Switching Energy Supplier with Solar Panels and a Smart Meter

Switching suppliers is straightforward with a SMETS2 meter and solar — but there are a few things to check so you don't lose your export data or SEG payments.

Why Switching Still Matters with Solar

Having plug-in solar doesn't lock you into one supplier. In fact, shopping around becomes more valuable because you're now comparing two rates: the import rate (what you pay) and the export rate (what you earn under SEG).

Some suppliers offer excellent import rates but poor export rates, or vice versa. And here's something many people don't realise: you can have different suppliers for import and export. Your import might be with British Gas while your SEG export payments come from Octopus.

What Happens to Your Smart Meter When You Switch

SMETS2 meters: nothing changes. The meter communicates via the DCC national network, which works with all suppliers. Your new supplier takes over reading your meter remotely. Half-hourly data, export recording, and IHD functionality all continue seamlessly.

SMETS1 meters: the meter may "go dumb" — losing smart functionality and reverting to a basic meter that needs manual readings. This is the key reason to upgrade to SMETS2 before switching.

The Switching Checklist for Solar Owners

Before you switch:

Confirm you have a SMETS2 meter — if SMETS1, request an upgrade first
Download your historical data — most supplier apps let you export usage data. Save at least 12 months for comparison
Note your current import rate, standing charge, and SEG rate — you need these to compare properly
Check whether you're in a fixed-term contract — exit fees may apply

When comparing new suppliers:

Compare import rates — use your actual consumption (reduced by solar) not the national average
Compare SEG rates — check both the rate per kWh and whether it's fixed or variable
Check ToU tariff availability — if you want Octopus Flux or similar, confirm the supplier offers it
Check export register handling — will the new supplier maintain your export register, or do you need to re-request it?

SEG Considerations

Your SEG agreement is with a specific supplier. If you switch your import supplier, your SEG agreement doesn't automatically follow. You have three options:

Keep SEG with the old supplier — you can have separate import and export suppliers. Only practical if the old supplier doesn't require you to be an import customer for SEG.

Transfer SEG to the new supplier — cancel the old SEG and apply with the new supplier. There may be a gap of a few days during the switch where exports go unrecorded.

Shop around for the best SEG independently — treat import and export as separate decisions. Compare SEG rates at Ofgem's SEG supplier list.

For plug-in solar at 400–800W, the SEG income is modest (£15–75/year), so a slightly better import rate usually saves more than a slightly better export rate.

Avoiding Common Switching Problems

Export register gets disabled — some supplier switches result in the export register being turned off. After switching, explicitly ask your new supplier to confirm it's active. Check your app for export data within the first week.

Half-hourly settlement reverts to profile settlement — ToU tariffs need half-hourly settlement. Confirm this is active with your new supplier, especially if you're moving from a standard tariff to a ToU one.

IHD stops working temporarily — this sometimes happens during the switch as the IHD re-pairs with the meter under the new supplier's configuration. It usually resolves within 48 hours. If it doesn't, contact the new supplier.

Previous supplier bills arrive late — your old supplier may send a final bill based on estimated readings rather than actual smart meter data. Check the closing reading matches your records.

When Not to Switch

If you're on a genuinely good ToU tariff optimised for solar (like Flux with competitive rates), the hassle of switching may not be worth a small saving. Run the numbers: is the annual saving from switching greater than £50? If not, the effort probably isn't justified.

Also check your current supplier's solar-specific offerings — they may have introduced new tariffs since you last looked.