What is the legacy Feed-in Tariff?
The legacy Feed-in Tariff pays eligible accredited generators for renewable electricity generation and, where applicable, exports [S2]. It closed to new applications from 1 April 2019, while existing accreditation continues for its eligibility period [S1]. Your site should separate generation income from export income before changing equipment or export arrangements. Checked October 2026.
What does legacy Feed-in Tariff mean for your site?
The legacy Feed-in Tariff, or FiT, is the closed renewable-generation payment scheme under which accredited installations can still receive generation and applicable export payments [S1], [S2]. Why it matters for your site: existing payment rights need checking before you alter solar equipment, add storage or redirect exports.
Ofgem states that new applications closed from 1 April 2019. Existing accreditation is unaffected by closure and support continues for the installation’s eligibility period [S1]. This is not an installation grant available to a new project.
What do existing generators receive?
Keep generation and export payments separate. Generation measures the installation’s output; export concerns electricity sent to the grid [S2]. Your payment statement should identify which applies.
| Payment | What to check |
|---|---|
| FiT generation | Accredited output, applicable tariff and meter readings |
| FiT export | Export payment basis and qualifying installation |
| SEG export | Separate export contract and metered exports |
The Smart Export Guarantee, or SEG, is an export-payment scheme. Ofgem allows an eligible installation to retain FiT generation payments while receiving SEG exports, provided it is not also receiving FiT export payments for that installation [S2]. Read the business SEG guide for the application and metering details.
What should you check before changing the installation?
Collect the accreditation, statement of terms, generation readings, export basis and recent payment statements. Ask the FiT licensee to confirm how the proposed changes affect measurement and records. Ofgem requires notification of changes including battery connection, metering alterations and changes to generating capacity [S1], [S3]. Obtain that assessment before commissioning work.
Ask your accountant to check the treatment of existing payments and any new export income. For an installation proposal, read solar with batteries and EV charging and solar payback. Use your site’s actual payment terms in the model, rather than assuming every generated unit receives an export payment.
Next step
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Common questions
Can a newly installed solar array join FiT?
No. Ofgem states that the scheme closed to new applications from 1 April 2019. Existing accredited installations continue under their eligibility terms [S1].
Is the eligibility period the same for every installation?
Check the installation's records. Ofgem describes the period as typically 20 years; do not apply that shorthand to every historic accreditation [S1].
Can you retain FiT generation payments with SEG exports?
Yes, subject to eligibility. Ofgem permits SEG exports where the installation receives FiT generation payments but has opted out of FiT export payments [S2].
Who needs notice when you add a battery?
Notify your FiT licensee. Ofgem lists battery connection and metering changes among modifications requiring notification; some installations also require their register entry to be updated [S3].
What records do you need if your FiT payer stops trading?
Keep current readings and the last readings paid. Ofgem says payments do not transfer automatically: contact an active FiT licensee and agree terms for continuation [S3].
Ask about your site
Sources
- Feed-in Tariffs - Scheme Closure, Ofgem,Last checked 19 October 2026
- SEG - Guidance for Generators, Ofgem,Last checked 19 October 2026
- Feed-in Tariffs - Generators, Ofgem,Last checked 19 October 2026