I tested Octopus’ solar panels, here’s my honest review

If you have decided Are solar panels worth the investment And ready to make the switch, our Octopus Solar review looks at whether this fast-growing energy provider is the right choice for your home. we have compared cost of solar panelsThe installation process, and warranty terms against other leading providers will help you find Best Solar Panel Installer In Britain.

Since launching in 2015, Octopus Energy has seen tremendous growth, becoming one of the UK’s largest suppliers of electricity and gas. Its expansion accelerated with the acquisition of Shell Energy in 2023, bringing its customer base to almost a quarter of UK households. By 2024, Octopus had also overtaken British Gas as the country’s largest electricity supplier, although British Gas still leads in terms of gas customers. Now, Octopus is turning that momentum into renewable technology, and establishing itself as a major player in home solar power.

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Amid the turmoil of the energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many small companies collapsed. However, Octopus was one of the few start-ups that grew quickly enough to survive and thrive.

In 2022, it expanded into solar energy, offering panels and installation alongside its existing renewable energy tariffs. Today, the company not only supplies green energy in the UK but also operates across Europe, Australia, Japan and the US.

Octopus is our best solar installer for those who want a single point of contact for all their energy needs. Octopus can fit in your panel, Buy your excess solar power Charge your electric car, for up to 15 pence per unit on a flat tariff, fit your heat pump, And will sell you gas and electricity.

This type of arrangement would be attractive to clean energy enthusiasts who don’t want to deal with multiple companies when they need something.

For the largest establishments, the price of export power could be a boon. While 25 pence per unit is possible, that type of price may be short-term or based on using a specialized fitter for your panels. With lower export prices, it will take longer to recoup your investment, and you will increase your energy provider’s income by offering cheaper electricity.

Why choose Octopus Solar Panel?

Batteries are often a good choice for households that use their electricity primarily in the evening. This way, your panels charge your battery during the day, which is ready for you to use as soon as the sun goes down.

Octopus also has a cheaper nightly tariff, which can be used to top up your battery for use during the day. This can be especially useful in winter if you have a short range, when solar power may not be enough for your needs.

The company offers a 2-year HIES backed guarantee and 5-year Octopus workmanship warranty. The panels themselves will have a 25-year warranty and Octopus covers England and Wales. The company can install panels on your roof two to three months after your initial inquiry.

How much does it cost to install solar panels?

For solar fittings, Octopus uses JA Solar solar panels at £177 per panel, which provide up to 450 watts of capacity. For more information on specific panels, check out our guide best solar panelsThe Octopus also features batteries from Fox ESS, Enphase and Tesla,

The company provided us with a useful breakdown of the quote for a typical three-bed home:

Octopus estimates that using the above quote, a client could still break even after nine years, and save over £14,000 after 25 years. These are estimates and will vary depending on many factors, including placement of the panels, wholesale energy pricing and how you use your energy.

professional:

Shortcoming:

Can I get a grant for Octopus solar panels?

Yes, you may be eligible, but it depends on your home and property. Know here what it is:

grant availability

Octopus Energy’s solar panel offering points to this Energy Company Liability (ECO) Scheme (England and Wales) as the main route for subsidized solar installation. according to the octopusUnder ECO, some eligible homes can install solar panels (and sometimes heat pumps) at zero cost.

For other homeowners, there are a wide range of funding options: for example, Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) (which covers up to 100% of the cost in some cases) and a low VAT rate on residential solar installation (0% until April 2027).

eligibility conditions

Octopus emphasizes that not all applicants are guaranteed placement; Suitability and survey results matter.

If you do not meet the grant criteria, you can still proceed through paid installation, and you will still benefit from VAT relief, export duties and savings on electricity. For more information about these and other funding and savings options see our guide Solar Panel Grants and Financing,

What To Do Next

Bottom line: Subsidies are available for Octopus solar panels, but they are limited to certain households under ECO/HUG-type schemes. Instead most homeowners will rely on cost savings and export payments.

How much can I save on energy bills with Octopus?

Here’s a realistic look at the savings you can expect from Octopus Solar and what you should keep in mind.

What does the octopus claim?

Octopus says it can have a combined solar-panel + battery system on its “fixed outgoing” tariffs Reduce electricity bill of medium usage home by about 90%,

According to his blog: Depending on the size and use of the system, “a typical household can save between £400 and £600 per year from solar power alone (without batteries)”.

When you add batteries and export tariffs (for example, Octopus Flux) they suggest you could even earn up to £300 per year by exporting surplus energy.

what you should check

Remember, these Octopus figures are all estimates. Your actual savings will vary widely depending on usage, system size, ceiling, battery, and export rate.