How to Switch Energy Supplier When You Have Plug-in Solar

One of the great things about owning plug-in solar is flexibility. When your fixed-rate tariff ends—or you spot a better deal on Octopus Flux or Go—you can switch to a new supplier. But unlike switching as a standard household, there are a few extra considerations when you have solar connected to your property.

The good news: the process is straightforward, takes about 5–10 minutes, and won't interrupt your solar generation or leave you in the cold. Let's walk through what you need to know.

The Three Key Things That Don't Change When You Switch

1. Your G98 Notification (Stays with the DNO, Not the Supplier)

When your installer connected your 800W plug-in solar kit, they filed a G98 notification with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO)—the company that maintains the wires in your area (UK Power Networks, SEEL, Scottish Power, etc.).

This notification is with your DNO, not your energy supplier. When you switch suppliers, it stays right where it is. Your new supplier doesn't need to do anything—the DNO already knows your system is connected.

In practice: you don't need to contact your DNO when you switch. Your solar will keep working seamlessly.

2. Your Smart Meter Stays (and So Do Your Readings)

Your smart meter is owned by your energy supplier, but when you switch, the physical meter stays in your home. Your new supplier will remotely take control of it—usually within 1–2 working days—and your old readings are automatically transferred.

Your export register (the second dial on SMETS2 meters) isn't reset. The meter simply changes supplier ownership. If you were exporting before, you'll keep exporting with the same technical setup.

Top tip: Take a meter reading the day before you switch, and another on the day the switch completes. This creates a clear boundary and helps resolve any billing disputes.

3. Your Smart Home Integration (Continues Without Interruption)

If you have a battery with remote control (like an EcoFlow system running on Octopus Intelligent), or you're using Home Assistant to manage demand, that integration continues to work. Your new supplier can't access or interrupt your battery systems—they only control your meter and tariff.

What Does Change: Your SEG Contract

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a contract between you and your energy supplier. It defines how much they'll pay you for energy you export to the grid.

When you switch suppliers, your SEG contract ends. Your new supplier will offer their own SEG (if they have one), usually with different rates.

Important detail: Most plug-in solar systems are not MCS-certified, which means they're ineligible for the statutory SEG. However, some suppliers—notably Octopus Energy—offer informal SEG arrangements for non-MCS systems.

Before you switch, check:

• Does your new supplier offer export payments for non-MCS systems?
• What rate do they offer? (Octopus typically offers 5–10p/kWh; rates vary)
• Is the new rate better than your current supplier?

If your current supplier pays 0p/kWh for exports and you're switching to Octopus (even at 5p/kWh), that's an immediate improvement.

Don't lose out: If you're currently receiving export payments, ask your new supplier's sales team about their SEG before you switch. Some suppliers are more generous with non-MCS systems than others.

Step-by-Step: How to Switch

Step 1: Choose Your New Supplier and Tariff

Compare tariffs on USwitch, MoneySuperMarket, or directly with suppliers. Note the plan details (especially anything solar-specific, like Octopus Go or Flux).

Step 2: Gather Your Meter Details

You'll need:

• Your postcode
• Your current supplier's name
• Your meter point number (MPAN for electricity; find it on your bill or smart meter display)
• Your current meter reading

Step 3: Place Your Order

Sign up with your new supplier online or by phone. The process typically takes 5–10 minutes.

Tell them you have solar. Most suppliers ask "Do you have solar panels?" during signup. Saying yes ensures your account is set up correctly and doesn't affect anything—it's just so they can flag your account appropriately.

Step 4: Wait for Confirmation

Your new supplier will confirm the switch date (usually 21 days from signup). You'll get a letter with details.

Step 5: Switch Day (No Action Needed)

On your switch date, your new supplier takes remote control of your meter. This is automatic and doesn't require you to do anything.

Your solar will keep generating. Your import and export readings will keep updating. Nothing stops.

Step 6: Receive Your Final Bill

Your old supplier will send a final bill for the days before the switch. Pay this to close your account.

Timing: When Should You Switch?

The ideal time to switch is after you've monitored your solar for at least a month. Here's why:

• You'll have real data on your generation and consumption patterns
• You can choose a tariff that actually matches your behaviour (not a guess)
• You'll have a baseline to compare against after switching

If you're currently on a standard flat-rate tariff (like Economy 7), switching to a solar-aware tariff (like Octopus Go) will immediately improve your economics. Don't wait.

What About Fixed-Rate Contracts?

If you're on a fixed-rate contract with an exit fee, check whether it's worth paying the fee to switch.

Example: Your current fixed rate is 28p/kWh, the new Octopus Go is 24p peak / 9p off-peak, and your exit fee is £50. If you're saving 4p/kWh on 3,000 kWh/year, that's £120/year in savings—so the exit fee pays for itself in five months. Worth it.

If the exit fee is £200 and your savings are only £50/year, hold tight until the contract expires.

After You Switch: Monitoring Your Savings

Your new smart meter should report half-hourly consumption and export data within a few days. Use your new supplier's app to track:

• Electricity imported from the grid (lower is better)
• Electricity exported to the grid (if applicable)
• Daily and monthly costs

If you want deeper insights into your solar generation and efficiency, a dedicated monitor like the Emporia Vue 3 provides granular data that your supplier's app can't.

Common Worries (Don't Stress About These)

"Will the switch interrupt my solar?" No. Solar generation is independent of your supplier or tariff. You'll keep generating and exporting seamlessly.

"Will I lose my export payments if I switch?" You'll lose your old contract's terms, but your new supplier will offer their own. Make sure they have export payments before you switch.

"Do I need to tell my DNO I'm switching?" No. Your DNO doesn't care about suppliers—they care about distributed generation, which remains registered via your G98 notification.

"What if something goes wrong?" Switching has formal consumer protections. If your new supplier doesn't take over within 21 days, Ofgem gets involved. In practice, things rarely go wrong.

Final Checklist

Before you switch:

• Check new supplier's SEG rate (if you export)
• Confirm no exit fees on your current SVT, or calculate whether the fee is worth paying
• Take a final meter reading
• Note your MPAN and meter details
• Check that your new tariff is solar-aware (time-of-use or export-friendly)

After you switch:

• Confirm the switch completed (check your new supplier's app)
• Review your first bill for accuracy
• Update any smart home integrations (if needed)
• Monitor your savings over the first month

Switching is one of the quickest wins in solar ownership. If you're on a bad tariff or a fixed rate that's expired, don't delay.

Ready to switch? Compare tariffs on Octopus Go vs. Intelligent or read our Octopus Flux review to decide which is best for you.