Solar rebates in England are primarily offered through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

Here’s an overview of how solar rebates work in England:

1. Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) was introduced in January 2020 to replace the previous Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme. The SEG required large energy suppliers (with over 150,000 customers) to offer payments to small-scale renewable energy generators, including solar PV system owners, for the excess electricity they exported to the grid. Under the SEG, solar system owners could negotiate export tariffs with participating energy suppliers.

2. Export Tariffs: The export tariffs represented the amount per kilowatt-hour (kWh) that solar system owners would be paid for the surplus electricity they sent back to the grid. The specific rate was determined by the energy supplier and could vary between providers. It was advisable for solar system owners to shop around and compare export tariffs from different suppliers to get the best deal.

3. Self-Consumption: In addition to earning from the export tariffs, solar system owners could also save on their electricity bills by consuming the electricity generated by their solar panels on-site (self-consumption). By using the solar electricity directly, homeowners would rely less on grid electricity, leading to potential savings on their energy bills.

4. Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI): The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) was a separate scheme that provided financial incentives to households installing renewable heating systems, such as solar thermal panels for water heating. It allowed eligible homeowners to receive quarterly payments over a set period for the renewable heat they produced and used in their homes.

It’s crucial to note that solar incentives and rebates can change over time, and new schemes may have been introduced or existing ones modified since my last update. The government’s official websites and reputable sources on renewable energy in England are valuable resources to stay up-to-date with the latest information on solar rebates and incentives.

If you’re considering installing solar panels or exploring renewable energy options, it’s recommended to contact local solar installers or energy providers who can guide you on the most current solar rebates and incentives available in your area.