Solar savings explained: panels, batteries and smart tariffs
There’s never been more interest in going solar. In fact, our CEO Greg Jackson recently told the BBC we’ve seen a 50% spike in solar panel sales, as more households look for ways to take control of their energy bills. And they’re not alone — over 1.6 million UK homes already have solar panels installed and are busy soaking up the sunshine as we speak. So, is it time to join them? We think so.
See what you could save straight away using our solar costs & savings calculator or read on below to see how solar savings work.
How solar savings work
When calculating how much you could save, there’s no-one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on:
- The size of your solar system – how many panels and what they can generate in kilowatts (kW).
- Whether you have a battery – to store energy and use it later.
- Your choice of tariff – some offer flat rates, others dynamic pricing (see our guide below).
- How you use electricity – when and how much you use.
We’ll now break down how each of these can impact your potential savings depending on whether you opt for a battery and what tariff you choose.
Pairing solar panels with a battery
Like twin flames, solar panels and home battery storage make the perfect pair. Here’s why:
- Store your free solar energy generated during the day to use when needed.
- Reduce bills by using the electricity you generate.
- Buy cheap electricity when demand is low
- Sell energy back to the grid at peak times (for higher rates on Intelligent Octopus Flux).
What size battery should I choose?
It’s best to match the size of your battery size to your home's energy use. Our most popular battery is a 10kWh battery, but if you use more energy or you’re thinking about getting an EV or heat pump – a larger battery could be worth the investment.
Our solar specialists will recommend the perfect battery for your lifestyle when you get a quote with us. Check out our tech and the battery options available.
Our solar smart tariffs
Unlike standard tariffs with the same unit rate all day, our solar tariffs offer prices that change throughout the day and night which you can use to your advantage.
- Get cheaper, greener energy – typically at night, when there’s less demand and plenty of renewables.
- Sell your solar when it's super valuable – like dinnertime (4-7pm) when the grid needs it most.
- Help balance the grid – by putting clean energy in the system and reducing the need for fossil fuels.
Each of our tariffs is a little different – let's see which is best for you.
1. Intelligent Octopus Flux
✅ Best for: Maximum savings with minimal effort
✅ Import or export: Both
✅ How it works: We automatically charge your battery when energy is cheapest and greenest, then export when prices are highest
✅ Compatible with: Any home battery
✅ Perfect if: You want to set it and forget it
2. Octopus Flux
✅ Best for: People who like more control
✅ Import or export: Both
✅ How it works: Super cheap rates between 2am-5am to charge your battery, peak export rates from 4pm-7pm
✅ Compatible with: Any home battery
✅ Perfect if: You're happy to schedule your battery operation
Tip: How and when you use your electricity matters. If you shift your energy use to off-peak times you’ll maximise your savings on our Flux tariffs.
3. Outgoing Octopus
✅ Best for: Predictable export rates
✅ Import or export: Export only
✅ How it works: Fixed rate of 12p per kWh for every unit you export
✅ Perfect if: You prefer simplicity, don't have a battery or want to pair with a different import tariff
4. Outgoing Agile
✅ Best for: Energy enthusiasts who want to maximise potential gains
✅ How it works: Dynamic half-hourly pricing based on wholesale energy costs
✅ Perfect if: You enjoy actively managing your energy use
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
If you’d prefer to go with another supplier for your import energy, you can still join our standard Smart Export Guarantee tariff, but you won’t find the rates as competitive as our smart tariffs.
Which tariff is right for you?
Not sure which tariff would suit you best? Take our quick smart tariff quiz to find your perfect match.
Remember, you'll need a smart meter to take advantage of any Octopus smart tariffs.
Payback period: When will my solar system pay for itself?
By saving on your electricity bills and making money on export payments, your solar system will begin to pay for itself.
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.
We’ll share a more accurate payback period, as well as your generation estimates and monthly savings, during your free design consultation where we design your perfect solar setup. To get the ball rolling, get a quote and we’ll be in touch.
Ready to see your solar savings?
Every home is different so it’s best to get a personalised breakdown of costs and potential savings. Get a quote and we'll help you find the perfect solar solution for your home and lifestyle.
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Find out more about battery installation options with Octopus
Published on 26th April 2024 by:
Hey I'm Constantine, welcome to Octopus Energy!
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