Why Spring is the best time for solar panels
Spring’s in full swing. The days are longer, the flowers are blooming – and it’s not just nature that’s powering up. If you’ve been toying with the idea of solar, now’s a brilliant time to invest.
1. Those long sunny days
After a winter cooped up indoors, the longer days and lasting rays are a real breath of fresh air, and great news for solar users too. Install your system now and you’ll be ready to soak up the sunshine all summer long, with instant savings on your energy bills, a faster return on your investment – and more money in your pocket for ice creams.
2. Cut the queue
Solar suppliers and installers tend to be swamped in the summer months for all the reasons mentioned above. That's why spring is often a good pick. You’ll get better availability, quicker installation, and more competitive prices – as lots of installers bump their prices up in periods of high demand.
Good to know: Our prices are realistic all year round – not just in quieter months. No rushed jobs, no sneaky sales tactics, and no corners cut. Plus, with us you get the full package: panels, batteries, installation, support – the lot. And once you're up and running, you can get paid for your rays through our industry-leading smart tariff, Outgoing Octopus.
3. Increase your home’s value
Brighter days and loads of natural light means spring is a popular time to get properties valued and listed. Add a solar and battery set up, and you could bump up your home’s value by around 3%, and catch the eye of buyers keen to future-proof their homes. Not planning on moving yet? It's still a worthwhile investment. Plus, it means you can enjoy some of the short term benefits first, like shaving money off your bills!
Think solar is out of your price range? Think again. Some of the UK’s biggest banks and mortgage lenders are offering up to £1,000 cashback through green incentives. And when you get your solar system with us, you can either spread the cost monthly with finance — or pay in full after installation.
4. Be self-sufficient
One of the great things about solar is that you no longer have to rely so heavily on the grid system. With a battery in place, you can store excess energy captured during the day and use it at night or during grid outages. And it makes those household chores a bit more satisfying too – knowing you're powering day-to-day life with homegrown energy.
5. Offset higher summer bills
Winter usually tops the chart for energy bills – but summer isn’t always the bargain people expect. Air conditioning, fans, and charging cars for summertime adventures can quickly add up. Having solar panels and a battery system in place by early summer means you'll be well-equipped to offset higher usage without seeing your energy bills skyrocket.
Final thoughts?
Spring is a season of shake-ups. Out with gloomy days and in with long stretches of sunshine – making it a brilliant time to invest in solar. With Octopus, you get high-quality panels, expert installation, and award-winning service all wrapped up into a neat bundle. (There's a reason we’re the UK’s most awarded energy supplier, and Which? recommended eight years running!) Plus, once your system is set up, you can even get paid for your rays on tariffs like Octopus Outgoing. Sunny savings and money in your back pocket. A no brainer, really!
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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Milly Sullivan
Writer