Power to the people…direct from their roof

The UK isn’t famous for sunshine. However, we get enough sunlight to make solar panels a smart investment. This applies to individual homes or larger solar arrays.

CPRE has set an ambitious goal: 60% of solar power should come from rooftop space across the UK.

It’s true that the stronger the sunlight, the more electricity you can generate. But even on cloudy days, there’s still enough light for solar panels to power your home effectively.

At Octopus Energy, we believe solar panels are the future. By generating your own renewable power, you can reduce the impact of rising electricity prices and lower your energy bills. You’ll also help balance the grid by producing clean, local power.

In recent years, the energy crisis has shown how unpredictable electricity prices can be. However, advances in low-carbon technology now give homeowners and landlords more control over their electricity supply.

Most UK roofs are suitable for solar panel installation. Only a few, such as thatched, asbestos, or glass roofs, aren’t.

South-facing panels generate the most energy because they face the sun for the longest time. However, panels facing east or west still produce a useful amount of electricity throughout the day.

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.