Solar and Battery Tariffs UK: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Energy Tariff
- What are solar and battery tariffs in the UK?
- How do solar panels and battery storage work with an electricity tariff?
- What should you look for in the best solar and battery tariff in the UK?
- Best tariff for solar and battery UK: What type of tariff should you choose?
- EcoFlow STREAM 5000 for solar and battery tariff optimisation
- EcoFlow STREAM AC 5000 for existing solar panel systems
- STREAM 5000 vs STREAM AC 5000 for solar and battery tariffs
- How to choose the best tariff for solar panels and batteries in the UK
- How a battery can change your solar tariff strategy
- Conclusion
- Frequently asked questions
Solar panels are becoming a familiar sight in UK homes, but generating electricity is only one part of the equation. For homes with battery storage, the electricity tariff selected can determine whether they import electricity from the grid, when they do, when they store electricity, and whether it is worth exporting excess solar electricity.
Therefore, it is important to compare the solar and battery tariffs UK households choose. Some tariffs offer lower electricity rates at night, others provide time-of-use rates, and some pay for exported solar electricity. The choice will depend on the amount of electricity that's generated, how much storage you need, the types of electricity you can use, and your consumption habits.
For households, a home battery system can be used to store solar power for later use and to make the most of the tariff and smart-energy systems if they are compatible with the battery system.
What are solar and battery tariffs in the UK?
A solar and battery tariff is basically an electricity tariff that is suitable for households producing, storing, and exporting electricity.
There are multiple aspects to consider:
Import rate: what you pay for electricity taken from the grid.
Export rate: what you receive for eligible electricity exported back to the grid.
Off-peak rate: a cheaper rate available during certain hours.
Peak rate: a higher rate during periods of strong demand.
Battery schedule: when your battery charges or discharges.
During the day, the sun can produce more electricity than is necessary for a house. This surplus could be exported without a battery. Some of that can be stored for the future for later use, thus decreasing the import of electric power after dark.
The Small-scale Renewable Generation (SRG) scheme for eligible small-scale renewable generators in Great Britain can also provide payments for electricity exported to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Ofgem expects SEG licensees to provide eligible generators with a positive export tariff, which each supplier will determine in terms of rate, terms, and contract length.
Therefore, there is no "one-size-fits-all" tariff for every solar and battery home.
How do solar panels and battery storage work with an electricity tariff?
A typical energy flow looks like this:
Solar panels → Home → Battery → Grid
Household appliances can draw power from solar panels when they are generating power. Excess electricity produced by the panels can be stored in the battery.
The battery can provide stored electricity later in the day when the sun ceases to generate electricity. When both solar and battery power are inadequate, the house draws electricity from the power grid.
If there is excess solar generation, this can be exported as the system and tariff permit once the battery is fully charged.
Why timing matters
With a time-of-use tariff, timing is particularly crucial.
Electricity prices can vary depending on the time of day. A household may choose not to pay one rate on an ongoing basis, but may pay a lower rate during an overnight period and a higher rate during peak hours.
A battery can provide flexibility as it may be able to store electricity during low-cost periods and use it during high-cost periods.
This principle has been applied in the tariffs for batteries in the UK. British Gas, for instance, now advertises battery tariffs based on cheaper overnight charging, whilst Octopus has products on offer called Flux that are based on import, battery charging, and export at various times of the day.
The tariff prices and eligibility requirements do change, however, so homeowners should check with the current supplier to see what the terms are on the other before switching.
What should you look for in the best solar and battery tariff in the UK?
The trick to finding the best solar and battery tariff UK households can use isn't necessarily the lowest on a comparison page, but rather understanding how your home consumes electricity.
Import electricity rates
Begin with the cost of electricity that is imported from the grid.
If the battery can be charged at times of lower electricity rates, it may be a cost-effective solution for a household with a battery. This is especially beneficial during the winter months when solar generation is reduced.
Look at:
Standard import rates
Off-peak periods
Peak rates
Standing charges
No restrictions on charging batteries
While a very low overnight rate may be appealing, it may not be as helpful if the tariff also charges high rates for electricity during the day and your battery isn't large enough to store enough electricity to power your home during those hours.
Export rates for excess solar
Export rates determine what you're paid for when you send surplus electricity to the grid.
The generators can shop around in the SEG and select an SEG licensee (export supplier), and the supplier of electricity to the household does not have to be the same company.
Different tariffs and suppliers may have varying rates. For instance, currently, Octopus offers a few export choices, such as a flat-rate Outgoing tariff, Agile Outgoing, and battery-focused Flux tariffs.
A high export rate could be particularly beneficial to a household that has high solar production and relatively low demand during the day.
Time-of-use pricing
Time-of-use Tariffs split the day up into rates for electricity at various times.
This may be an opportunity for the battery owner to:
Charge from the grid when rates are lower.
Store surplus solar generation.
Avoid importing during expensive peak periods.
Potentially export stored or surplus energy when export pricing is attractive, and the tariff permits it.
That is where "smart battery control" is helpful. The tariffs can be made compatible so that the systems can be automatically programmed for charging and discharging on a daily basis rather than manually.
Tariff compatibility with your battery
Not all smart tariffs are compatible with all batteries.
Some tariffs just provide a lower price for electricity at specific times, which allows the homeowner to manually program any compatible battery.
Others rely on direct smart control or integration with particular devices.
Before switching, check:
Whether your battery is supported.
Whether a smart meter is required.
Whether the supplier controls the battery.
Whether you can still set your own reserve level.
Whether joining the import tariff is required to access the export tariff.
Compatibility matters as much as the headline price.
Best tariff for solar and battery UK: What type of tariff should you choose?
As solar and battery UK homes use electricity in various ways, there is no single best tariff.
There are four basic types of tariffs that are most useful.
Time-of-use tariffs
These can be tailored to households with batteries capable of transferring energy from high-cost times.
For instance, take advantage of the lower rates for charging the battery during the night and consuming the electricity during the day.
These tariffs can be more viable when a solar battery is in use, since it allows for shifting stored energy, as well as shifting the use of appliances.
High-export tariffs
If your solar system consistently produces more power than your house and battery can consume, a high export tariff might be appealing.
After the battery is charged, it might be better to export excess electricity at a competitive price than to expand storage capacity that is not utilized very often.
With the SEG, suppliers set their own export prices, and so it is still crucial to compare what is on offer.
Low off-peak tariffs
If the battery can be charged at a predetermined time of day, these can be helpful.
A house can power up at low-rate times and use the power it's stored at high-rate times.
This is particularly helpful in winter, when the sun's energy input is lower, making it difficult to charge the battery sufficiently each day.
Standard tariffs
For some families, a basic tariff is still warranted.
If your battery is small, your energy usage is fairly steady, and you don't want to actively control when you charge your battery, a complicated time-of-use arrangement might not be of significant enough benefit to warrant the effort.
The best tariff is therefore one that reflects your actual behaviour and not one with the most complicated pricing structure.
EcoFlow STREAM 5000 for solar and battery tariff optimisation
The STREAM 5000 is a solar and battery-powered home solution targeted for new solar-battery installations for homeowners.
It can be installed to store solar power generation and provide domestic loads based on the power input of the PV array and the output of the AC load, with a capacity of 5,024Wh, a maximum PV input of 5,000W, and a maximum AC output of 3,000W. (EcoFlow UK)
It's not just about its capacity; its tariff-related value is also important. The STREAM energy-management platform features modes that take into account solar production, household demand, and tariff data to optimize battery use.
Store excess solar energy for later
Demand for residential electricity consumption is often low when production is high.
Excessive energy can be exported when there isn't a battery to store it. Some of that energy can be stored with STREAM 5000 and consumed at a later time.
For instance, the solar production of a home could be quite large in the late morning and afternoon, and very high in the evening between 5 pm and 10 pm. The shift in the timing of generation can be accomplished with the use of battery storage.
This can boost the solar self-consumption and minimize reliance on grid power imports.
Make better use of time-of-use electricity rates
STREAM 5000 is also time-of-use ready.
The Intelligent Mode on EcoFlow can create energy schedules based on items like tariff information, solar weather predictions, and household use. It can also be programmed according to the tariff rates and user preferences with its Custom Mode. (EcoFlow UK)
That creates several possible strategies:
Charge from solar during the day.
Charge from the grid during a low-cost period if required.
Preserve stored energy for expensive hours.
Reduce grid imports during peak periods.
EcoFlow also explains the TOU model as being about charging when electrical power is cheaper and discharging when it is more expensive. Actual savings will vary based on the household's tariff, generation from solar, usage, and battery configuration. (EcoFlow UK)
Expand storage as energy needs grow
The size of the battery affects the ability of a household to adjust energy use between the peaks and valleys of its tariff periods.
With 5,024Wh capacity, STREAM 5000 begins, but the STREAM platform can be scaled to 90kWh with compatible configuration, according to EcoFlow.
That scalability can be useful for:
Larger households
EV owners
Homes with high evening electricity demand
Properties with larger solar arrays
Households adding more electrified appliances
However, expansion should continue to be based on the real energy needs. Purchasing a large amount of storage, well in excess of what it is actually used for, will decrease the value of the system.
The EcoFlow STREAM AC 5000 is compatible with most existing solar panel systems.EcoFlow STREAM AC 5000 supports most solar panel systems in existence.
Homeowners with existing solar panels will have a different issue. It is not always necessary to install a new solar and storage system, just a battery for an existing solar system.
EcoFlow STREAM AC 5000 for existing solar panel systems
It comes with a capacity of 5,024Wh and a peak charging and discharging capacity of 3,000W according to the manufacturer's specs. It does not have direct PV input (as with the STREAM 5000), but is designed to attach an AC-coupled battery storage system to an existing energy system.
The addition of storage can alter the way the current solar-powered household consumes electricity. Some of the electricity generated by the solar panels can be stored for use later in the day, instead of exporting it during the day and importing it back again later in the day.
It also allows time-of-use strategies to be implemented. According to EcoFlow, its energy-management modes can take into account tariff rates, solar generation, weather information, and consumption to determine how a battery is used.
When is STREAM AC 5000 the better option?
STREAM AC 5000 makes more sense when:
Solar panels are already installed.
You want to add storage rather than redesign the solar setup.
Much of your daytime solar energy is currently exported.
You want to use stored energy during higher-price periods.
You want greater flexibility with a time-of-use tariff.
STREAM 5000 might be the better option for a new homeowner. If you already have a solar system, STREAM AC 5000 doesn't require you to pay for the direct PV functions if they aren't needed.
STREAM 5000 vs STREAM AC 5000 for solar and battery tariffs
Feature | STREAM 5000 | STREAM AC 5000 |
Best suited for | New solar + battery setup | Existing solar system |
Main use | Solar generation + battery storage | Adding storage to existing solar |
Suitable for time-of-use tariffs | Yes, where compatible | Yes, where compatible |
Ideal user | New solar-energy user | Existing solar owner |
Retrofit application | Less relevant | Main use case |
Direct PV input | Up to 5,000W | None |
The STREAM 5000 is therefore better suited to household planning solar generation and battery storage together.
The STREAM AC 5000 is generally more appropriate when rooftop solar is already installed, and the goal is to add storage.
Both systems can participate in energy-management strategies based on tariff pricing, but actual compatibility depends on the tariff, smart meter, installation, and selected operating mode.
How to choose the best tariff for solar panels and batteries in the UK
The first step to discovering the top tariff for solar panels and batteries that households in the UK can use is to familiarize yourself with your energy data.
Understand your energy usage
Look at times when your home is using the most electricity.
A family that is active during the day and inactive at night will have quite a different set of ideals for an ideal tariff than a worker at home.
Pay particular attention to:
Evening demand
Overnight demand
EV charging
Electric heating
Heat pumps
Cooking
Home-office equipment
Your smart-meter data can help reveal these patterns.
Check your solar generation
Then check out the amount of electricity your solar system generates.
If you are exporting substantial amounts of electricity daily, you might be able to add self-consumption to your mix using a battery.
A high export tariff may be less of a priority if practically all solar generation is being consumed at home.
Seasonality also matters. High July values may lead to drastically lower values in December.
Compare import and export rates
Avoid making tariff evaluations based on one rate.
It can be tempting to get a high export payment, but this could be particularly problematic given the high cost of electricity imports.
Likewise, if you need to pay a very low rate at night but a high rate during the day, then this may not be of much benefit if your battery cannot provide sufficient energy during the peak hour.
Compare the complete tariff:
Import rate
Off-peak rate
Peak rate
Export rate
Standing charge
Contract conditions
Smart-control requirements
Because SEG rates and terms are decided by each supplier, Ofgem has a particular interest in encouraging eligible SEG generators to shop around.
Check battery and smart-meter compatibility
Last but not least, ensure that the tariff is compatible with your battery.
Certain suppliers have tariffs that do necessitate direct control of supported batteries. Others just offer an established low period that allows you more flexibility in setting up your charging yourself.
For instance, Intelligent Octopus Flux is built on automated battery charging and export, and optimised for the key time of 16:00 to 19:00.
When switching, confirm that your meter, battery, and installation comply with supplier eligibility requirements before making the switch.
How a battery can change your solar tariff strategy
A battery provides a solar home with greater control of power consumption.
A solar home is more dependent on electricity consumption matching daylight hours. When the panels are generating heavily and no one is there, a significant amount of that energy can be sent back onto the grid.
A solar-plus-battery home can save some energy and use it when needed.
This creates several options:
Increase solar self-consumption.
Reduce imports during expensive periods.
Charge from cheaper off-peak grid electricity.
Export surplus energy when financially attractive.
Preserve a battery reserve for evening use.
The energy shifting of this kind is the core of EcoFlow's STREAM platform. It will store or use energy depending on a range of factors such as solar forecasts, usage patterns, and tariff data, via intelligent modes.
But having a battery doesn't mean that bills will be reduced automatically.
Savings depend on:
Solar generation
Battery efficiency
Storage capacity
Electricity consumption
Import and export prices
Charging strategy
Installation costs
How often the battery cycles
If a house regularly fills and empties the battery at financially beneficial times, it could be more beneficial for a house to use the available battery space than for the house to rarely use the available battery storage.
Conclusion
When it comes to deciding between solar and battery tariffs UK suppliers provide, it's not just about securing a cheap headline electricity price. The most suitable solution is based on the energy generation, storage, import and export of your home.
Work out import rates, export payments, off-peak windows, time-of-use pricing and smart-meter requirements. The SEG also allows eligible solar households to benefit from paying for electricity exported to the grid, though the terms and rates will be chosen by suppliers. (Ofgem)
Owners of new-build solar-plus-storage installations get direct solar feed, 5,024Wh battery storage and smart energy management with the EcoFlow STREAM 5000. STREAM AC 5000 will be more suited to homes with solar panels and a desire to store the energy for later use.
Finally, solar and battery UK households have the option of choosing the appropriate tariff that reflects their actual electricity consumption. The right battery size and the right tariff can allow for more control over the timing of the generation, storage, importation, and consumption of electricity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best tariff for solar and battery in the UK?
There's no universal optimal tariff for all households. Compare import prices, export payments, periods of time, standing charges and battery compatibility. Large solar export households might prefer a high export tariff, whereas large battery households might prefer a low off-peak charging rate, for example.
What is the best solar and battery tariff UK households can choose?
The optimal tariff for solar and batteries for households in the UK will be contingent on the amount of energy produced, stored, exported, and imported. The current options are standard SEG export tariffs, time-of-use import tariffs, and battery-specific products, like Octopus Flux. Tariff availability and rates vary, so make sure to check the terms offered by your suppliers before changing.
Is a time-of-use tariff better with solar panels and a battery?
It can be. A battery can store electricity when it is more expensive or during the day when the sun is creating electricity, and then dispatch it when the electricity becomes more expensive to use. The benefit will vary based on the price difference, battery capacity, and household consumption.
Can I charge my battery using cheap off-peak electricity?
Many home batteries can be programmed to charge from the grid at specific times, and some UK tariffs are geared towards cheaper electricity during the night. This is only possible for you if you have a compatible battery and meet the installation and tariff requirements.
Should I prioritise a high export rate when choosing a solar battery tariff?
Not automatically. If you have a lot of solar power left over that is used in your home and battery charging, then a high export rate is beneficial. If you are consuming most of your solar power yourself, then the cost of importing or off-peak rates may be more significant to the bill.