Businesses across the UK are increasingly investing in commercial solar PV and on-site generation to reduce energy costs and improve sustainability performance. However, many organisations are unaware that excess electricity exported back to the grid can also create an additional revenue stream through an Export Power Purchase Agreement (Export PPA).

At Flame Energy, we help SME and mid-market businesses secure competitive export energy contracts for surplus solar energy generated through commercial solar PV, battery storage, CHP systems, and other renewable technologies.

Whether your business already has solar installed or is planning a renewable energy project, we can help maximise the value of your exported electricity.

What Is an Export PPA?

An Export Power Purchase Agreement (Export PPA) is a contract between your business and an energy supplier or energy trader that pays you for the electricity you export back to the National Grid.

If your site regularly produces excess solar energy, particularly during weekends, shutdown periods, or seasonal fluctuations, an export agreement ensures you are paid for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) exported to the grid.

Export PPAs are commonly used by businesses with:

• Commercial solar PV systems
• Battery storage systems
• CHP systems
• Wind generation
• Manufacturing facilities with variable demand
• Large roof-mounted solar installations

How Does a Business Export Energy Contract Work?

Your export meter records how much electricity your site exports to the grid. Your chosen supplier then pays your business based on an agreed export tariff or market-linked pricing structure.

Depending on your requirements, contracts can include:

• Fixed export rates
• Flexible market-linked pricing
• Short-term export agreements
• Long-term Power Purchase Agreements
• Sleeved export arrangements

Flame Energy helps businesses compare export rates, negotiate terms, and ensure all metering and MPAN requirements are in place.

What Are Business Solar Export Rates?

Business solar export rates vary depending on several factors, including export volume, market conditions, contract structure, and metering arrangements.

Some businesses choose fixed export rates for pricing certainty, while others prefer flexible market-linked pricing that tracks wholesale electricity markets and can provide improved returns during periods of higher pricing.

Flame Energy helps businesses compare commercial solar export tariffs from multiple suppliers to secure competitive export rates aligned with operational and financial objectives.

Benefits of an Export PPA

Generate Additional Revenue

Turn unused solar energy into a new income stream by exporting excess electricity back to the grid.

Improve Solar ROI

Export payments can help reduce the payback period of commercial solar installations and improve long-term return on investment.

Offset Rising Energy Costs

Revenue generated from exported power can help offset increasing electricity prices and operational costs.

Support ESG & Net Zero Targets

Exporting renewable electricity supports sustainability objectives and demonstrates environmental commitment to customers and stakeholders.

Flexible Contract Options

We work with multiple suppliers to help businesses secure export agreements suited to operational requirements and risk appetite.

Who Can Benefit from an Export Energy Contract?

Businesses typically benefit most from export PPAs when they:

• Operate mainly during weekdays
• Have low weekend electricity usage
• Generate significant daytime solar power
• Use battery storage systems
• Export electricity regularly to the grid

Common sectors include manufacturing, warehousing & logistics, commercial offices, agriculture, hospitality, retail parks, and automotive dealerships.

What Do You Need to Export Electricity Back to the Grid?

To sell electricity back to the grid, your business will typically require:

• A half-hourly or smart export meter
• An export MPAN
• DNO approval where applicable
• A compliant renewable energy system
• A registered export contract

Flame Energy can manage the entire process, including export MPAN applications, supplier negotiations, metering support, and export contract setup.

What’s the Difference Between SEG and an Export PPA?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is primarily designed for smaller renewable installations and domestic-scale generation.

An Export PPA is generally more suitable for commercial and industrial businesses with larger export volumes, more complex energy requirements, or half-hourly metering arrangements.

Export PPAs can often provide greater flexibility and more commercially tailored pricing structures for businesses exporting significant amounts of electricity.

Why Choose Flame Energy?

Unlike generic business energy brokers, Flame Energy specialises in commercial energy management and renewable energy solutions for UK businesses.

We help organisations:

• Compare business export tariffs
• Secure competitive export rates
• Navigate export MPAN requirements
• Understand PPA contract structures
• Optimise on-site generation performance
• Integrate export strategies with wider procurement plans

Our team provides straightforward, commercial advice designed to maximise value from your renewable energy investment.