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Export Meters
If your business is generating excess energy, installing an export meter is the key to unlocking additional revenue.
ENERGY METERS > EXPORT PPA
Wholesale Export PPA Explained
For businesses generating their own electricity through solar or other onsite generation, exporting surplus energy back to the grid can create a valuable additional revenue stream.
However, the way your export is structured has a major impact on long-term returns. Choosing the right solar export tariff, metering setup, and contract structure can significantly improve the financial performance of your system.
At Flame Energy, we help businesses optimise export arrangements through commercial PPA structures, export tariff optimisation, and full metering support.
What Is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a long-term contract that allows businesses to sell electricity generated from onsite assets such as solar PV systems.
Under a PPA structure:
- A third-party funder may finance and own the system
- Electricity is sold at a fixed or market-linked rate
- The business benefits from reduced energy costs or export income
- Risk and maintenance responsibilities are typically handled by the provider
A solar PPA can apply to both onsite consumption (on-site PPA) and exported energy (export PPA), depending on how the agreement is structured.
What Is a Commercial PPA?
A commercial PPA is designed specifically for businesses generating or consuming large volumes of electricity.
It provides a structured way to:
- Secure long-term energy pricing
- Monetise exported electricity
- Reduce exposure to volatile wholesale markets
- Improve financial certainty for renewable assets
Commercial PPAs are commonly used for solar PV systems, battery storage, and mixed renewable generation portfolios.
Understanding Solar Export Tariffs
A solar export tariff is the rate you are paid for electricity exported back to the grid.
In the UK, export rates vary significantly depending on:
- Supplier and contract type
- Whether pricing is fixed or market-linked
- Export volume and system size
- Metering and settlement arrangements
- Time-of-use or half-hourly data availability
Choosing the right tariff is critical. In many cases, businesses can improve returns significantly by moving away from default export rates and into structured export PPA arrangements.
We help businesses compare and secure the most suitable export route based on their generation profile and energy strategy.
What Is an Export PPA?
An export PPA is a commercial agreement that determines how exported electricity is sold and priced.
Instead of relying solely on standard export tariffs, an export PPA can offer:
- Market-linked pricing (e.g. wholesale half-hourly rates)
- Fixed long-term export pricing
- Hybrid pricing models depending on risk appetite
- Greater control over export revenue strategy
Export PPAs are particularly beneficial for larger commercial systems where export volumes are significant and predictable.
Export Infrastructure: MPANs and Metering
To receive payment for exported electricity, your system must be correctly registered and metered.
Key components include:
Export MPAN
Your export MPAN is a unique identifier that enables your exported electricity to be registered and settled with suppliers.
Without it, export payments cannot be processed.
Export Meter
An export meter records how much electricity is sent back to the grid, usually on a half-hourly basis for commercial systems.
Accurate metering is essential for ensuring you are paid correctly under any tariff or PPA structure.
MOP, DC & DA Charges Explained
Commercial export setups also include industry roles that manage your metering data:
- MOP (Meter Operator): installs and maintains metering equipment
- DC (Data Collector): retrieves and validates meter readings
- DA (Data Aggregator): processes and submits data for billing and settlement
These services ensure your export data is accurate, compliant, and correctly billed under your contract.
Why Export Strategy Matters
Without an optimised export strategy, businesses often:
- Remain on low default export tariffs
- Miss out on higher-value market pricing
- Fail to fully monetise solar or battery systems
- Experience delays due to incorrect MPAN or metering setup
A structured export approach ensures your system is working as a financial asset, not just a generation asset.
How Flame Energy Helps
We support businesses with the full export lifecycle, including:
- Export tariff comparison and optimisation
- Commercial PPA structuring
- Metering and settlement configuration
- MOP / DC / DA coordination
- Export revenue forecasting and analysis
Our goal is to ensure every kilowatt exported delivers maximum possible value.
Speak to an Export Specialist
If your business is generating or planning to generate electricity onsite, we can help you optimise your export strategy and secure the most suitable commercial structure.
Contact Flame Energy today to review your export setup and improve your long-term energy revenue.
