Exporting solar electricity: your MPAN

An Export MPAN is essential for homeowners to get paid for the solar electricity they send back to the grid. For those with solar panels, understanding this unique reference is key to unlocking the full value of their investment. This article explains everything you need to know about Export MPANs, from registration to maximising your earnings.

If you have solar panels, understanding your Export MPAN helps you make the most of your renewable energy. Fuse Energy offers advanced app and smart-tariff tools to help you manage your solar exports and maximise your earnings. Click here to explore our tariffs and see how Fuse can support your solar journey.

What is an export MPAN?

An Export MPAN, or Meter Point Administration Number, is a unique reference number that identifies the point at which electricity is exported from your property to the National Grid. Think of it as a specific address for the electricity your solar panels send back to the grid. Without it, energy suppliers cannot accurately measure or pay you for the power you contribute.

Understanding your MPAN

Every property connected to the electricity grid has an MPAN, which is a unique identifier for that electricity supply point. This number is crucial for administrative purposes, ensuring that your exported electricity is correctly attributed and that you receive payments for it.

Import vs Export MPANs

It is easy to confuse your import MPAN with your export MPAN, but they are distinct identifiers for a single property. Your import MPAN tracks the electricity you use from the grid and is typically found on your electricity bill. An export MPAN, however, does the opposite job: it identifies the electricity your home sends back to the grid. You need both if you are both consuming and generating electricity. In simple terms, your import MPAN helps your supplier bill you, while your export MPAN helps your supplier pay you.

Why do you need an export MPAN?

Having an Export MPAN is fundamental to monetising your solar generation. Without it, any surplus electricity you generate and send to the grid is essentially given away for free.

Unlocking export tariffs

An Export MPAN is crucial for getting paid for the surplus electricity you generate and send back to the grid. It allows your export tariff provider to link your meter readings to your account, ensuring you are paid the correct amount for all the electricity your system sends to the grid.

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed scheme that requires licensed electricity suppliers to pay for electricity exported to the grid by small-scale generators. This scheme came into force on 1 January 2020, replacing the previous Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme. All licensed energy suppliers with more than 150,000 domestic electricity customers must offer at least one SEG tariff.

To be eligible for an SEG tariff, your solar installation typically needs to be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or an equivalent standard.

The export MPAN registration process

Registering your Export MPAN involves a few key steps, ensuring you can seamlessly export and earn from your solar electricity.

Step 1: contact your distribution network operator (DNO)

Your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is responsible for the local electricity network in your area. They play a critical role in connecting your solar installation to the grid and issuing your Export MPAN. You will need to apply for grid connection through them.

Step 2: get your smart meter ready

A smart meter is generally required to accurately measure exported electricity, which is necessary for accessing most SEG tariffs. Smart meters can provide half-hourly export readings, ensuring you are paid correctly. If you do not already have a smart meter, your energy supplier can often install one for free. An Export MPAN is an administrative reference number, while a smart meter is the physical device that measures your electricity usage and export.

Step 3: register with an energy supplier

Once you have your Export MPAN and a smart meter, you need to register with an energy supplier that offers an SEG tariff. You do not necessarily need to be an import customer of that supplier to access their SEG tariff, as many offer export-only options. The supplier will use your Export MPAN and smart meter readings to calculate your payments.

Finding your export MPAN and DNO

Knowing where to find your Export MPAN and identify your DNO is crucial for managing your solar exports.

How to locate your export MPAN

If you are already receiving SEG payments, your energy supplier should list your Export MPAN on your export tariff documents, statements, or within your online account or app. If you have had solar panels for a while but have not been receiving payments, you might not have an Export MPAN set up. In such cases, your energy supplier will typically create and register it for you when you apply for an SEG tariff.

Identifying your distribution network operator

Your DNO is determined by your geographical location. You can find out who your DNO is by using the Energy Networks Association (ENA) postcode lookup tool. This is particularly useful if you need to contact them regarding grid connection or supply issues.

Maximising your solar export earnings

Once your Export MPAN is registered and your system is exporting, the next step is to optimise your earnings.

Choosing the right export tariff

SEG tariffs vary between suppliers, with rates set above zero. Some tariffs offer fixed rates per kWh, while others are variable, adjusting based on market demand. It is worth comparing different SEG tariffs to find one that best suits your export patterns and maximises your returns.

Using smart technology for optimisation

Smart meters are fundamental for accurate, half-hourly measurement of exported electricity, which is crucial for most SEG tariffs. The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity per year. By accurately measuring your export, you can ensure you are paid fairly. Apps, like the Fuse app, provide clear visibility and control over energy usage and export, helping homeowners maximise their solar earnings once their Export MPAN is registered. Fuse offers 24/7 human customer support to assist homeowners with tariff selection and app usage for their solar exports, ensuring a smooth experience.

By understanding the Export MPAN process, getting your smart meter ready, and choosing the right tariff, you can turn your surplus solar energy into a tangible asset.

Ready to make the most of your solar exports? Fuse Energy provides clear pricing and smart tools to help you manage your energy. Our 24/7 human support team is always available to assist you with tariff selection and app usage for your solar exports. Switching is quick and easy. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. You can also learn more about our mission to power a sustainable future here.