Power to the people…direct from their roof

The UK might not be known for its sunshine, but we get more than enough sunlight to make solar panels a great investment – be it on individual homes or in a larger array. It’s true that the stronger the sunlight, the more electricity you can generate – but even when it’s cloudy, there’s enough light for solar panels to power your home.

CPRE has an ambitious target of 60% of solar power to come from UK roofspace, and although the UK might not be known for its sunshine, we get more than enough sunlight to make solar panels a great investment.

It’s true that the stronger the sunlight, the more electricity you can generate – but even when it’s cloudy, there’s enough light for solar panels to power your home.

At Octopus Energy, we believe solar panels are the future. By generating your own renewable power, you can mitigate the impact of volatile electricity prices, keep your costs down and also help to balance the grid.

In recent years, the energy crisis has highlighted just how unpredictable the price of electricity can be, but with advancements in low carbon tech, the ability to take control of your home electricity supply has created a welcome opportunity for homeowners and landlords alike.

The vast majority of UK roofs are suitable for solar panel installation, with only a few exceptions like thatched, asbestos, or glass roofs.

South facing solar panels are also known to generate the most energy (as they spend the maximum time facing the sun), but panels facing east or west will still yield electricity too.

We also have a range of smart tariffs which help make the most from your solar installation, shortening the payback time of the upfront investment.

When combined with other green technology installations such as air source heat pumps and batteries, the benefits are even greater. For new homes with the correct level of roof solar, together with a battery and air source heat pump, Octopus Energy can guarantee that the householder pays nothing for their energy – guaranteed for up to 10 years under our ‘Zero Bills’ tariff.

‘Zero Bills’ is a world-first tariff powered by Octopus Energy, and is already a reality for tenants and homeowners across the UK and in other countries such as Germany and New Zealand.

We believe that all new homes should be built to the ‘Zero Bills’ specification – no energy bills and no worries when it comes to heating your home, especially in winter.

But what about older homes? The exciting news is that we have just kicked off trials for ‘Zero Bills’ in existing homes – retrofitting properties from Victorian terraced houses to a 1950s housing estate.

By combining low carbon technology with smart energy management – like we do with ‘Zero Bills’ – we can move to a greener, electrified world more quickly and cheaply.

About the author

Emma is the Low Carbon Housing Director at Octopus Energy. Her career has centred on leading high impact, high innovation projects in real estate, with a particular focus on housing, energy performance and green energy production. Her practical experience includes starting her career in rural surveying and estate management moving into award-winning housing and regeneration developments.

Emma is a passionate advocate for change, community resilience and sustainability solutions for all. She established and led the UK’s first fossil fuel-free district heating scheme in her village, Swaffham Prior. Her work regularly features in trade, national and international press & media.