Rising Energy Bills: Take Control with Solar and Battery Storage

Energy bills keep rising, and global events push prices even higher. Octopus Energy offers support, but you can take control. For me, solar panels and battery storage have been life-changing. I now feel in control of my energy bills, generating my own energy from sunshine in South Wales.

By Sarah Chambers

UPDATE: 25th March 2025 – Octopus has replaced all their solar and heat pump referral codes with referral links, which are much easier to use. You’ll find my link below. Just register your name and email and then follow the prompt for an Octopus solar quote.

My Experience with Solar and Battery Storage

Over the weekend, I generated around 29 kWh per day and it’s March! I used free solar energy and exported excess back to the grid and it felt great!!

@sarah_go_green Generating solar power this Sunday thanks to my @Octopus Energy installed solar panels!!!!! #moneysavingtips ♬ original sound – sarah_go_green

In 2024, I generated almost as much electricity as I used. (I think I was around 20 kWh short). This included all my home charging for my EV and running a busy home with 3 teenage daughters. This energy independence gives me peace of mind in the unpredictable world we are currently living in.

The Financial Benefits of Solar: What’s Realistic?

Some videos claim you can make £30,000-£40,000 over 10 years with solar. But they often factor in home value increases. One video published this week assumed a 3% home price rise, but that was for a £500,000 house. Most UK homes cost much less and I worry some people will just think it’s only for those with deeper pockets.

My father always said money goes to money. Sometimes this can put you off even trying, but you should as solar power can work for almost everyone!

Coming from a mining community, generating my energy feels like a dream, no mess, no pollution, just the sun effortlessly powering my home. In 2024, I produced almost the exact amount of electricity that I consumed. The shift from relying on external energy sources to self-sufficiency is incredible. Yet, I can’t stop myself from getting irritated by videos that include house price increases as a selling point. I don’t think this helps promote the benefits of solar and battery storage for everyone. Solar isn’t just for large, expensive homes, it makes sense for any homeowner looking for energy security and lower bills. You can even stick them on a camper van and it makes sense!

Don’t be put off by flashy video headlines. Solar is for every homeowner, big or small. Your energy use matters more than your home size. Smaller homes need fewer panels but use less energy. Solar helps everyone save, no matter the house size.

The directions your house faces can make a difference. I am very lucky that all my solar panels face south and I beat large arrays because of this, generating more especially in the winter. But with a home battery, even if you generate energy at the wrong time for your usage you can store it in a home battery to use later or get paid to export it to the grid.

A Home Battery: The Game-Changer

A battery makes all the difference. It lets you store energy for later instead of exporting it right away. This means you can use your solar power when you need it. It cuts bills further and gives energy security.

Octopus Solar Panels Review – My Referral Code (95460) is Now a Referral Link.

Octopus offers 0% financing for solar and battery storage. Right now, my referral link gets you £100 cashback as a Visa cash gift card. If you previously used my code, thank you! I will still get £100 if you use my Octopus heat pump link so a big thank you if you choose to use it!

For more insights, check out my previous blogs:

The Future of Solar Tariffs and Heat Pumps

Octopus Energy has great solar tariffs, but don’t base your decision just on today’s deals. Tariffs change, but energy savings last. I’d love another battery before moving to a heat pump. If Octopus launches new off-peak slots or heat pump discounts, it’ll make switching even easier.

Your Power Station

Every energy price rise makes people worry. Solar and battery storage gives you control, lower bills, and greener energy. You don’t need a calculator to see the logic—especially with 0% financing! The sooner you start, the sooner you save.

About Me

I switched to Octopus Energy seven years ago after being with British Gas for 20 years. Since then, I’ve embraced solar power, battery storage, and an EV to reduce my energy costs. My goal is to help others navigate the world of green energy and make informed choices. If you’re thinking about solar, I’d love to hear your thoughts!