Kevin reviews his Octopus solar and battery system
Meet Kevin —a retired engineer and proud solar advocate. A year after installation, he’s saved £820, generated more power than he’s used, and gained energy independence—all while helping the planet.
I sat down with him to find out how he did it.
So Kevin, are you loving your solar system?
Kevin: Oh, absolutely! I think I’ve turned into a bit of a solar evangelist. For us, this wasn’t just about saving money—it was also about doing the right thing for the environment.
That said, the financial side has been a pleasant surprise. We’re just a week shy of the one-year mark, and we’ve generated more electricity than we’ve used. In fact, we’ve exported more than we’ve imported! Over the year, we’re saving around £820, which is incredible. And I’m glad we opted to get optimisers added to our panels.
Samsam: That’s amazing! Can you explain more about how the system works for you?
Kevin: Sure! We’ve paired the solar panels with a 9.5kWh battery. Together, they’re a powerhouse. During the summer, the solar panels generate enough to power the house, fill the battery by lunchtime, and export the rest.
In winter, we charge the battery overnight using the Octopus Flux tariff, which gives us discounted electricity between 2am and 5am. Then, we use that stored energy during the day when electricity is pricier. It’s a clever system, and it’s worked beautifully for us.
Samsam: How would you review your solar installation?
Nothing was too much trouble for them.
Kevin: Honestly, it was fantastic. The team was super communicative and the crew who came out were excellent. They were neat, tidy, and really thorough. And, a year on, it’s clear they did a stellar job and there;’s no issues at all with the install.
Everything’s running like clockwork!
Samsam: Does it take a lot of effort to manage the system?
Kevin: Not really. Once everything’s set up, it mostly looks after itself. The GivEnergy app is fantastic—it lets you control and monitor the system easily.
Samsam: Would you say the investment has been worth it?
We went into this to make a difference environmentally, but we've loved the huge financial benefits too.
Kevin: Definitely. I’m a retired engineer, so I keep a spreadsheet tracking everything. Based on our first year, the payback period for our solar panels alone should be about 8 to 10 years —the battery adds a few years but it gives us flexibility and helps us make the most of the system. For a family home, the combination of solar and a battery is really compelling, and definitely worth it for us.’
Samsam: Would you recommend installing solar to others?
Kevin: Without a doubt. In fact, I’ve recommended it to all my friends and family. Solar and battery tech have come a long way, and it feels great to know we’re doing something positive for the planet. Plus, it’s amazing how much control it gives you over your energy usage and costs.
Take control of your electricity bills with solar + battery
Our most popular system starts from £11,115
Our most popular system is a 12 panel installation with a 10kWh smart battery which costs £11,115. All costs are based on April 2026 prices.
Your solar system, designed and installed from just £6,663
Our prices start at £6,663 for a 2 panel installation with no battery, based on April 2026 prices.
What's the average cost to have solar panels installed by Octopus energy? (FAQ)
The cost of installation can depend on how many panels you need, whether you choose to have battery storage, and what size of battery you require. The cost of a panel-only installation by Octopus starts from £6,663 (for 2 panels). Our most popular system is a 12 panel installation with a 10kWh smart battery which costs £11,115 All costs are based on April 2026 prices.
You'll have the option to pay monthly with a fixed-term loan, or pay in full after installation. We'll ask you to pay a non-refundable deposit of £500 when you sign your installation agreement.
Your solar and battery system could pay for itself in 9-13 years
According to the Energy Saving Trust, a solar system can pay back its cost in 9–13 years, depending on where you live and how much time you spend at home.
Payback periods are affected by factors such as your household electricity use, your roof size and orientation, and whether your system includes a battery.
After a free consultation, our solar specialists can provide a tailored estimate of your potential savings and payback period based on your home and system design.
Solar systems increase the value of your home
Analysis by the Department of Land Economy at the University of Cambridge suggests a 16% value uplift for new-build homes with enough solar and battery storage to eliminate energy bills. A further study of over five million existing properties indicates a 2-3% value increase for existing homes with solar panels or heat pumps (versus like-for-like gas-heated homes). According to the Sustainable Markets Initiative: Sustainable Markets Initiative: Cleantech Homes report, 2024.
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Samsam Farah
Writer