Do Octopus Energy Solar Panels Really Cut Energy Bills? Here’s the Truth

You’ve probably heard that solar panels can help you save money. But do they really? Are they worth the cost? Will your bills go down, or is it just hype?

If you’re asking these questions, you’re not alone. A lot of people in the UK are curious about solar but aren’t sure if it will actually make a difference.

Let’s talk about it honestly. We’ll walk you through how solar panels work, how they affect your bills, and when you’ll see the savings. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what to expect if you go solar with Octopus.

How Solar Panels Help You Save

First, let’s break down how solar panels can reduce your energy bills. When you install solar panels on your roof, they capture energy from the sun. That energy is turned into electricity for your home. So, instead of buying power from the grid, you’re making your own. That means you use less energy from your energy supplier, which brings your bills down.

And when your panels produce more electricity than you need? That extra energy doesn’t go to waste. You can either store it in a battery or send it back to the grid and get paid for it.

So, in simple terms, solar panels help you save money in two big ways:

1. You buy less energy from the grid.

2. You might earn money for the extra power you don’t use.

How Much Can You Really Save?

It depends on a few things:

• How many panels you install

• How much electricity does your home use

• When you use your electricity

• If you have a battery

• What kind of tariff you have

  
  

But let’s look at an example.

Say you install a typical 10-panel system. That might cost you around £6,000 to £7,000. With that setup, you could save anywhere from £400 to £700 per year on your bills. If energy prices go up, and they often do - your savings could grow even more.

With the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you also get paid for energy you send back to the grid. That might earn you an extra £50 to £150 a year, depending on how much extra power you generate. So your total yearly benefit could be £500 to £850 or more.

That means your system might pay for itself in about 8 to 12 years, depending on your setup and usage. After that, the electricity is essentially free. 

And don’t forget: solar panels last 25 to 30 years.

Do Solar Panels Still Work When It’s Cloudy?

Solar panels work best in full sunlight, but they don’t stop on cloudy days. They still produce power, just less of it. Even in the UK, with its fair share of grey skies, solar panels can do a solid job. In fact, modern solar panels are designed to be efficient in all kinds of light. Your system may produce less power in the winter, but your savings don’t stop completely. Many customers find they still benefit all year round.

Do I Need a Battery to Save Money?

Not always as you can still save money without one.

Here’s how it works:

• Without a battery: You use solar energy during the day. At night, you use power from the grid. Any extra energy you don’t use goes back to the grid, and you get paid for it through the SEG.

• With a battery: You store extra energy during the day and use it at night. That means you buy even less energy from the grid. So your bills go down even more.

  
  

A battery adds to the cost of your system around £2,000 to £3,500, but it also boosts your savings.

If you’re home during the day and use energy when the sun’s out, you might not need a battery. But if you’re out during the day and use most of your energy in the evening, a battery could help you save a lot more.

How Solar Works with Octopus Energy

At Octopus, we try to make going solar as easy as possible. From the first home survey to the final installation, we guide you through every step.

We also help you choose the best setup for your home and energy habits. That includes:

• The right number of panels

• Whether or not you need a battery

• Choosing a smart meter

• Finding the best energy tariff

  
  

And if you join us as an energy customer, we offer special tariffs just for solar users. That means you get a better rate when you export extra energy.

We also help you track your savings with smart tools and a user-friendly app.

What About Maintenance Costs?

Good news is that solar panels don’t need much maintenance. They have no moving parts, so there’s not much that can go wrong. You don’t need to clean them very often, either. Rain usually takes care of that.

Most solar panels come with warranties of 20 to 25 years, and inverters usually last 10 to 15 years. If something does break, the cost to fix it is usually small compared to your total savings. In short, once your panels are installed, they mostly look after themselves.

What If I Sell My House Later?

Solar panels can add value to your home. Buyers like the idea of lower bills and green energy. It can be a good selling point, especially as more people become aware of climate change and energy costs. And even if the new owner doesn’t care about the environment, they’ll probably care about saving money. That makes your solar system an asset, not a cost.

If you’re thinking about solar, we’d love to help. At Octopus, we believe clean energy should be easy, affordable, and stress-free. That’s why we offer full support, clear pricing, and smart tools to help you get the most out of your panels. Reach out to us today and let’s see how much you could save with solar.