--- title: "Getting paid for solar with an Export MPAN" description: "An Export MPAN is a unique 21-digit number for solar panel owners. Learn what an Export MPAN is, why it's essential." url: "https://www.fuseenergy.com/blog/export-mpan" updated: "2026-10-19" --- # Getting paid for solar with an Export MPAN An Export MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) is a unique 21-digit reference number crucial for homeowners to receive payments for electricity exported from their solar panels. Without this specific number, you cannot formally register your solar energy exports, meaning you could miss out on earning money for the clean electricity you send back to the grid. This guide explains what an Export MPAN is, why it is essential for solar owners, and provides a clear, step-by-step process for obtaining one. If you are generating your own clean energy, you will want to ensure you are getting paid for any surplus you send back to the grid. Fuse Energy makes managing your solar exports straightforward, helping you get the most from your panels. Click [here](https://www.fuseenergy.com/app/boarding/premises) to see how easy it is to switch. ## What is an Export MPAN? Your electricity supply has unique identifiers, much like your home has a postcode. These numbers ensure that your energy usage is correctly attributed and billed. For solar panel owners, understanding these identifiers, especially the Export MPAN, is key to monetising their generated electricity. ### Understanding your electricity meter numbers Every electricity supply point in Great Britain is assigned a Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN). This 21-digit reference number identifies your property's electricity supply on the national database. You will typically find your MPAN on your electricity bill, often in a box labelled "Supply Number" or "S Number". It is crucial for managing your electricity account, from switching suppliers to understanding your usage. If you need help understanding your bill, you can find more information on understanding your energy bill. ### Import MPAN versus Export MPAN While you likely already know your standard MPAN for the electricity you import from the grid, an Export MPAN is a distinct number. Your import MPAN identifies the flow of electricity *into* your property. Conversely, an Export MPAN specifically identifies the flow of electricity *out of* your property, back into the National Grid. Homeowners with solar panels need both: the import MPAN for the electricity they consume and the Export MPAN for the surplus electricity they generate and export. > **What is an Export MPAN?** > > An Export MPAN is a unique 21-digit reference number that identifies an electricity export supply point in Great Britain. It is essential for homeowners with solar panels to register their exported electricity, enabling them to receive payments for the energy they send back to the grid. ## Why do you need an Export MPAN for solar panels? Having solar panels means you are not just consuming electricity; you are also producing it. When your panels generate more electricity than your home needs, the excess is sent back to the grid. An Export MPAN is the formal recognition of this contribution, allowing you to be compensated for it. ### Unlocking payments for exported energy The primary reason for obtaining an Export MPAN is to receive payments for the electricity your solar panels export. Without it, your energy supplier cannot accurately record the amount of electricity you are sending to the grid, and therefore cannot pay you for it. This number acts as your unique identifier in the export market, ensuring you get credit for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you contribute. The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity per year, highlighting the potential for significant export if your solar generation exceeds your consumption. ### The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed scheme that mandates larger energy suppliers to offer tariffs for exported renewable electricity. Under the SEG, licensed electricity suppliers with over 250,000 domestic customers must provide an export tariff. This means if your supplier meets this threshold, they must provide a way for you to get paid for your exported solar energy. To be eligible for SEG tariffs, you must have an Export MPAN and your solar installation needs to be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or an equivalent standard. The SEG ensures that your contribution to the grid is not only recognised but also financially rewarded. ## How to get an Export MPAN: a step-by-step guide Obtaining an Export MPAN involves a few key steps, primarily interacting with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). This process ensures your solar system is safely connected to the grid and that your exports can be accurately measured. ### Confirm your solar installation details Before applying for an Export MPAN, ensure all details of your solar panel installation are in order. This includes having your MCS certificate or equivalent. This certification verifies that your installation meets industry standards and is a prerequisite for most export tariffs, including those under the SEG. Your installer should provide you with this documentation. ### Contact your distribution network operator (DNO) Your DNO is responsible for the local electricity network in your area. They manage the infrastructure that connects your home to the grid and are the ones who issue Export MPANs after approving the connection of microgeneration systems like solar panels. You will need to contact your DNO to apply for your Export MPAN. You can find out who your DNO is by using the Energy Networks Association's postcode lookup tool. For more details on their role, you can read about what is a DNO. ### Applying for your Export MPAN The application process typically involves submitting a G98 or G99 application to your DNO, depending on the size of your solar installation. For most domestic solar systems, a G98 application is sufficient. Your solar installer might have already handled this as part of the installation process. If not, you will need to complete the form, providing details about your system. Once approved, your DNO will issue your unique Export MPAN. This process confirms that your system is compliant and ready to export electricity safely and efficiently. ## Smart meters and exported electricity Smart meters play a vital role in the accurate measurement and payment for exported solar electricity. They provide the necessary data for your energy supplier to calculate your earnings. ### The role of smart meters in export Smart meters are typically required to accurately measure exported electricity and qualify for most export tariffs. Unlike older meters that only record imported electricity, modern smart meters can differentiate between electricity flowing into and out of your home. This dual-directional measurement is crucial for ensuring you are correctly paid for the energy you send back to the grid. Without a smart meter, your energy supplier would have to rely on estimates, which might not reflect your actual export. Many homeowners pair solar panels with a [smart meter installation](https://www.fuseenergy.com/blog/smart-meter-installation) to track their usage and export more accurately. ### Ensuring your meter is export-ready If you have solar panels and do not yet have a smart meter, or if you have an older smart meter, you should contact your energy supplier to ensure it is capable of recording export readings. Most modern smart meters (SMETS2) are export-ready, but some older models (SMETS1) might require an update or replacement. An export-ready smart meter will accurately track your exported energy, paving the way for you to receive payments under an export tariff. ## Maximising your earnings with an Export MPAN Once you have your Export MPAN and an export-ready smart meter, you are in a position to start earning from your solar panels. The next step is to choose the right energy supplier and tariff to ensure you get the best value for your exported electricity. ### Choosing the right export tariff With your Export MPAN in hand, you can compare the various export tariffs offered by different energy suppliers. The SEG ensures that larger suppliers offer these tariffs, but the rates can vary significantly. Look for tariffs that offer good rates for your exported electricity, and consider factors like payment frequency and any additional benefits. It is worth comparing options to find the tariff that best suits your generation patterns and financial goals. Managing your energy, especially with solar panels, should be simple and rewarding. Fuse Energy provides a digital-first experience that makes tracking your imported and exported electricity easy. Our 24/7 human customer support team is always on hand to help with your energy queries, ensuring you have the support you need to make the most of your solar generation. Switch to Fuse Energy today and take control of your energy. Click [here](https://www.fuseenergy.com/app/boarding/premises) to get started, or learn more about our mission to power a sustainable future [here](https://www.fuseenergy.com/mission). --- Rates, availability, and regional off-peak windows change. Check the source page for current terms. **Disclaimer** For the avoidance of doubt, this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal or financial advice. The author and/or Fuse Energy shall not be responsible for any losses arising out of any reliance on the information contained herein.