Latest news with #energyindependence
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Energy Intensive Users Group of Southern Africa (EIUG) and VUKA Group Forge Ahead with 3-Year Partnership for C&I Energy + Storage Summit
We are thrilled to share that the Energy Intensive Users Group of Southern Africa (EIUG) and VUKA Group ( are continuing their dynamic partnership to co-host the EIUG Conference and C&I Energy + Storage Summit ( for the next three years, building on the success of last year's inaugural event. This collaboration is a bold step toward shaping a sustainable and resilient energy future for South Africa's commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors. Driving Sustainable Energy Solutions For over 25 years, EIUG has been a steadfast advocate for energy-intensive industries, championing competitive and sustainable energy frameworks. By partnering with VUKA Group for the C&I Energy + Storage Summit, we're creating a powerful platform to address the challenges and opportunities in South Africa's rapidly evolving electricity industry. This partnership aligns with the South Africa Climate Act and Just Energy Transition principles, empowering C&I power users to achieve energy independence, security, and sustainability while reducing their carbon footprint. C&I Energy + Storage Summit 2025, brough to you by VUKA Group, will take place from 4- 5 November 2025 at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. Register today ( What to Expect at the Summit The C&I Energy + Storage Summit is your opportunity to engage with the future of energy. This year's event will: Explore scalable solutions: Dive into power generation options, credible technologies, and the financial and business cases for independent generation and storage. Navigate industry changes: Unpack the implications of South Africa's Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) initiatives, including the anticipated wholesale market establishment. Foster collaboration: Connect service providers, off-takers, and consumers for mutually beneficial commercial opportunities. Offer practical insights: Participate in technical masterclasses, project showcases, and networking sessions designed to equip you with the tools to lead in this transformative era. A Commitment to Change This partnership is more than a collaboration — it's a commitment to driving meaningful progress. By bringing together stakeholders from across the energy landscape, including Eskom, bilateral Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and potential players in a future wholesale energy trading market, we aim to influence a resilient, sustainable, and forward-thinking energy ecosystem. Join Us We invite all industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to join us at the C&I Energy + Storage Summit and EIUG Conference. Together, we can shape the future of South Africa's energy landscape and ensure it thrives for both businesses and the planet. Register for the Summit: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group. For speaking opportunities, contact Boipelo Mothlowa: For sponsorship enquires, contact Marcel du Toit: For media enquires, contact Natalie Simms: About VUKA Group: As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group ( this Summit aligns with VUKA's mission to connect industries, spark innovation, and fuel economic growth. VUKA Group is a premier organiser of conferences, exhibitions, and events across Africa, delivering tailored platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development in energy and related sectors.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How can Kazakhstan secure its hydrocarbon export infrastructure?
Kazakhstan is one of the largest oil and gas producers in Central Asia, a significant producer of coal and a major energy exporter – but the markets surrounding it are shifting. In terms of oil production, the vast landlocked country is up against established and well connected heavyweights such as Saudi Arabia and the US, while competition in the gas market is more regionalised, with Russia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as frontrunners. Its production remains on a sharp upward trajectory. In February, Kazakhstan reported a record oil output of 2.12 million barrels per day (mbbl/d), and announced plans to produce 96.2 million tonnes (mt) of oil and gas condensate in 2025, a yearly increase of almost 10%. Moreover, its oil production in the first half of 2025 (H1 2025) saw a yearly surge of almost 12%. However, the nation still has some way to go to diversify its export routes and establish reliable and long-term export markets. Demand from various regions of Europe continues to rise against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war, following an international trend of nations seeking to reduce their energy dependence on Russia. In June, the European Commission proposed a gradual phase-out of Russian gas and oil imports into the EU by the end of 2027, as part of the REPowerEU road map, which aims to ensure the EU's full energy independence from Russia. Kazakhstan is aiming to capitalise on this demand by increasing hydrocarbon exports. Currently, approximately 80% of the country's oil exports are transported via the majority Russia-controlled Caspian Pipeline Consortium's (CPC) Black Sea terminal, which was temporarily restricted in April by Russian regulators. Kazakh hydrocarbon infrastructure has also become collateral damage in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. In February, Ukrainian drones hit a pumping station on the main Kazakh oil export pipeline, temporarily dropping oil flows through the CPC by approximately 30–40%. Such vulnerability is exacerbated by Kazakhstan's Soviet-era assets, although the country has been actively building new facilities and reviving previously shelved plans such as the Eskene-Kuryk-Baku oil pipeline, which will extend for 739km from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan. Market expansion, particularly to hydrocarbon-hungry countries such as China and Türkiye, remains a priority for Kazakhstan, helping it secure its economic future. However, this process relies on reliable pipeline routes and stabilised geopolitical climates, the latter currently seeming a long way off. Market opportunities and challenges As the world's biggest hydrocarbon importer, China offers huge opportunities for Kazakhstan. In February, state-run gas pipeline operator Qazaqgaz extended its agreement with PetroChina to increase gas exports to the east. Qazaqgaz has a pipeline network of more than 76,000km, including 20,000km of main gas pipelines, which also transport Russian gas to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan through an agreement signed with Gazprom in 2024. However, extracting itself from Russia's influence and strengthen its ties with China could prove tricky for Kazakhstan. Much of the region's hydrocarbon infrastructure is co-owned and operated by more than one country, with a notable example being the Atasu-Alashankou pipeline, which carries both Kazakh and Russian oil to China. Competition in the region is fierce for market access and infrastructural planning. Kazakhstan is China's third-largest pipeline gas supplier after Russia and Turkmenistan, but in terms of crude oil the country has fallen behind other suppliers, with a 50% drop from 2023 to 2024 (though overall demand from China has weakened in recent years). Elsewhere in Asia, Türkiye holds further promise. GlobalData oil and gas analyst Rami Khrais highlights the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, which enables Kazakhstan to bypass Russia and carry crude oil through Azerbaijan and Georgia to Türkiye and other Mediterranean ports. According to reports, Kazakhstan is already diverting its crude exports away from Russia and towards Türkiye through the BTC: in February, 6,000 tonnes of oil from the Kashagan field began to move through the pipeline for the first time. However, Khrais states that Kazakhstan's "plans to reduce dependency on the Russian route might not be easy [and] due to logistical complexities, transporting oil by sea and then through the BTC pipeline is likely to be more expensive than transporting it via the CPC". Meanwhile, South Asia is a relatively untapped market for Kazakhstan. Research from the Journal of Eurasian Studies highlights that Kazakhstan could be of great use to India as an energy provider, particularly as India is heavily dependent on oil imports. While Kazakhstan does export hydrocarbons to India (amounting to a value of $175m for crude oil in 2024) as its largest trade partner in Central Asia, no direct infrastructure connection exists. The International North-South Transport Corridor, which would use the Chabahar and Bandar Abbas ports in Iran, presents a possibility for further connection between the countries. The corridor is designed to facilitate the movement of goods between Azerbaijan, Central Asia, Europe, India, Iran and Russia. According to the Social Policy Research Foundation in India, another key barrier to cooperation with Kazakhstan is China's established presence in Central Asia, as it has "a territorial advantage and has arguably solved the issue of decaying regional infrastructure by building multiple pipelines […] for an entrenched competitive advantage". Despite the geopolitical mire, there are viable options for Kazakhstan to secure its hydrocarbon infrastructure, including strengthened regional cooperation and transportation development. New frontiers for Kazakhstan's hydrocarbon exports Given the complications of pipeline expansion, maritime transportation presents another avenue for Kazakhstan to capture a wider market. In recent years, state-run companies such as KazMunayGas have ramped up investments in tankers to increase exports across the Caspian Sea. Notably, the BTC pipeline relies on a fleet of Kazakh tankers to move oil to Azerbaijan. Kazakh Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev has highlighted the potential to increase the BTC's current output of 1.5mt per year to as much as 20mt, thus reducing oil exports via Russia by approximately 80%. Increased cooperation with Azerbaijan is another possible diversification element for Kazakhstan, which would make it something of a regional energy hub. While a Trans-Caspian oil pipeline remains out of reach due to technical and financial challenges, the countries recognise the mutual benefits of cooperation, such as negotiating port modernisation to facilitate enlarged fleets. In turn, this will open up further access to European markets. Lack of investment taking its toll However, Kazakhstan must also assess how it can solve the problem of declining foreign direct investment flows (FDI), which are intertwined with oil and gas. Kazakh Invest, which attempts to bolster Kazakhstan's economy by drawing in foreign investment, has stated that FDI plummeted from $2.3bn (KZT1.22trn) to $72.9m over the first nine months of 2024, year-on-year. The completion of large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Tenzig oilfield, which began production in January and is owned by Chevron (50%), KazMunayGas (20%), ExxonMobil (25%) and Lukoil (5%), has been cited as a significant factor. According to the International Trade Administration, "the hydrocarbons sector, since 1991, has received approximately 60% of FDI in Kazakhstan, and constitutes approximately 53% of its export revenue". As part of its National Investment Policy, the Kazakh Government is aiming to attract at least $150bn of FDI by 2029 and diversify away from hydrocarbons into agriculture, construction, ecology, information technology, pharmaceuticals and tourism. However, business research from 2024 found that the "sheer weight of oil and gas production within the Kazakh economy will limit the potential for investment diversification". Kazakhstan still leads FDI in Central Asia, particularly in greenfield projects, as per the UN Conference on Trade and Development's (UNCTAD) 2025 World Investment Report. Throughout 2024, gas supply pulled in significant FDI, with UNCTAD highlighting the $5.5bn natural gas facility announced by Qatari-based energy, concessions and construction company UCC. Russia's influence can also be felt in FDI, with inflows totalling $931.9m (Rbs72.88bn) over the first six months of 2024. As hydrocarbon FDI is likely to remain predominant in Kazakhstan, improving existing infrastructure and strengthening regional partnerships appears to offer the most security. In the meantime, Kazakhstan continues to pump out oil and gas, repeatedly exceeding its 1.47mbbl/d output quota under OPEC+ production limits. Much of the country's future export landscape will depend on delicately managing its geopolitical standing and building links (both political and physical) to the nations around it. "How can Kazakhstan secure its hydrocarbon export infrastructure? " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EcoFlow Unveils OCEAN Pro -- the Ultimate Whole-Home Energy System
OCEAN Pro sets a new standard for energy independence and intelligence in solar storage and whole-home power backup, designed to outperform incumbents like Tesla Powerwall IRVINE, Calif., July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EcoFlow, a leading eco-friendly energy solutions company, ushered in a new era for U.S. home energy storage with today's debut of OCEAN Pro, offering more power, convenience and intelligence for homeowners in a world of rising energy bills and increasingly unpredictable power grids. OCEAN Pro delivers advanced technology and infinite backup power to combat these energy challenges and maximize rooftop solar investments. Its features and capabilities are unmatched by industry competitors while also offering a sleek design aesthetic to complement the interior of any home. OCEAN Pro was developed with energy-stressed states like California, Texas and Florida in mind, where electric costs, extreme weather and aging infrastructure are driving demand for energy independence. Unlike conventional residential battery systems, OCEAN Pro is the first multi-source backup solution that automatically pulls energy from various sources — including solar panels, high-capacity batteries and even gasoline generators, if needed — to keep homes running smoothly through blackouts, storms and peak billing rate hours. The system is EcoFlow's most powerful and versatile home energy storage solution yet, giving homeowners more peace of mind and more control over their energy than ever. It builds on the proven success of the company's PowerOcean series, the European counterpart, which has over 17,000 installations across Europe. EcoFlow is now bringing this trusted performance and reliability to the U.S. market with OCEAN Pro, setting a new benchmark for home energy storage. OCEAN Pro delivers twice the solar capacity, double the backup power and 67 percent more peak power compared to industry standards, including Tesla's Powerwall 3. It is more resilient against flooding and comes with a 15-year warranty — five years beyond industry standards. "OCEAN Pro isn't just backup power, it's complete energy independence made simple," said Jenny Zhang, President of North America Residential Energy Business at EcoFlow. "We're excited to bring a powerful solution like OCEAN Pro to the U.S. market and give families a smarter, stronger and more reliable energy system built for the challenges they face today." When grid power fails, OCEAN Pro keeps appliances running and EVs powered. One battery provides 10kWh and the system is expandable up to 80kWh for those with larger energy needs. With 24kW of continuous output, OCEAN Pro can support 100% of home appliances simultaneously, including up to two 5-ton HVAC systems, EV chargers, pool pumps and refrigerators. If the grid goes down, OCEAN Pro switches to backup power in just 10ms, so users are never left without power. Homeowners can save up to 118 percent on electricity bills with the EcoFlow app's real-time energy monitoring and AI-driven forecasting that predicts weather, pricing and energy use. It seamlessly integrates with smart home devices — including thermostats, EV chargers, Apple Home, Google Nest and Alexa — so your energy system works in sync with your lifestyle. OCEAN Pro is engineered to handle harsh conditions, from freezing winters to scorching summers, with its TriShield Protection System, which includes fire prevention module, flood resistance up to 2.6 feet and IP67-rated waterproofing. It meets the highest industry standards and is the first in its class to pass the critical UL 9540B safety certification for energy storage systems. OCEAN Pro can also operate in grid-tied mode across all markets, allowing homeowners to sell excess energy back to the grid once the battery is fully charged. These benefits are further enhanced through participation in EcoFlow's Virtual Power Plant (VPP) network, which intelligently manages energy return based on real-time grid conditions and electricity prices. By discharging power during peak pricing or times of grid demand, the system can optimize battery use and lets users earn additional income even when solar generation is limited. As VPP coverage continues to expand across additional U.S. markets, more homeowners can take advantage of these advanced capabilities. Designed to look as good as it performs, OCEAN Pro is available in three premium finishes, including aluminum for a modern look, luxurious walnut wood for classic elegance or lightweight carbon fiber for a sleek, high-performance finish. OCEAN Pro isn't just a product — it's a full solution backed by personalized service. Each installation includes a free one-on-one energy consultation, app-based progress tracking and local support to ensure a seamless experience. Nearly 100 installation partners have signed on ahead of launch — a strong testament to the industry's confidence in EcoFlow's innovation and brand trust. "As installers, what we value most is reliability — both in the product and the people behind it. EcoFlow has proven to be a true partner: responsive, solution-driven and deeply committed to execution," said Daniel Gawrych, CEO of Lunex Power, EcoFlow's official installation partner for OCEAN Pro in Florida. "Their system is not only powerful and seamlessly integratable, but also designed for the real world. It's exciting to see a company that doesn't just talk but actually delivers." Availability Pre-orders start on July 15. Users can register on EcoFlow's official website to learn more and place their order through an authorized EcoFlow installation partner. About EcoFlow: EcoFlow is a leading provider of eco-friendly energy solutions, committed to powering a new world. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow has aimed to be the FIRST in power solutions — Flexible, Innovative, Reliable, Simple, and Thorough — for individuals and families, whether at home, outdoors or on the go. With a smart manufacturing center in China, and headquarters in the USA, Germany and Japan, EcoFlow has empowered over 5 million users in 140 markets worldwide. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE EcoFlow Technology Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
17-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Measuring What Matters In Community-Based Climate Finance
Access to clean energy can help communities build energy independence and strengthen economic ... More resilience. More than 100 million Americans live in under-resourced communities, from rural areas to urban cities in the Midwest, Southwest, Southeast, and beyond. People living in under-resourced communities spend a disproportionate share of their income on utility costs, often facing difficult choices between basic needs, such as food or transportation, or paying their utility bills. Access to clean energy can help these communities build energy independence, strengthen economic resilience, and develop greater reliability during extreme weather events. But building the infrastructure for these developments requires investment. In response to these challenges, Justice Climate Fund (JCF) works to mobilize capital and resources toward under-resourced communities, driving investments that provide clean energy, support cleaner air and water, and improve public health. National in scope yet rooted in community, JCF's financing framework comprises more than 400 green banks, Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) loan funds, CDFI banks, Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), and state and local stakeholders — all with decades of experience working in communities across the country. In 2025, JCF engaged the Sorenson Impact Institute (SII) to develop an impact measurement and management (IMM) framework to ensure impact is embedded across every stage of its work and to guide how it assesses, measures, and communicates its impact. 'The project underscores JCF's commitment to mobilizing capital with intention, using IMM to hold ourselves accountable to the communities we serve and the partners we work with,' says Theresa Bedeau, JCF Chief Strategy & Engagement Officer. Recent rollbacks in federal clean energy policies and the elimination or reduction in programs designed to help under-resourced communities access clean energy solutions have increased both the demand and need for JCF's work. As JCF ramps up to meet this growing need, the IMM framework is designed to ensure impact is incorporated across each stage of the funding process. As SII's Senior Director of Impact Measurement, Dr. Nzinga Broussard oversees, plans, and implements measurement and evaluation programs for the impact investing and impact strategy team. Broussard worked closely with JCF leadership to design and implement the IMM framework. In this Q&A, Bedeau and Broussard discuss the IMM and how it will strengthen JCF's work, partnerships, and impact outcomes. Why did JCF launch the IMM project with the Sorenson Impact Institute?Theresa Bedeau: Our impact is central to our mission. We recognized early on that to drive real, lasting change in under-resourced communities, we would need a robust framework to align our investments with clear impact objectives, track meaningful outcomes, and communicate results transparently. As a mission-driven nonprofit, measuring and managing our impact is essential to our strategy and a critical piece of what our funders, partners, and communities expect and deserve. Nzinga Broussard: To fuel effective communication and ensure mission alignment with potential partners, investors, and community lenders, JCF needed a framework to understand how its services (i.e., capital to community lenders, technical assistance and capacity building to community lenders, de-risking clean energy projects) contribute to social and environmental impacts in under-resourced communities. With projects of this size and scope, many of the social and environmental benefits are realized over many years. JCF needed a way to determine what data and impact metrics to collect early on to be able to meaningfully track and assess impact improvements over time. What are the goals of the IMM project? How will this help position JCF to define, grow, and scale its impact? TB: Our goals for the IMM project are to ensure all investments align with our mission; integrate impact into every phase of project, program, and brand development; and produce credible, data-driven insights that guide our decision-making. This framework allows us to scale our work more effectively. It helps us chart the right course in empowering community lenders and stakeholders, attracting additional capital, ensuring that capital reaches the communities with the greatest need and potential, and amplifying our work through deeper engagement and impact storytelling. These efforts help us deliver a strong return on investment across the board. How does this work help demonstrate the broader opportunities for community-based climate finance and investment in under-resourced communities? NB: Under-resourced communities often have disproportionate exposure to environmental and climate burdens, which means they also have the highest potential for emissions reductions and economic and social benefits. Despite this, these communities tend to be underinvested in by traditional commercial financial institutions. JCF's goal is to catalyze additional private investment for climate resilience and mitigation in under-resourced communities so they are not left behind in the clean energy transition. To do this, the organization is supporting community lenders who have expertise in customizing financial products that serve the unique needs of under-resourced communities. The IMM approach will help them go beyond just assessing the environmental and social benefits of clean energy projects in these communities — they will also be able to track market demand for climate mitigation and resilience solutions in these communities, as well as the value of improved capacity and know-how of community lenders in climate finance. TB: The IMM allows us to move beyond anecdotes and assumptions — to clearly show how climate finance can deliver real, quantifiable benefits in under-resourced communities. With robust data and a disciplined framework, we can demonstrate where the needs are greatest, where investments are most effective, and how community lenders can unlock both environmental and economic returns. This evidence is critical for building confidence among investors, proving the viability of community-based climate finance, and shifting capital toward places that have too often been left out of the clean energy economy. How does this strategy help attract mission-aligned partners, and why is that important? TB: Our IMM strategy gives investors and partners the confidence that their capital is creating measurable, community-rooted impact. By rigorously tracking outcomes and clearly demonstrating social, economic, and environmental benefits — like improved air quality, the number of jobs created and supported, and economic benefits — we make it easier for philanthropic, corporate, and financial partners to see the value of investing in historically overlooked communities. This alignment is essential to our strategy. When partners share our goals and trust our approach, we can mobilize more catalytic capital, strengthen the community lending ecosystem, and ensure the benefits of the clean energy economy reach those who need it most. Why is it essential to include storytelling in your impact reporting? TB: Stories bring our impact to life. Storytelling connects numbers and data to people — it puts a face to what it means to families breathing cleaner air, workers retrofitting schools and hospitals in rural communities, and the life-changing importance of communities building environmental, economic, and energy resiliency. It's how we build deeper understanding, empathy, and urgency among partners, funders, and the broader public. At JCF, we believe storytelling makes our impact more relatable, more memorable, and ultimately more powerful in driving sustained investment and support. NB: Storytelling is key to supplementing quantitative impact metrics and allows organizations to highlight social and environmental impacts that are not easily quantifiable. Storytelling is a compelling tool for connecting with a broad audience and conveying impact on a more personal level. Why is IMM critical to your organization's strategy and long-term success? TB: Impact measurement and management is more than a reporting tool; it's a strategic asset. It strengthens our ability to align funding with results, hold ourselves accountable, and continually improve our work. This will also help us build a shared language and standards internally and across our national network of community lenders and partners. Understanding and setting clear goals around our desired impact also creates the right platform for collective learning and collaboration, which is a key part of amplifying our impact. Strategically, as we scale, it ensures that we stay grounded in the needs of the communities we serve while expanding the reach and effectiveness of our investments. It's an investment in integrity, impact, and our long-term success.
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
How thousands of households paid almost nothing for their electricity bills last year
Thousands of families across the UK are turning their homes into self-sufficient energy hubs — cutting bills, gaining independence from rising prices, and doing their part for the planet. Almost 10,000 households paid nothing for their electricity bills over the past year thanks to a combination of solar panels and battery storage, figures from Octopus show. With their houses now at the cutting edge of home energy, they have found that their solar and battery systems have brought not just savings, but peace of mind. The energy savvy households took advantage of the combined import and export tariffs, Octopus Flux and Intelligent Octopus Flux which automatically charge and discharging solar batteries for maximum earnings. The energy supplier says that 9,300 households generated enough money via export to offset their electricity bills, including their standing charges, and so their electricity bills were zero over the year. Some even made up to £300 on electricity over the course of the 12 months. > See what your solar system could look like with Octopus Energy's design tool While bills are higher in winter and lower in summer, so in some months they would have paid for electricity, over a whole year these households managed to turn a profit overall from combining their solar panels and battery storage with a smart tariff. We explain how solar and battery works, what you need to consider if you are thinking about doing it, the costs and the benefits. What is the advantage of solar and battery? Almost everyone will be familiar with the concept of having solar panels to harness energy from the sun and convert it into electricity for your home. Combining these with a battery system is a game-changer. Solar panels and battery storage don't just save money — they give you control over your own energy. You're no longer at the mercy of rising energy prices or sudden market changes. It's about being self-reliant, especially during uncertain times, and can be of huge benefit to those who are also early adopters of the way we will live in the future, with heat pumps and electric cars. The problem with a simple solar panel system is that you need to use energy while the sun is shining to make the most of it. And while there is more than enough sunshine in the UK year-round to make having solar panels worthwhile, guaranteeing you can be at home and consuming energy at the right time to fully capitalise isn't always possible. This is where battery storage comes in. With a solar panel system connected to a home battery, you can store excess electricity when you don't need it and then draw on it when you do. Another benefit of solar panels is that you can get paid for the excess electricity that you generate, putting the energy you don't use into the grid, so that others can. Some energy companies will pay you for any electricity you send back to the grid. This is called an export tariff. You might get a fixed rate (the same amount all the time), or a time-of-use rate, which pays more during busy periods and less when demand is low. Homes with battery storage can make the most of this. The battery can store solar energy during the day and then export it when prices are highest - helping you earn more money. How easy is it to install? Installing solar panels is usually a relatively swift and simple job and should always be done by a qualified installer. With Octopus you can book a solar panel consultation and cost estimate, where its experts will check to ensure your home has a clear space on a pitched, ideally south-facing roof (although not essential), which can fit solar panels. Scaffolding will need to be put in place for the installation, so there will need to be room for that. Octopus says: 'Our solar sales specialists will work with you to plan the perfect solar panel setup for your home, using state-of-the-art software to visualise the path of the sun, and where to position the panels on your roof. 'Then you'll receive a quote which will include the estimated investment return period.' If you decide to go ahead, the installation should take about two to four days, with some extra time either side for scaffolding to be put up and taken down. Should you opt for solar and battery storage? Once you have your solar panel installation quote, you need to decide whether solar power will work for you and your finances – and also if it is worth getting a battery as well. How many panels you need, can fit or decide to get will influence the cost of your installation and battery storage will add an extra cost on top of that. For example, Octopus says the cost of a panel-only installation starts from £5,264 (for two panels). In contrast, a 10 solar panel installation and a 5kWh battery, which is its most popular system, costs £9,197. The largest system, which includes 36 solar panels and a Tesla Powerwall battery is £16,854 Battery storage will help you make the most of your solar panels and exporting to the grid, but it comes at an extra cost. Deciding on whether to get a battery involves considering how much electricity you could generate and when you will use it most. If like many households, you tend to have people out during the day – when your solar panels will be generating the most electricity – and most of your energy use is in the evening, a battery could pay off. A solar and battery system can reduce bills by around 90 per cent from the energy you generate, according to Octopus, and by signing up to a smart tariff and selling energy back to the grid at peak times, such as 4pm to 7pm, you may even be able to make money. Meanwhile, if you have an electric car or a heat pump, a solar and battery storage system can be even more beneficial. Octopus says that its systems typically pay for themselves in 10 to 12 years. > Use Octopus Energy's solar and battery cost and savings calculator How smart energy deals can help The savings to be made with solar and battery storage depend on what tariff you sign up to. Smart energy tariffs enable you to take advantage of the shift in pricing between peak and off-peak times. Octopus has a number of these tariffs, for example: Octopus Flux is an import and export tariff that gives cheap rates between 2am and 5am each day, allowing customers to top up their batteries. At peak rate between 4pm and 7pm, they can then use power from their battery, either stored from the grid or solar, and export surplus energy back to the grid to get paid. Intelligent Octopus Flux takes things a step further, as it has import rates that are even cheaper than flux and lets customers charge when electricity prices are as low as possible. They can then export back to the grid at peak time. Almost half of customers on this tariff made money on their electricity. If your home already includes a heat pump or an EV, solar with battery storage ties it all together — creating a home that's truly future-ready, smart, and self-sustaining.
