Still on the Feed-in Tariff?
You may be able to add a battery, upgrade ageing panels, and switch export to SEG — without losing your FIT generation payments.
We help East Sussex homeowners modernise older solar systems while protecting their original tariff position. Free, no-obligation reviews.
Common Myths About FIT Systems
Many homeowners were told "don't touch anything" when their solar was installed. Here's what's actually true:
How Your FIT Payments Actually Work
Understanding the two parts of your Feed-in Tariff is the key to knowing what you can change — and what you should protect.
Generation Tariff
- ✓Paid on every kWh your system generates
- ✓Measured by your generation meter
- ✓Continues for the full contracted term (typically 20-25 years)
- ✓Adding a battery does not affect this in most cases
Export Tariff
- ✓Paid on electricity you send back to the grid
- ✓Often "deemed" at 50% — an old estimate, not actual usage
- ✓Typically a lower rate than modern SEG tariffs
- ✓Can often be switched to metered SEG for better returns
Your Upgrade Options
Every system is different. Here are the most common upgrades we carry out for FIT customers — always designed to protect your existing tariff position.
Add Battery Storage
Most popular upgradeStore daytime solar for evening use and reduce what you buy from the grid. Your FIT generation continues as normal.
- ✓Use more of your own solar electricity
- ✓Reduce grid import costs
- ✓FIT generation payments unaffected
Replace Older Panels
Efficiency upgradeModern panels produce significantly more power from the same roof area. Ideal if your panels are showing their age or underperforming.
- ✓More power from the same roof space
- ✓Improved reliability
- ✓FIT generation based on accredited capacity
Add Extra PV Capacity
Expand your systemAdd extra panels beyond your original system. Your FIT generation stays for the original accredited portion; the new capacity is treated separately.
- ✓Generate more electricity overall
- ✓Original FIT payments continue
- ✓New capacity eligible for SEG export
Inverter Upgrade
AC-coupled or hybridReplace or supplement your inverter to support battery charging and improved performance. We choose the approach that protects your metering setup.
- ✓Support battery integration
- ✓Better efficiency and monitoring
- ✓Metering arrangements kept compliant
All upgrades are subject to site survey and system assessment. We'll recommend the best approach for your specific setup.
Deemed Export vs Smart Export Guarantee
Many FIT customers are still on "deemed export" — an old estimate that may be costing you money. Here's the difference.
Deemed Export
- •Export assumed at 50% of generation
- •Not based on actual meter readings
- •Typically a lower rate per kWh
- •No incentive to export more or less
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- ✓Export measured by smart meter readings
- ✓Paid on what you actually export
- ✓Tariffs often higher than legacy deemed rates
- ✓Choice of providers and tariff types
What we usually recommend
Keep your FIT generation tariff as-is, and consider switching export to SEG where it benefits you and the metering supports it. Some SEG tariffs can be around 15p/kWh, depending on supplier and product at the time. We'll always check what's available and recommend the best option for your circumstances.
Why Eastbourne Energy?
We'll explain the options in plain English and help you do this properly — without nasty surprises.
FIT-Safe Approach
We review your FIT setup first and design upgrades that protect your generation payments.
MCS Accredited
Fully accredited for solar PV and battery installations with proper certification.
Local East Sussex
Based in Eastbourne, covering all of East Sussex. We know the local systems and installers.
Proper Paperwork
We handle notifications to your FIT licensee, supplier, and export provider as needed.
Plain English
No jargon — we explain your options clearly so you can make an informed decision.
End-to-End
From initial review through installation and commissioning, with full documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
All installations and upgrades are subject to site survey, system assessment, and the specific metering/export arrangements for each property. Export tariffs vary by supplier and product. We'll always explain options clearly before any work goes ahead. Eastbourne Energy Ltd is MCS accredited and RECC approved.