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.
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 solar PPA can apply to both onsite consumption (on-site PPA) and exported energy (export PPA), depending on how the agreement is structured.
A commercial PPA is designed specifically for businesses generating or consuming large volumes of electricity.
It provides a structured way to:
Commercial PPAs are commonly used for solar PV systems, battery storage, and mixed renewable generation portfolios.
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:
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.
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:
Export PPAs are particularly beneficial for larger commercial systems where export volumes are significant and predictable.
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.
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.
Without an optimised export strategy, businesses often:
A structured export approach ensures your system is working as a financial asset, not just a generation asset.
We support businesses with the full export lifecycle, including:
Our goal is to ensure every kilowatt exported delivers maximum possible value.
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.
Whether you’re approaching contract renewal, looking to reduce costs or planning your sustainability strategy, our specialists are here to help you find the right solution for your business.
Find clear answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked about our services and how we support your business.
Yes. If your business generates surplus electricity from solar PV or other onsite generation, we can help you explore suitable Export Power Purchase Agreement options. We can review your generation and export requirements, compare appropriate arrangements and support you through the process of putting the selected PPA in place.
There is no single rate or return that applies to every business. The value of your exported electricity will depend on factors including the amount you export, your generation profile, market conditions and the commercial terms available. We can compare suitable export options to help you understand the potential value of your surplus generation and identify a competitive option.
Both can provide a way of receiving payment for electricity exported to the grid, but the contractual arrangements, eligibility criteria, pricing structures and terms can differ. The Smart Export Guarantee is a government backed framework requiring qualifying electricity suppliers to offer export tariffs to eligible small scale generators. Commercial Export PPAs are separately negotiated arrangements for the sale of exported electricity. We can help you understand the options available for your generation and export profile.
Yes. We can review your current export arrangement alongside available alternatives. The best option is not necessarily determined by headline rate alone. We can also consider your export profile, contract length, pricing structure and other commercial terms to help identify an arrangement that suits your business.
Yes. If you already have an Export PPA, we can review the existing agreement, including its end date and commercial terms, and consider alternative arrangements where appropriate. Where you are still within a fixed agreement, we can also help you plan ahead so that alternative options can be considered at the appropriate time.
