Are Octopus Energy solar panels any good?

Yes. Octopus installs JA Solar TOPCon panels, which are high-efficiency (around 21.3%), Tier 1 manufactured, and backed by a 25-year performance guarantee and 12-year product warranty. JA Solar is a reputable global manufacturer with good degradation rates. The quality is competitive with what independent installers offer — the difference is price, not panel quality.

How much do Octopus Energy solar panels cost?

Octopus pricing starts from around £6,163 for a basic system and typically runs £7,000-£10,000 for a standard 3-5kWp residential installation. This works out to approximately £1,500-£1,600 per kWp installed. Battery add-ons cost an extra £4,000-£7,500 depending on size and type. Independent installers often quote £1,300-£1,500 per kWp for the same system, so Octopus is generally on the premium side of the market.

Does Octopus Energy install in Scotland?

No. Octopus Energy Solar currently operates in England and Wales only. If you're in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you'll need to work with an independent MCS-certified installer.

What panels does Octopus Energy install?

Octopus exclusively installs JA Solar TOPCon monocrystalline panels. You don't get a choice of manufacturer. This simplifies the process if you're happy with JA Solar, but it removes the flexibility that independent installers offer to choose from multiple brands like LONGi, Jinko, REC, or Panasonic.

What is the Octopus Flux tariff and is it worth it?

Octopus Flux is a time-of-use export tariff for Octopus customers with solar and a battery. Peak export (4pm-7pm) pays 28.60p/kWh, and off-peak import (2am-5am) costs 9.80p/kWh. This allows battery arbitrage: charge at night (9.80p/kWh), export during peak (28.60p/kWh), pocketing the difference. Over a year, this can add £350-£450 in export income on top of regular solar savings.

Can I use Octopus Flux without solar from Octopus?

Technically, you can switch to Octopus Energy and use Flux with a system installed by an independent installer. However, Octopus's premium pricing includes this integration. Most people who value Flux choose to get their system from Octopus to keep everything in one place, though this isn't mandatory.

How long does Octopus Energy solar installation take?

Typical timeline: 2-3 months from quote request to installation completion. This includes site survey, design, ordering panels and inverter, scheduling installation, installation day (usually 1-2 days), and commissioning with your DNO (G98 or G99 approval).

Is Octopus Energy solar cheaper than independent installers?

Usually not. Independent installers typically quote £200-£300 per kWp less than Octopus, which can mean £1,000-£2,000 savings on a 4-5kWp system. However, Octopus offers convenience, brand trust, and tariff integration that independents can't. Always get quotes from at least 3 installers to compare.

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Octopus Energy Solar Panels: Are They Worth It?

Octopus Energy Solar Panels: Are They Worth It?

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Updated April 2026