Octopus Energy, best known as a household energy supplier, now installs solar panels and home batteries, allowing homeowners to generate, store and use more of their own electricity. The company has grown rapidly since 2015, aided by its acquisition of Shell Energy Retail in late 2023, making it one of the UK's most recognisable energy brands.
Octopus offers a joined-up approach, handling solar installation, energy supply, smart tariffs, export payments, EV charging and heat pumps. Its flat Outgoing tariff pays 12p per kWh for exported solar power. Batteries are recommended for evening electricity use, and Octopus's cheap overnight tariff can top up batteries in winter.
The company uses microinverters with some packages, improving performance in mixed light. It offers a 2-year HIES-backed guarantee and 5-year workmanship warranty, with panels having a 25-year warranty. Octopus covers England and Wales, and installations typically take two to three months from inquiry.
Octopus uses JA Solar panels at £177 each (up to 455W) and offers battery options including Tesla Powerwall 3, Fox EVO and Enphase systems, with storage from 5kWh to 13.5kWh. A typical quote for a three-bed home shows a break-even after nine years and over £14,000 savings after 25 years, though estimates vary.
Eligible homeowners may access subsidies via the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, which can provide solar panels at zero cost. For others, the Warm Homes: Local grant may offer funding.
