> Source: [https://eastbourne.energy/fit-solar-upgrades](https://eastbourne.energy/fit-solar-upgrades) Feed-in Tariff Specialists # 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 Feed-in Tariff generation payments. Free FIT reviews across East Sussex. ## FIT upgrades, explained clearly It's common to worry that any change will stop your Feed-in Tariff. In many cases, upgrades are possible - as long as they're designed around your metering and the paperwork is handled properly. ### Upgrades that are often possible - Add battery storage (in many cases) - Replace a failing inverter with the right approach - Switch export from deemed to measured SEG (where suitable) ### Areas we check first - Metering and export arrangements - Paperwork and notifications to the right parties - Any system expansion beyond the accredited FIT portion ## Common Myths About FIT Systems Many homeowners were told "don't touch anything" when their solar was installed. Here's what's actually true: ### "If I change anything, I'll lose my Feed-in Tariff." ### "Batteries aren't allowed on FIT systems." ### "My export payment is fixed — there's no point changing it." ### "My panels are fine — they don't need replacing." ## 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 This is the valuable part — protect it - ✓Paid on every kWh your system **generates** - ✓Measured by your generation meter - ✓Continues for the term set when your system was accredited, 20 years for most solar PV and 25 for some of the earliest. Your FIT statement shows the end date. - ✓Adding a battery does **not** affect this in most cases ### Export Tariff Often worth upgrading to SEG - ✓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 Keep generation + upgrade export = best of both ## How a FIT Review Works A simple review of your current setup, followed by clear options for what to do next (if anything). ### 1) Quick check We ask a few questions and (if possible) look at photos of your inverter and meters to understand your current setup. ### 2) Site visit (when needed) If needed, we check metering, cable routes, space for equipment, and your consumer unit so any recommendation is accurate and safe. ### 3) Clear options We explain the options that apply to your system: battery, export switch, inverter replacement, or panel improvements. ## 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 upgrade Store 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 upgrade Modern 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 system Add 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 hybrid Replace 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. Old method ### 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 Modern alternative ### 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. [Find out what your export switch could be worth](#fit-review-form) ## Why Eastbourne Energy? FIT upgrades are often about doing the details properly: metering, documentation, and a design that fits your home. We focus on clear advice and a safe, compliant installation. ### 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. Local support after the job matters. ### Proper Paperwork We handle the right notifications and documentation (FIT licensee, supplier, export provider) as needed. ### Plain English No jargon - we explain your options clearly so you can make an informed decision. ### End-to-End From review through installation and commissioning, with full handover documentation. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Will I lose my Feed-in Tariff if I add a battery? ### Can I replace panels or the inverter and keep my FIT? ### Do you need to visit my property for a FIT review? ### What is "deemed export"? ### What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)? ### Can I keep FIT generation payments and move export to SEG? ### Can I get around 15p per kWh for export? ### Do I need a smart meter to move to SEG export? ### Do I need approval before upgrades? ### What should I have ready for the review? ## Related reading - [Upgrading an existing solar system that is on the Feed-in Tariff](https://eastbourne.energy/wiki/upgrading-existing-solar-systems-on-the-feed-in-tariff) - [Taking over the Feed-in Tariff when you buy a house with solar panels](https://eastbourne.energy/wiki/signing-up-for-the-feed-in-tariff-when-you-buy-a-new-house) - [Replacing solar panels on a FIT system](https://eastbourne.energy/wiki/replacing-solar-panels-on-a-feed-in-tariff-system) - [Adding panels to a FIT system: what you keep](https://eastbourne.energy/wiki/adding-panels-to-a-feed-in-tariff-system) - [Adding a battery to a FIT system](https://eastbourne.energy/wiki/adding-a-battery-to-a-feed-in-tariff-system) - [Replacing the inverter on a FIT system](https://eastbourne.energy/wiki/replacing-the-inverter-on-a-feed-in-tariff-system) - [FIT generation meters: readings, faults, replacement](https://eastbourne.energy/wiki/feed-in-tariff-generation-meter-faults-and-replacement) - [SEG export payments alongside your FIT](https://eastbourne.energy/wiki/seg-export-payments-alongside-the-feed-in-tariff) - [Looking after a 2010 to 2015 solar system](https://eastbourne.energy/wiki/maintaining-a-2010-to-2015-solar-system) - [Solar inverter replacement for older FIT-era systems](https://eastbourne.energy/services/inverter-replacement) ### Book a Free FIT Review We'll explain what options you have, what to be careful about, and the likely next steps. [Book Free FIT Review](#fit-review-form) [Call 01323 324888](tel:01323324888) #### What we'll check - Your FIT generation setup (what must be protected) - Export arrangement: deemed vs measured, and SEG options - Inverter health, monitoring, and upgrade routes - Battery suitability and safe install location - What paperwork/notifications your setup needs #### Helpful (not required) A recent FIT statement, plus photos of your inverter and meters. If you don't have any of that, submit the form anyway - we'll guide you. #### Local installers Based in Eastbourne and covering East Sussex, with proper certification and a clear handover. ## Sources and review Reviewed 6 Sept 2026 Your own Feed-in Tariff terms are set by when your system was accredited. Your FIT statement is the record that applies to you. 1. [Feed-in Tariffs (FIT): Guidance for Generators](https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2024-09/Guidance%5Ffor%5FFIT%5FGenerators%5FV18.pdf) — Ofgem (accessed 2026-09-06) 2. [Feed-in Tariffs (FIT): Generators](https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/feed-tariffs-fit/feed-tariffs-fit-generators) — Ofgem (accessed 2026-09-06) 3. [Feed-in Tariffs (FIT): Guidance for Licensed Electricity Suppliers](https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-09/FIT-Guidance-for-Licensed-Electricity-Suppliers-V17.3.pdf) — Ofgem (accessed 2026-09-06) 4. [Feed-in Tariffs (FIT): Payments and tariffs](https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/feed-tariffs-fit/tariffs-and-payments) — Ofgem (accessed 2026-09-06) 5. [Guidance for generators: Co-location of electricity storage under the RO, FIT, REGO and SEG (v6.2)](https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-06/co%5Flocation%5Fguidance%5Ffor%5Fgenerators%5Fv6.2%5F20250528135013.pdf) — Ofgem (accessed 2026-09-06) 6. [SEG: Guidance for Generators (December 2019)](https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/2020/02/seg%5Fgenerator%5Fguidance%5F-%5Ffinal%5Ffor%5Fpublication.pdf) — Ofgem (accessed 2026-09-06) 7. [Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Generators](https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/smart-export-guarantee-seg/smart-export-guarantee-seg-generators) — Ofgem (accessed 2026-09-06) 8. [Engineering Recommendation G98, Issue 2 (2025)](https://dcode.org.uk/assets/250307ena-erec-g98-issue-2-%282025%29.pdf) — Energy Networks Association, copy hosted by the GB Distribution Code (accessed 2026-09-06) 9. [Engineering Recommendation G99, Issue 2 (2025)](https://dcode.org.uk/assets/250307ena-erec-g99-issue-2-%282025%29.pdf) — Energy Networks Association, copy hosted by the GB Distribution Code (accessed 2026-09-06) 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.