Friday, 30th June 2023
Meet Robert Ward. He is RJW's Electrical Manager. I spent some time with him today to discuss his own experience of Solar Power. Here is what we found:
"I got solar on my house around 12 months ago. Because I have a small semi-detached house, I only had the space for 4 panels.
This equates to roughly 1.5kw of generation. As my house is perfect south facing, and the roof pitch is the optimal 30 degree pitch, this allows me to generate roughly 1305kWh of energy per annum."
As he works all day Monday to Friday, the majority of this energy was exported back to the grid. This was roughly 68% of all energy generated, or around 900kWh. When he came home in the evening, it was dark, and he started drawing power from the grid.
Around 3 months ago, he installed a 8.2kWh Givenergy battery. This allows him to store all the solar energy that is generated through the day and use in the evening at peak times. He now uses around 95% of the energy generated but only when it’s needed. That equates to now only 65kWh of generated energy returned back to the grid.
"When the solar forecast is less than optimal, I take full advantage of the Octopus Agile tariff to top-up the battery when power is cheapest to get me off grid at peak times when power is most expensive."
What is Octopus Agile?
"Octopus Agile is the UK’s first plunge price tariff. The cost of electricity changes every half-hour. Although any of the half-hour slots can go up to 100p/kWh, the highest I have ever seen it go to is 34p/kWh which is still less than the price cap."
Energy at peak times (most evenings) is always around the 34p/kWh, but outside these times, it drops considerably and in some cases, it can be free! It can also go negative, meaning you are paid to use energy. The Agile prices are updated 24 hours in advance so you can best plan your energy use.
"I have a full smart home setup that uses these prices and times to turn appliances on and off to maximise savings. I also use the prices to top-up the battery when the solar forecast is poor. This is not necessary as most brands of battery have this option right out the box, where you can load in your tariff details and the automation will take care of itself."
In Conclusion:
Due to being out of the house all day, he saw improvements with the 4 solar panels on their own. When he added the battery, the savings where instant. With the current price of electricity, the battery storage and the Agile tariff, he has gone from using around £4-5 per day down to less £1. In some days, he uses nothing from the grid at all!
Everybody’s circumstances are different. You don’t have to have solar to benefit from a battery and you don't have to have batteries to install solar panels.
What ever your circumstances you too can experience the benefits of solar power. We are here to help, guide and advise the best options to save you the most money. Contact RJW today!
