I had a chat with Shukur to find out how he’s cutting his energy bills and saving power, by teaming up his solar panels with one of our smart Octopus Energy tariffs. From charging his battery overnight at ultra-low rates to using the Octopus app to track his usage in real time, Shukur’s setup is the perfect example of how a smart tariff can turn sunshine into serious savings.
Samsam: What made you choose Octopus Energy?
Shukur: I did a lot of research before switching, and Octopus Energy stood out immediately. I installed my own solar so was looking for a company to make the most of them.
Their focus on renewables, transparency, and fair pricing was exactly what I was looking for. Plus, their tech is next-level—the Octopus app gives me real-time insights into my energy use, and my Octopus Home Mini updates every 10 seconds, which is way more useful than a standard in-home display. It’s like having a personal energy coach!
Samsam: How has your Octopus Energy tariff helped you save money?
Shukur: I’ve had my solar setup for about a year and a half now, and pairing it with the right tariff has made all the difference. With Octopus Energy, I can take advantage of time-of-use pricing to maximise my savings. Now, we’ve got two solar systems and a battery pack, it’s been a game-changer. At night, I charge it when energy is cheapest, and during the day, I use that stored power instead of pulling from the grid. For example, I can buy energy at just 6.7p per kWh overnight and use it later when prices peak.
Samsam: How does your solar setup work with your tariff?
Shukur: The combination of solar, battery storage, and a smart tariff is a game-changer. The Intelligent Octopus Go tariff has allowed me to make huge savings at night time. In the summer, I generate so much power that I barely need to pull from the grid. In the winter, I optimise my energy use by charging my batteries overnight at the cheapest rates.
It’s completely shifted how I think about energy—I’m using more than ever but paying less.
Samsam: What’s something you wish you knew before switching to a smart tariff?
Shukur: I underestimated just how much control I’d have over my energy costs. With a traditional tariff, you’re stuck with fixed rates, but with Octopus, I can actively decide when to use power and when to store it. If I had known how much I’d save, I would have switched even sooner!
Samsam: Have you seen a return on investment yet?
Shukur: I expect to break even in about 12 years, but that’s assuming energy prices stay the same—which they probably won’t. If prices go up, my savings will only increase over time. More importantly, though, it’s about independence. My family now understands how energy works, and we’ve built a setup that’s cost-effective and sustainable.
At first, I worried about whether the upfront costs would be worth it. But once everything was up and running, I quickly saw how much energy I was generating—especially during the summer.
There’s something really satisfying about knowing that my extra energy isn’t wasted—it’s going back into the grid, helping power my community.
Samsam: What would you say to someone considering a smart tariff?
Shukur: If you have solar or a battery, the right tariff can take your savings to the next level. Even if you don’t, just being able to shift your energy use to cheaper times can make a huge difference. Octopus Energy has made it so easy to manage my power, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking to cut costs and go greener at the same time!
Going solar has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. You’re saving money, gaining energy independence, and helping the planet—all in one go.
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