Octopus Energy Tariffs Explained
Which Octopus Energy Tariff Should I Use?
GlowSolar has huge experience in installing solar PV and battery systems to work alongside Octopus Energy tariffs, and we thoroughly recommend them. Pairing your solar panel system with an Octopus Energy export tariff and battery storage can significantly increase your savings and energy independence. Here we detail the main benefits of Octopus’s energy tariffs for solar users and compare how each tariff stacks up against the others. Here's how their most popular tariffs work best alongside solar and EV charging:
If you have solar but no home battery, or want to combine solar with EV charging
Octopus Outgoing Agile
Outgoing Agile pays you based on half-hourly wholesale market prices, which change daily and are uncapped - meaning you could earn more during peak demand times. You can view historical export rates to see just how high it can go.
Best for:
Customers with solar batteries who are happy to keep an eye on the energy market. By exporting when prices are high and using stored energy when prices are low, you can maximise your return.
Tip:
Pair Outgoing Agile (export) with Agile Octopus (import) to benefit from both sides of the market. With smart home integrations like Amazon Alexa or IFTTT, you can automate your system to import and export at the most profitable times - making the most of your solar setup and battery storage.
Octopus Outgoing Fixed
With Outgoing Fixed, you’ll receive a guaranteed 15p per kWh for every unit of electricity you export back to the grid. It’s simple, predictable, and perfect for those who prefer a set rate rather than tracking changing prices.
Best for:
Anyone looking for reliable returns without having to monitor market trends. If your solar panels generate more power than your home needs, you’ll get paid the same flat rate for every extra unit.
Tip:
If you don’t have a battery, your solar energy will power your home first, and any unused energy will be sent to the grid.
If you do have a battery, your system will store the extra energy first. Once your battery is full, any further surplus will be exported — earning you 15p per kWh.
Octopus Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
What is it?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed scheme that ensures you get paid for the renewable electricity you export to the grid. Octopus Energy offers a SEG tariff that pays a flat rate of 4.1p per kWh for every unit of excess energy you generate and export.
Who is it for?
Homeowners with renewable energy systems like solar PV panels, wind turbines, hydro systems, micro-CHP, or anaerobic digestion.
Individuals who prefer to keep their current electricity supplier for imports but want to benefit from Octopus's export payments.Octopus Energy
Key Benefits:
No need to switch your import electricity supplier.
Guaranteed payment for every unit of renewable electricity you export.
Simple and transparent flat rate.Octopus Energy
Requirements:
Your renewable energy system must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or an equivalent.
You need a smart meter capable of providing half-hourly export readings.
Your installation should be located in Great Britain with a total installed capacity of no more than 5MW (or 50kW for micro-CHP).
You cannot be receiving export payments under the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme.Octopus EnergyOctopus Energy
Considerations:
While the SEG tariff offers a straightforward way to earn from your excess energy, Octopus Energy provides other export tariffs with potentially higher rates, such as the Outgoing Fixed tariff at 15p per kWh. However, these may require you to switch your import electricity supply to Octopus.
Next Steps:
If you're interested in the SEG tariff, you can apply directly through Octopus Energy's website. Ensure you have all necessary certifications and a compatible smart meter to facilitate the process.
For more details and to apply, visit Octopus Energy's Smart Export Guarantee page
If you have solar and a home battery
Octopus Flux
Octopus Flux is a smart import and export tariff designed for homes with solar panels and battery storage. It enables you to buy electricity at lower rates during off-peak times and sell excess energy back to the grid when demand (and prices) are highest.
How It Works:
Off-Peak Import (2am–5am): Charge your battery with low-cost electricity during the early morning hours.
Peak Export (4pm–7pm): Discharge your battery to power your home or export surplus energy back to the grid at higher rates.
Daytime Rates: Standard rates apply outside of these periods, allowing for normal usage and export.
Best For:
Households with solar panels and battery storage aiming to optimise energy usage and savings.
Those looking to automate energy consumption, reducing reliance on the grid during peak times.
Customers seeking a flexible tariff that adjusts with wholesale energy prices.
Tip:
By aligning your energy consumption and battery usage with Octopus Flux's time-of-use rates, you can reduce energy bills and increase earnings from exported energy.
Eligibility:
Active Octopus Energy electricity customer.
Installation of solar panels and battery storage.
A smart meter capable of providing half-hourly readings.
Possession of necessary certifications, such as the MCS certificate for your solar installation.
For more details and to check current rates, visit Octopus Flux.
“We don’t do hard-selling because we don’t use salesmen, we just offer honest advice to our customers and charge a fair price for the high quality solar PV installation and service you receive. ”
Intelligent Octopus Flux
Intelligent Octopus Flux is a cutting-edge import and export tariff designed for homes with solar panels and compatible battery storage. By allowing Octopus Energy to manage your battery, you can automatically charge when electricity is cheapest and greenest, and export when prices are highest, maximising your savings with minimal effort.
How It Works:
Smart Charging: Octopus schedules your battery to charge during off-peak times (typically 2am–5am) when electricity is cheaper and greener.
Optimised Exporting: Your battery discharges during peak demand periods (4pm–7pm), exporting surplus energy back to the grid at higher rates.
Seamless Automation: Octopus handles all scheduling, so you don't need to manually manage your battery.
Best For:
Homeowners with solar panels and compatible battery systems (e.g., GivEnergy, Enphase, Tesla, SolarEdge).
Those seeking maximum savings without the need to monitor energy prices or manually control battery usage.
Individuals aiming to reduce their carbon footprint by using energy when it's greenest.
Benefits:
Increased Savings: In 2024, 45.5% of Intelligent Octopus Flux customers earned more from exporting energy than they paid for importing, with an average profit of £284.07.
Enhanced Efficiency: By automating charging and discharging, you ensure optimal use of your solar generation and battery storage.
User-Friendly App: Monitor your battery status, energy usage, and export earnings through the Octopus Energy app.
Eligibility:
To join Intelligent Octopus Flux, you'll need:
A smart meter capable of providing half-hourly readings.
A solar panel system and a compatible battery (e.g., GivEnergy, Enphase, Tesla, SolarEdge).
To be an Octopus Energy electricity customer for both import and export.
A smartphone with the Octopus Energy app installed (iOS v15.0+ or Android v7+).
For more details and to check your eligibility, visit Intelligent Octopus Flux.
Why This Matters for GlowSolar Customers
With a GlowSolar system, you'll not only generate clean power - you’ll store it, use it smartly, and sell it back at the right time. Pairing the right Octopus tariff with your solar and battery setup helps reduce bills, maximise your return, and make EV charging even cheaper
Our Solar Services
-
Solar Panels
Solar PV is a good investment. Solar gives you energy security, saving you money on your electricity bills and protecting you from inevitable future price rises from energy suppliers.
-
Battery Storage
Capture and store green energy with a solar battery. Adding a solar battery array is a great way to make the most of renewable energy and increase your independence from the grid.
-
Maintenance & Repairs
All electrical systems need periodic inspection and testing. Solar PV systems are no different. For PV systems mounted on buildings, the recommended inspection interval will depend on the type and use of the building.
Get A Solar Quote
Contact us for a free, no obligation quote. We will visit your property and give our expert opinion on the best solar solution. No sales patter, just honest advice.