Octopus Energy has become one of the UK’s most popular energy suppliers, known for its commitment to renewable energy and innovative tariffs. The company has consistently pushed for a greener, more sustainable future by offering 100% renewable electricity to its customers. If you need to know more about Octopus, check our review here.
As more UK households look to install solar panels to reduce energy bills and carbon footprints, many wonder if Octopus Energy offers solar panel services. The interest in solar panels has surged as energy prices continue to rise, and people seek long-term solutions to lower their costs. Solar panels not only reduce dependence on the national grid but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions, supporting the UK’s net-zero goals.
In this article, we will explore whether Octopus Energy provides solar panels, how they support solar energy adoption, and how you can benefit from their services if you have or are considering installing them.
Does Octopus Energy provide solar panels?
Yes, Octopus Energy now offers direct solar panel installations, providing homeowners with a comprehensive solution for adopting renewable energy.
Octopus also supports customers by offering advice and resources to help them make informed decisions about solar energy. They provide educational materials that explain how solar panels work, the potential savings involved, and how to integrate solar energy with their existing services. While they may not manufacture panels themselves, their involvement in the solar energy market ensures customers can transition smoothly to solar power.
How much do solar panels from Octopus cost?
Their solar installations start from £5,170 for a two-panel system. The most popular package includes ten panels and a 5kWh battery, starting at £10,027. These installations use high-performance 440W PV solar panels with a 25-year product warranty, ensuring long-term efficiency and reliability.
The installation cost varies depending on the number of panels required, whether you choose to include battery storage and the size of the battery you select. The proposed installation cost covers the solar panels, battery (if chosen), inverter, and any necessary electrical components, as well as labour and delivery. Additional costs may apply for scaffolding and birdproofing.
That is obviously a considerable amount of money to pay upfront, so Octopus makes the cost more accessible by offering flexible payment plans. Customers can choose 0% interest financing over 1, 2, or 3 years. If you’d like a longer repayment period, this is also available but only through fixed-interest financing is, currently for approximately 9.9% APR.
How does Octopus Energy support solar energy?
Even if you don’t get your solar panels directly from Octopus Energy, they offer several services to support solar energy adoption:
1. Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Octopus Energy provides a competitive Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff called the Outgoing Octopus tariff. This allows customers to earn money by exporting excess solar-generated electricity back to the grid.
You can find out more about the tariffs they have available for Solar Panel users here.
2. Solar optimisation with smart technology
Octopus uses technology like smart meters and time-of-use tariffs to help customers make the most of their solar panels. Their Agile tariff, for example, adjusts prices based on demand, encouraging users to use or store solar energy when prices are low.
Smart meters play an important role in this process, providing real-time insights into energy usage and solar energy production. Octopus also supports the integration of solar energy with smart home devices, helping customers automate their energy consumption to maximise efficiency.
3. Support for battery storage
Customers with solar battery storage systems can further benefit by storing excess energy during the day and using it when needed, reducing reliance on the grid. Octopus provides guidance on optimising battery use to maximise savings.
Battery storage is handy for homeowners who want to use solar power during the evening or on cloudy days when solar generation is lower. Octopus collaborates with battery manufacturers and offers information on how batteries can be paired with solar panels for better energy independence.
Octopus Energy also offers Tesla Powerwall 3 battery storage, which helps maximise solar energy use by storing surplus power for later use.
Octopus Energy tariffs for solar panel users
Octopus Energy offers several solar-friendly tariffs, designed to maximise savings and earnings for customers with solar panels. These tariffs cater to different usage patterns and technology setups, providing options for both simplicity and active energy management.
1. Intelligent Octopus Flux
This tariff pairs with compatible batteries, such as Enphase and Givenergy, to automate charging and discharging based on grid demand and solar generation patterns. Customers on Intelligent Octopus Flux typically achieve the greatest savings without needing to manually adjust settings.
2. Octopus Flux
For customers who prefer more control, Octopus Flux offers super-cheap rates between 2 am and 5 am to top up their batteries and a peak rate from 4 pm to 9 pm to discharge excess energy. This tariff is ideal for those who want to take a more hands-on approach to managing their energy usage.
3. Outgoing Octopus
This export tariff has both Agile and Fixed options, allowing customers to choose a structure that suits their needs. It works in conjunction with other import tariffs, providing flexibility for those with varying solar production and consumption patterns.
4. Octopus SEG
For those who use another supplier for their electricity imports, the Octopus Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff offers a straightforward way to earn money from exported solar energy.
Octopus Energy also provides a quiz to help customers identify the most suitable tariff based on their energy usage and solar panel setup.
Why should I get solar panels with Octopus Energy?
Installing solar panels and pairing them with Octopus Energy’s services provides several key benefits:
1. Lower energy bills
Solar panels reduce the amount of electricity you need to buy from the grid. With Octopus Energy’s SEG tariff, you can also earn money from excess solar power. By generating your own energy, you protect yourself from fluctuations in electricity prices, resulting in long-term savings.
The savings depend on factors like the size of your solar panel system, the amount of sunlight your property receives, and your household’s energy consumption habits. Octopus Energy provides tools and resources to help you estimate potential savings.
2. Greener energy usage
Octopus Energy is committed to renewable energy, and by generating your own solar power, you help reduce the demand for fossil fuels. Solar energy is a clean, sustainable power source that significantly reduces your household’s carbon footprint.
The company also participates in initiatives that promote the use of solar energy at a community level. By joining Octopus Energy, you become part of a broader movement towards a greener future.
3. Maximising solar efficiency with smart tariffs
Octopus Energy’s smart tariffs, like Agile Octopus, reward customers for using energy during off-peak times. Pairing these tariffs with solar power increases savings and improves energy efficiency.
The Agile Octopus tariff, for instance, provides half-hourly price updates, enabling customers to adjust their energy use based on real-time pricing. By combining solar energy with such tariffs, homeowners can significantly reduce their reliance on grid electricity.
Octopus Energy’s solar installations integrate seamlessly with their smart tariffs, including Octopus Flux. Customers can monitor real-time solar export data through the Octopus app, track their energy usage, and optimise their consumption patterns for maximum savings.
How to get solar panels from Octopus Energy
While Octopus Energy partners with installers, the availability of direct installations may vary.
If you want to install solar panels and benefit from Octopus Energy’s solar-friendly tariffs, here’s what you can do:
- Check availability: Visit Octopus Energy’s solar page and enter your postcode to see if installations are available in your area. Availability often depends on factors like local demand and the presence of certified installation partners.
- Install through Octopus Energy or a third-party installer: You can choose a certified solar panel installer and switch to Octopus Energy afterwards. It’s essential to select an MCS-certified installer to qualify for the SEG tariff.
- Apply for the SEG tariff: Once your solar panels are operational, apply for the Octopus Outgoing tariff to start earning from your excess energy. Octopus Energy provides clear guidance on the application process and the required documentation.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for an Octopus solar installation, homeowners need to have a pitched (non-flat) roof with enough clear space to fit at least two solar panels. Currently, installations are limited to roofs with clay or concrete tiles and are not available for flats or homes with a three-phase electricity meter.
How long is the Octopus Solar panel payback period?
One of the most common questions from homeowners is how long it takes for solar panels to pay for themselves. Octopus Energy’s systems typically pay for themselves within 10 to 12 years. This estimate is based on analysing installation costs and annual bill savings across different scenarios, factoring in solar generation, consumption habits, and energy tariffs.
A personalised payback period is calculated following a design consultation, so you will have a clear understanding of potential savings and financial returns before you proceed with the installation.
Which other suppliers offer solar panels?
While Octopus Energy supports solar energy adoption, several other UK energy suppliers also provide solar panel services, including:
- EDF Energy: Offers solar panel and battery installation services. They also provide a competitive SEG tariff.
- E.ON Next: Provides solar panel installations along with solar batteries. Their solar solutions are designed to help households reduce energy costs.
- Scottish Power: Offers solar panel and battery packages for homeowners. They also focus on smart energy management through their digital tools.
These suppliers may have different tariffs, installation options, and costs compared to Octopus Energy, so it’s worth comparing services based on your energy needs. Factors like SEG rates, customer service quality, and smart technology offerings should be considered when evaluating these alternatives.
Should you get solar panels through Octopus Energy?
Octopus Energy plays a significant role in supporting solar energy adoption in the UK. They now offer direct solar panel installations alongside innovative tariffs like the Smart Export Guarantee, flexible financing options, and smart energy management tools.
If you’re considering solar panels, Octopus provides valuable resources, competitive tariffs, and smart technology to help you maximise your solar investment. Their commitment to renewable energy and customer-centric services make them a strong contender in the UK solar energy market.
Contact Octopus Energy to learn more about their solar services or explore local installers to get started.
Switching to solar energy with Octopus Energy not only lowers your energy bills but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable future.
i have had solar panels installed and would like to move to Octopusenergy ,i have a key meter and i want to keep it as i dont want to have to pay any other way i like to pay upfront ,i have been informed having a key meter will not affect my having solar panels