020, with the intention of offering a reasonable rate for surplus energy from solar panel users returned to the grid. Yet, almost a couple of years post-launch, a multitude of solar panel owners are pondering if the SEG is coming up short.

The chief problem with the SEG lies in the meagre tariffs proposed by energy providers. The SEG mandates providers with over 150,000 clientele to propose a tariff for exported power, but the rate isn't government-determined. This has led to a broad array of tariffs from varied providers, with some presenting as little as 0.5p per kWh, considerably lower than former FIT scheme rates.

The SEG necessitates solar panel owners to get a smart meter, which can be an extra expense. Plus, certain energy providers are notorious for postponing the installation of a smart meter, resulting in annoyance for solar panel owners who can't get payments for their surplus energy until the meter is set up.

Another concern is the minimal consumer knowledge regarding the SEG. Numerous solar panel owners are ignorant of the scheme and its prospective advantages. This unawareness has led to sparse participation rates, consequently curbing competition among energy providers.

Despite these hurdles, there are some beneficial features of the SEG. For instance, the scheme allows solar panel owners to profit from their surplus energy, which can aid in balancing their energy expenses. Additionally, the scheme encourages renewable energy and aids in cutting carbon emissions.

The SEG hasn't met the hopes of many solar panel owners, with scanty tariffs and sparse consumer knowledge being the primary issues. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the scheme is relatively new and can be enhanced. Hence, it's vital for the government and energy providers to collaborate to tackle these issues and make the SEG a more appealing choice for solar panel owners.